Dancer and dance instructor Olivia Bowman-Jackson grew up in Brooklyn and travelled widely through her work — but now calls Manhattan Plaza home. This is Olivia’s West Side Story.
Olivia Bowman, a dancer and dance instructor, walking around her favorite places in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC.
So what’s your New York story? Born here, or just arrived?
I grew up in Brooklyn, in Starrett City — a true melting pot and a neighborhood that had everything within it: schools, banks, stores, restaurants, a community center, parks, and handball and basketball courts in every section. It really felt like its own little world.
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As a Hell’s Kitchen resident since 2005, I have lived in both the W30s and W50s. After a 15 year career in the luxury fashion industry, I made a pivot to community advocacy in 2020. In addition to my role as Deputy Editor at W42ST, I am founder of the local non-profit cleanup group Litter Legion, co-chair of HK49-54 Block Alliance and a member of Manhattan Community Board 4. I’m deeply committed to improving my neighborhood and serving the people who call it home.