Jahaira DeAlto Balenciaga

Jahaira DeAlto Balenciaga expected ‘23 (1979–2021) was a social worker, transgender activist, and domestic violence victims' advocate. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, DeAlto moved to the United States at a young age and grew up in Dorchester. After struggling with her gender and sexual identity, she began transitioning at age 16. Since 1996, DeAlto practiced ballroom dance and became an iconic fixture of Boston’s ballroom drag scene. DeAlto is known for supporting her chosen family, helping to raise countless LGBTQ children who had been abandoned and neglected.

DeAlto began her higher education journey at Berkshire Community College, where she studied human services and developed a peer-mentorship program for first-generation and low-income students. Thereafter, she matriculated to Simmons to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. In the spring of 2021, De Alto’s education was tragically cut short when she was killed by a friend’s husband.

Simmons can never forget DeAlto’s indomitable spirit and inspiring legacy. Dean and Professor Diane Grossman remembers DeAlto as “exceptionally bright and tremendously committed to social justice issues around trans rights, victims of abuse, and more. She had a charismatic personality and was a magnet for other Simmons students who admired her tremendous experience as a community leader. As a vocal supporter of her peers, Jahaira stood up for issues of equality, justice, and inclusion.” Simmons President Lynn Perry Wooten told The Simmons Voice that: “Though I did not have the privilege of personally knowing Jahaira, I have been struck by her kind spirit, committed advocacy, and her lasting impact on so many in our community and beyond. . . . I often talk about Simmons as a place where students can utilize their educational experiences to prepare for their life’s work. Jahaira was a bright light who truly lived her passion and calling as an advocate, friend, and colleague.” In 2022, Simmons established the Jahaira M.DeAlto Endowed Scholarship to honor her memory.

Photo courtesy of The Simmons Voice.