Tanya Pedler

Tanya Pedler is a passionate and dedicated resident leader at the Morrisania Air Rights Houses in the South Bronx, whose tireless efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of her community members.

Ms. Pedler's journey as a community leader began in February 2018 when she was elected as Vice President of the Morrisania Air Rights Houses Tenant Association. Her leadership skills and unwavering commitment led her to be elected as President in February 2022.

As a mother of two children, Ms. Pedler is a fierce advocate for autism awareness and support within public housing. Her seven-year-old son is on the spectrum, which has inspired her to raise awareness about the challenges that families with special needs face.

Finding that extracurricular activities are limited for children with special needs in the Bronx, Ms. Pedler diligently sought out programming and successfully partnered with the Special Olympics, bringing this internationally-known organization to her community. She co-hosted “The Forgotten One's Sensory Play Resource Day” in September 2023, which was the first family event dedicated to individuals with special needs living in public housing.

She has partnered with the Physique Swimming Program to bring affordable private lessons to special needs residents. Ms. Pedler will be opening The Sensory Exploration Center Inc., one of the first indoor play gyms and after-school programs dedicated to children on the autism spectrum. Her commitment to assist underserved residents led to a collaboration with the NYU dental school, bringing much-needed dental services to the community.

An outspoken advocate, Ms. Pedler is a champion of clean and habitable housing for underserved residents. Through her unwavering efforts, the Morrisania Air Rights Houses will be one of the first NYCHA developments to receive a playground and sensory garden dedicated to special needs children and adults.

She has worked with the MTA Metro-North and local officials on the cleanup of the Melrose Station, and continues to work with Metro-North and sanitation to clean her community daily, ensuring that the area remains safe and habitable for all residents.

Ms. Pedler is highly regarded for her Caribbean cooking style. Her residents love it when she cooks her famous oxtails and jerk chicken, bringing a taste of the islands to the Bronx.