What We Do
Rise Up Mount Vernon is a Political Action Committee (PAC) that supports Democratic candidates and values, and is fully registered with the New York State Board of Elections. We are legally formed as an Independent Expenditure Committee (IEC)—which means we advocate for candidates, policies, and reforms without coordinating with any campaign, candidate, or their representatives.
Our mission is simple: to empower voters, uplift ethical Democratic leadership, and move Mount Vernon forward—with transparency, accountability, and bold progressive ideas.
Unlike certain other groups that operate in Mount Vernon elections without registration or public oversight, Rise Up Mount Vernon operates openly, legally, and with full respect for the public trust. We believe the people deserve to know who is behind political messaging—and why.
We are not operatives or power brokers. We are Mount Vernon residents—parents, educators, workers, small business owners, organizers, and neighbors—who believe our city can rise when we stand up for each other and for what’s right.
We support leadership that:
- Reflects our values
- Serves our neighborhoods
- Respects the public trust
As a legally recognized and fully registered IEC, we are empowered by law to support any candidate who aligns with our mission—regardless of who has endorsed them in the past. Just like:
- Unions
- Clergy and faith-based groups
- Journalists and news outlets
- Newspapers
- Nonprofit organizations
- Business associations
- Civic advocacy groups
- Corporations (through PACs)
“We exercise our legal right to endorse and promote candidates independently, based solely on their values and vision—not their political connections.”
We don’t answer to insiders. We answer to the people.
Our loyalty is not to backroom deals or political games—it’s to the people of Mount Vernon. We believe in leadership that puts community before ego, results before rhetoric, and the people before the politics.
This isn’t just about one election. It’s about restoring faith in government and elevating Mount Vernon—together.
Because Rise Up Mount Vernon isn’t just a movement—It’s a future.
Mount Vernon Early Voting Sites
Mount Vernon City Hall
One Roosevelt Square
Mount Vernon, New York 10550
(Parking available behind city hall and
across the street in the municipal garage)
The Dole Center
250 South 6th Avenue
Mount Vernon, New York 10550
(Parking available in front and the municipal parking lot to the right of building , if your facing the building)
Please look for our Rise Up Mount Vernon supporters to answer any questions you may have
Days and Hours are as follows:
Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Monday, June 16, 2025 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Friday, June 20, 2025 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
The New and the Known
Safe Streets · Smart Growth · Fiscal Integrity
Trusted Leadership · United Together
CATHLIN
Gleason
Who is Cathlin?
“Please allow me to reintroduce myself…”
Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a focus in Communications from Iona College.
Professional Experience: Currently manages operations for a regional retail and wholesale division of a multi-million-dollar stone distributor.
Community Leadership: President of Community Service Associates, providing over 70,000 meals annually to Mount Vernon residents for over 15 years.
Former Vice President of Youth Community Outreach Program (YCOP).
Active member of the Fleetwood Neighborhood Association.
Public Service: Former Mount Vernon City Council President.
Instrumental in initiating and advancing the city’s first Comprehensive Plan in over 50 years, including the adoption of the Downtown Vision Report.
Secured funding for essential equipment for the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Collaborated with the Mount Vernon Police Department to establish the AWARE Room, enhancing community safety and engagement.
Personal Commitment: Lifelong Mount Vernon resident, married to a retired MVPD detective, and mother to a daughter currently attending college.
Dedicated to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive governance for a stronger Mount Vernon.
ELVIRA
Castillo
Who is Elvira?
“First to do it. Not the last.”
Educated Professional: Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a degree in dental health sciences.
Respected Business Leader: One of Mount Vernon’s first Latina business owners and co-owner of Four Seasons Real Estate Center, which has helped over 400 families buy homes—generating more than $140 million in economic impact and contributing millions in annual property, transfer, and mortgage recording taxes.
Community Organizer: Founder and President of Westchester Latinos Unidos, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering and uplifting Latino families across Mount Vernon and Westchester County.
Advocate for Food Security: Created the “Neighborhood Refrigerator” program—delivering free food to seniors, children, and families across Mount Vernon.
Public Safety Partner: Helped establish a mini precinct at a 500-unit housing development, enhancing community safety and strengthening ties between residents and law enforcement.
Zoning Expert: Brings deep knowledge of municipal zoning and housing regulations, with hands-on experience navigating complex development issues in Mount Vernon.
Bilingual and Family-Focused: Fluent in Spanish and English. A proud Mount Vernon homeowner and mother, committed to the city’s future.
Campaign Priorities:
Safe Neighborhoods: Invest in community safety and strengthen trust between residents and police.
Smart, Fair Development: Promote housing and economic policies that benefit Mount Vernon families—not just outside interests.
Fiscal Stability: Ensure responsible financial oversight that protects homeowners and strengthens the city’s tax base.
Inclusive Representation: Advocate for equity and opportunity for all communities, with a focus on collaboration and service.
Driven by experience, rooted in service, and ready to work for every Mount Vernon resident.
CYNTHIA
Turnquest Jones
Who is Cynthia?
“Strong enough to teach the children—wise enough to change the system.”
Educational Leader: Holds a B.A. in Social Work and three Master’s degrees in Elementary Education, Educational Administration, and Library Science.
Dedicated Educator: Over 18 years of experience in education, committed to student achievement and community engagement.
Community Advocate: Founder of the Brown Urban Mother Partnership (B.U.M.P.), supporting mothers and families in Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon Homeowner: Deeply invested in the city’s growth and well-being.
Campaign Priorities:
Enhance Building Department Systems: Streamline processes to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Strengthen School System Collaboration: Foster partnerships between the city council and educational institutions for better outcomes.
Empower Youth: Collaborate with the Youth Bureau to provide programs and opportunities for young residents.
Stabilize Taxes: Implement fiscally responsible policies to ensure fair and sustainable taxation.
DARREN
Morton
Who is Dr. Darren M. Morton?
“The numbers don’t lie. Neither does he.”
Educational Background:
Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from St. John Fisher College
Master’s Degree in Education from St. John’s University
Bachelor of Business Administration from Hofstra University
Professional Experience:
Over 30 years in education, nonprofit, and public service leadership
Former Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at St. John’s University
Senior Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Mount Vernon
Proven Financial Leadership:
Reduced Mount Vernon’s municipal debt by $12 million since 2022
Delivered consecutive clean audits and completed overdue financial reports
Modernized payroll and workforce systems in partnership with UKG
Increased transparency through regular financial town halls and public reporting
Civic & Community Engagement:
60th Grand Master, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York
Board President, Prince Hall Colonial Park Daycare
Board Member, Prince Hall Housing Funds
Active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Personal Commitment:
Proud Mount Vernon resident and homeowner
Dedicated father and community leader
Committed to transparency, fiscal discipline, and inclusive progress
Stabilizing Mount Vernon’s finances. Restoring public trust. Delivering results.
DANIELLE
Browne
Who is Danielle Browne?
“Justice isn’t a concept—it’s a commitment.”
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University’s Barnard College, where she was a standout athlete and team captain.
Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law.
Professional Experience:
Founder and Managing Attorney of The Browne Firm PLLC, specializing in estate planning, intellectual property, business, and entertainment law.
Former Head of Business and Legal Affairs for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream.
Co-founder of DO Strategy Group, assisting small businesses with formation, branding, and development strategies.
Public Service:
Current President of the Mount Vernon City Council, leading initiatives on transparency, equity, and economic opportunity.
Co-chair of the Mount Vernon Police Reform Commission, advocating for justice reform and community engagement.
Authored and passed legislation focused on economic development, public safety, and community empowerment.
Community Engagement:
Volunteer with the Legal Aid Society and Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, providing pro bono legal services to underserved communities.
Active mentor and advocate for youth development programs in Mount Vernon.
Personal Commitment:
Lifelong Mount Vernon resident, residing on the South Side.
Dedicated community member with deep roots in the city.
Dedicated to justice, integrity, and serving the Mount Vernon community with fairness and compassion.
Thank You Mount Vernon for Your Overwhelming Support
FROM THE MOUNT VERNON NEW SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES
Rise Up Mount Vernon
149 South 4th Avenue, Suite 27, Mount Vernon, New York 10550
info@riseupmountvernon.com