John DeVito is the product of the American Dream. A first generation college graduate, John learned from his mother and father early on that hard work and an unwavering commitment to family are what allow a person to get ahead.
Like many families on Long Island, John's family experienced hardships during the financial crisis. John worked full time to be able to attend New York University, and was supported by local scholarships. Graduating among the top in his class, John’s research on economic opportunity was published in a leading academic journal. He then worked as a progressive organizer, traveling across the country to fight for economic opportunity, a sustainable environment, and access to affordable health care on behalf of President Barack Obama. Committed to justice, John studied law at George Washington University. He served in the Enforcement Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission and with the Special Victims Bureau at the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.
Born and raised in Mastic Beach, John is the founder of the William Floyd LGBT Scholarship and the Gabby Yglesias Memorial Scholarship, which helps send low-income students to college so that they, too, can live the American Dream.