So Much More than Opening Doors

Pia Tracy credits her husband’s aunts, who were doorwomen in the 1980’s, with breaking the glass ceiling.

Tracy has worked for 21 years at The Newbury, a co-op located at 250 E. 87th Street. Her husband Keith’s aunt was the concierge at the building and transitioning into becoming the super. Tracy took her job as concierge.

In doing so, Tracy followed in the footsteps of a long line of female doorpersons.

“We’re starting to see a lot more [women],” she said. “It’s becoming normal.”

Tracy says that being a woman in her position has never been an issue. “I work with really amazing guys.” She says she knew when she took it on, certain things would be required of her. “[My co-workers] know I will get in there. I will lift the luggage.”

“I’ll do what I have to do to get the job done,” she said.

Tracy is also ever-ready to help when only a woman’s touch will do. “Women in the building need help zipping up the back of their dresses or they come back with wet nails and ask me to get their keys out of their purse. Things they wouldn’t feel comfortable asking of the male doormen.”

She also helps out with tenants’ pets. And she’s the perfect person to do so; in her free time, Tracy is an animal rescuer.

“I volunteer for a small nonprofit cat rescue in Jackson Heights, Queens. I have three of my own cats and one dog, and currently have six foster cats. Although, I have fostered about 25. The majority have been adopted out, and I’m happy to say that I’m still in touch with the families so I know what happens to them.”

Animals may be her passion, but working out is her therapy. “I like being active,” she said.

Tracy points to her upbringing as a self-proclaimed “military brat” as benefiting her career. “My background helped me move to New York without batting an eye and definitely helped me learn to jump into things at any given moment. [In this job], you’re always moving around and meeting new people.”

As a family person—she and Keith share a 25-year-old daughter, Nikki—Tracy feels right at home in what she calls the “family dynamic” of The Newbury.

Tracy says the kids in the building are the best part of her job. “If I’m having a rough day and children as well as pets come through and they’re excited to see me, it brings you back to basics.”