In grand fashion Friday, the United States Postal Service swore in its 46th Manhattan postmaster at an installation ceremony Friday.
Wanda Diaz became the third woman to assume the role as executive postmaster, supported by nearly 4,000 employees. She’s also the first Latina to date.
“As a carrier I said one day I’m going to be a postmaster, but it’s real far away right? But working hard people recognize me and yes I am,” said Diaz.
Diaz started with the postal service 26 years ago as a letter carrier in the Bronx. Throughout the years, she climbed the ladder through many roles, becoming a supervisor and manager in customer service in the Morningside Heights and Throggs Neck Post Offices. The role of a postmaster in Manhattan dates back to 1659.
“It’s a very historic position right the postmaster for this city before it was NYC, it was New Amsterdam,” said Xavier Hernandez, a spokesperson for the USPS. “The person is responsible for all the deliveries to every single address in their given area and all of the postal operations that happens inside a post office,” he continued.
Diaz, who is Puerto Rican, was born and raised in New York. Her family looked on with pride during the ceremony.