Few stories embody the power of determination and representation quite like that of Rossana Rosado. In her new memoir, Bronx Attitude, the veteran journalist, former New York Secretary of State, and current Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services reflects on a remarkable journey from a Bronx basement apartment to some of the most influential leadership positions in New York.
Released in March 2026, Bronx Attitude has quickly gained attention for its candid exploration of identity, ambition, and community. The Amazon bestselling memoir traces Rosado’s path as the daughter of Puerto Rican migrants who arrived in New York seeking opportunity and a better future for their family.
Growing up in the Bronx, Rosado learned early lessons about resilience, hard work, and the importance of family. She describes a childhood shaped by a strong cultural foundation and a community that instilled confidence and pride despite economic challenges.
Those experiences would eventually propel her into a groundbreaking career in journalism. Inspired by El Diario-La Prensa, the nation’s oldest Spanish-language newspaper, Rosado developed a passion for storytelling and public service. She later made history as the newspaper’s first female editor before rising to become publisher and chief executive officer.
Over the course of a journalism career spanning more than three decades, Rosado covered some of New York City’s most significant political and social developments. Her work earned widespread recognition, including an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award, while helping amplify the voices and concerns of Latino communities throughout the city.
In Bronx Attitude, Rosado recounts the challenges she faced navigating institutions where people who looked like her were often underrepresented. From culture shock during her college years to leadership roles in media and government, she reflects on the importance of remaining connected to her roots while breaking barriers.
The memoir also explores broader themes of representation and civic engagement. Rosado argues that diverse leadership matters because it ensures that communities often overlooked have a voice in decision-making processes.
Today, Rosado oversees criminal justice services for New York State, continuing a career dedicated to public service and advocacy. Her story serves as an example of how perseverance, education, and community support can create opportunities that once seemed out of reach.
More than a personal memoir, Bronx Attitude is a celebration of the Bronx, Puerto Rican heritage, and the belief that success is not solely an individual achievement but a pathway that can inspire others to follow.
For readers interested in leadership, journalism, and stories of overcoming obstacles, Rosado’s memoir offers an inspiring look at what can happen when determination meets opportunity.