Stephanie Peralta’s day-to-day is fast-paced. As Administrative Coordinator for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, she prepares executive briefings and meeting agendas, develops administrative protocols, creates briefings to share across departments, and manages the complex calendar of Catholic Charities Community Services CEO Lisa Flores. For an organization of over 700 employees, that work takes serious dedication.
But not long ago, her work was ruled by a different kind of discipline. From 2014 to 2020, Peralta served in the United States Army as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear specialist in Korea, Fort Drum, New York, and Germany, leading squads on successful missions and earning commendation awards.
“One of my favorite leaders told me, ‘It’s the small things that matter. You take care of those small everyday things in your life, the bigger things follow,’ says Peralta. “That lesson has stayed with me and shapes how I approach my responsibilities today.”
Serving Country and Family
Born in Queens and raised in Staten Island, Peralta grew up in a household shaped by her parents’ experiences as immigrants from Mexico. Witnessing their determination to build a better life for their family influenced her decision to enlist in the military.
“Growing up, their immigration situation was always a worry for me,” Peralta explains. “Coming from an immigrant household, you learn firsthand the challenges families experience. There were times when things were stable and other times when uncertainty took over. That stays with you.”
Her experience overseas gave her a deeper understanding of the sacrifices her parents had made: “I couldn’t imagine uprooting everything and moving to a country where you don’t speak the language and have to start from zero,” she says.
“When I was in Korea, I didn’t know the language, but I could always return to base and be surrounded by people who spoke English. My parents didn’t have that same comfort when they first came here,” she explains.
Peralta’s military service allowed her parents to pursue permanent residency, opening doors to new opportunities.
“My mom earned her GED and became a medical assistant,” Peralta shares. “My dad continued working in construction and eventually secured a union position. Being able to see them grow and take advantage of opportunities that once seemed out of reach means everything to me.”
A New Way to Serve
Transitioning from military service to civilian life brought its own challenges and unexpected opportunities.
“I went into the Army thinking I would eventually become a nurse,” Peralta recalls. “When I got out, I worked in a medical setting, and that’s when I realized nursing wasn’t the right path for me. That experience helped me understand that I still wanted to serve people. I just needed to find the right way to do it.”
Peralta continued her education in sociology and anthropology. She took a position in the engineering industry, strengthening her skills in project coordination, administration, and organizational management.
She later joined the New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, where she supported senior executive leadership and met Lisa Flores. When Flores transitioned to Catholic Charities Community Services of the Archdiocese of New York, Peralta saw an opportunity to apply her experience in an organization whose mission resonated with her own values.
“I saw it as another way to give back,” she explains.
At Catholic Charities of New York, Peralta has found a connection between her family’s experiences and the needs of the communities the organization serves. “I appreciate being part of an organization that helps people find support and stability,” she says.
She points out the New Americans Hotline, which Catholic Charities of New York operates in partnership with the New York State Office for New Americans. Through initiatives such as the Staff Sgt. Alex R. Jimenez NYS Military Immigrant Family Legacy Program, service members, veterans, and their families can access assistance navigating immigration-related resources.
“I didn’t know resources like these existed when I was younger,” Peralta says. “Knowing that families today have somewhere to turn, and that children growing up in similar circumstances can receive support, is something I truly appreciate.”
Through visits to Beacon of Hope, a division that provides supportive housing and services for individuals living with mental illness, Peralta has interacted with the communities served by the organization.
“Sometimes having access to the right resources can make an enormous difference,” she explains. “Whether someone needs housing assistance, food, guidance, or simply someone willing to listen, that support matters.”
Veterans Day Reflections
Peralta sees Veterans Day as an opportunity to take stock of how her time and service affected her life – the benefits it brought and the challenges it presented.
“Even though I joined the military for a specific reason, it gave me so much in return,” she says. “I gained an education, leadership experience, lifelong friendships, and opportunities I may not have had otherwise. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
“You don’t realize how different military life is until you’re no longer living it,” she explains. “You get accustomed to the routines, the terminology, the people around you, and even the sounds you hear every day. Suddenly, you’re in a completely different environment.”
Peralta described maintaining tight bonds with the soldiers from her battalion, some of whom are still in the military. “In Korea we only really had each other. We were only there for a year, but the holidays did get lonely. You’re in another country, far from your family, and because of the time difference, you couldn’t always call home when your workday ended,” she says.
She believes that one of the most valuable ways to support veterans is also one of the simplest: listening.
“Sometimes people just need someone to lend them an ear and hear them out. You don’t always have to understand exactly what someone experienced to show them compassion,” says Peralta.
“Our experiences are unique. Even when we serve in the same branch, our journeys are never exactly the same. I’d want people to get to know the individual rather than assume we all share the same story,” she says.
For other veterans adjusting to civilian roles, Peralta has some wisdom to share: “Everyone’s path after the military is different, so give yourself room to figure out yours. And don’t feel like you have to do everything on your own. We’re used to being dependable and taking care of others, but we deserve that same support when we need it.”
“I’m proud of my service and how it continues to shape me,” she adds. “My responsibilities look different today, but being someone others can depend on still matters to me.”
Catholic Charities of New York extends our gratitude to Stephanie for her service to our country and her continued service to our communities. Veterans and active service members make indispensable contributions to our world, seen and unseen, every single day. On Veterans Day, our hearts and prayers go out to all of them.
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