Involvement Conference Panelists
Grouped by Issue
Civil and Human rights Panel
Alison Boak
Co-Founder and President, International Organization for Adolescents (IOFA)
Ali began her work on behalf of vulnerable young people when she served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Latvia from 1994-1996. In 1997, she was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship in public health with the Latvian Ministry of Health and worked to establish a network of 12 youth health centers across Latvia. In 1999, Ali founded the International Organization for Adolescents, to eliminate human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable adolescents worldwide. She served as the Executive Director and currently chairs the Board of Directors. Ali is a founding member of the Freedom Network USA for Trafficked and Enslaved Persons (co-chair 2004-2006), the New York City Task Force against Sexual Exploitation of Youth (co-chair 2000-2003), the New York City Human Trafficking Task Force (co-chair 2002-2004),and the Westchester County Anti-Trafficking Task Force (Advisor 2010-present). Ali received a B.A. English and Political Science from SUNY Albany graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1992. In 1997 she received a Masters of Public Health (MPH) Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, the Division for Population and Family Health.
Co-Founder and President, International Organization for Adolescents (IOFA)
Ali began her work on behalf of vulnerable young people when she served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Latvia from 1994-1996. In 1997, she was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship in public health with the Latvian Ministry of Health and worked to establish a network of 12 youth health centers across Latvia. In 1999, Ali founded the International Organization for Adolescents, to eliminate human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable adolescents worldwide. She served as the Executive Director and currently chairs the Board of Directors. Ali is a founding member of the Freedom Network USA for Trafficked and Enslaved Persons (co-chair 2004-2006), the New York City Task Force against Sexual Exploitation of Youth (co-chair 2000-2003), the New York City Human Trafficking Task Force (co-chair 2002-2004),and the Westchester County Anti-Trafficking Task Force (Advisor 2010-present). Ali received a B.A. English and Political Science from SUNY Albany graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1992. In 1997 she received a Masters of Public Health (MPH) Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, the Division for Population and Family Health.
Joyce Bukuru
Associate, African Division, Human Rights Watch
Joyce is the Associate for the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch. Prior to joining Human Rights Watch, Joyce was a Program Assistant for the African Peacebuilding Network and a UN Advocacy and Research Intern at the International Crisis Group. Joyce graduated from McGill University with a B.A. in Political Science.
Associate, African Division, Human Rights Watch
Joyce is the Associate for the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch. Prior to joining Human Rights Watch, Joyce was a Program Assistant for the African Peacebuilding Network and a UN Advocacy and Research Intern at the International Crisis Group. Joyce graduated from McGill University with a B.A. in Political Science.
Rodny Carvaja
Project Manager and Constituent Services, NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs
Rodny is the Constituent Services and Case manager at the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. After having graduated from Queens College with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science Law & Politics and Urban & Labor Studies, he was a program manager at the Helen Keller Institute. Rodney received a certificate in Labor Relations from the School of Professional Studies and Cornell University ILR.
Project Manager and Constituent Services, NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs
Rodny is the Constituent Services and Case manager at the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. After having graduated from Queens College with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science Law & Politics and Urban & Labor Studies, he was a program manager at the Helen Keller Institute. Rodney received a certificate in Labor Relations from the School of Professional Studies and Cornell University ILR.
Suzi Chun-Turley (Panel 1)
Director of Strategy & Development, Restore NYC
Suzi Chun-Turley has spent her career helping organizations become more effective. Her private sector experience includes providing senior leaders management leverage at Bridgewater Associates and strategic consulting at McKinsey & Co. Her experience supporting nonprofit organizations includes building up a charitable services group at Next Jump, serving as an internal management consultant for the United Nations, and helping to develop one of the nation’s earliest social return on investment models for REDF, a social venture fund in San Francisco. Most recently, she was the Director of Social Impact at Tough Mudder. She received her M.B.A. from Columbia University and B.S. in Operations Research from Columbia School of Engineering.
Director of Strategy & Development, Restore NYC
Suzi Chun-Turley has spent her career helping organizations become more effective. Her private sector experience includes providing senior leaders management leverage at Bridgewater Associates and strategic consulting at McKinsey & Co. Her experience supporting nonprofit organizations includes building up a charitable services group at Next Jump, serving as an internal management consultant for the United Nations, and helping to develop one of the nation’s earliest social return on investment models for REDF, a social venture fund in San Francisco. Most recently, she was the Director of Social Impact at Tough Mudder. She received her M.B.A. from Columbia University and B.S. in Operations Research from Columbia School of Engineering.
Bobby Hunter (Panel 2)
Paralegal, ACLU Racial Justice Program, American Civil Liberties Union
Bobby Hunter has worked at the ACLU Racial Justice Program (RJP) since September 2012. He assists attorneys nationwide on litigation and legislative advocacy to fight racial profiling, housing and lending discrimination, discriminatory school discipline and school segregation. Notable cases worked on include Adkins v. Morgan Stanleyand Winston v. Salt Lake City. Before coming to the ACLU, Bobby assisted with research on police practices at the Vera Institute of Justice. He is a 2012 graduate of Brown University.
Paralegal, ACLU Racial Justice Program, American Civil Liberties Union
Bobby Hunter has worked at the ACLU Racial Justice Program (RJP) since September 2012. He assists attorneys nationwide on litigation and legislative advocacy to fight racial profiling, housing and lending discrimination, discriminatory school discipline and school segregation. Notable cases worked on include Adkins v. Morgan Stanleyand Winston v. Salt Lake City. Before coming to the ACLU, Bobby assisted with research on police practices at the Vera Institute of Justice. He is a 2012 graduate of Brown University.
Chris Muller
Outreach Manager, Restore NYC
Chris joined Restore as Outreach Manager in January 2015. Prior to joining Restore, Chris had been a university minister with InterVarsity, an organizer with New York Faith & Justice, a Spanish teacher, and a business owner. Chris has also done mission work in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, specifically working with the urban poor. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of San Diego and a Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Outreach Manager, Restore NYC
Chris joined Restore as Outreach Manager in January 2015. Prior to joining Restore, Chris had been a university minister with InterVarsity, an organizer with New York Faith & Justice, a Spanish teacher, and a business owner. Chris has also done mission work in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, specifically working with the urban poor. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of San Diego and a Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Education Panel
Mendell Grinter
Deputy Chief of Staff, StudentsFirstNY
Mendell joins StudentsFirstNY from the Black Alliance for Educational Options, where he served as the Kentucky State Director. Previously, he was an Organizer for the Obama Campaign in Washington State, and the National Union of Healthcare Workers. Mendell holds a B.A. in Political science from the University of Kentucky, and currently resides in Brooklyn.
Deputy Chief of Staff, StudentsFirstNY
Mendell joins StudentsFirstNY from the Black Alliance for Educational Options, where he served as the Kentucky State Director. Previously, he was an Organizer for the Obama Campaign in Washington State, and the National Union of Healthcare Workers. Mendell holds a B.A. in Political science from the University of Kentucky, and currently resides in Brooklyn.
Joyce Lundy
Program Manager, The Afterschool Corporation (TASC)
Joyce Lundy oversees a program called Middle School ExTRA which is a collaboration with the New York City Department of Education, City Council and Harvard University Education Laboratories. The program aims to improve literacy through tutoring and to provide students with an extra two-and-a-half hours of learning time as one of TASC’s initiatives to close the 6,000 hour learning gap. Joyce began her professional career as an educator serving as a corps member with Teach For America from 2006 – 2008 in New Haven, Connecticut. She was the Founding Reading Teacher at Brownsville Collegiate Charter School, an Uncommon School. Joyce has also served as a Senior Case Manager at Safe Horizon where she had the opportunity to work with adults and families as a source of support during crises and hardships. She holds a BA in Print Journalism from Hofstra University’s Honors College.
Program Manager, The Afterschool Corporation (TASC)
Joyce Lundy oversees a program called Middle School ExTRA which is a collaboration with the New York City Department of Education, City Council and Harvard University Education Laboratories. The program aims to improve literacy through tutoring and to provide students with an extra two-and-a-half hours of learning time as one of TASC’s initiatives to close the 6,000 hour learning gap. Joyce began her professional career as an educator serving as a corps member with Teach For America from 2006 – 2008 in New Haven, Connecticut. She was the Founding Reading Teacher at Brownsville Collegiate Charter School, an Uncommon School. Joyce has also served as a Senior Case Manager at Safe Horizon where she had the opportunity to work with adults and families as a source of support during crises and hardships. She holds a BA in Print Journalism from Hofstra University’s Honors College.
Olivia Nunez
Director of Community Engagement, the GO Project
Olivia joined the GO Project in September 2007 as a full-time Program Analyst and ensured strong student enrollment, engagement, and retention through building strong relationships with GO parents and GO’s public school partners. In 2012, Olivia became the GO Project’s first Director of Community Engagement where she is responsible for overseeing the entire community engagement effort which includes strategy oversight for recruitment, training, and ongoing support of over 250 volunteers. Additionally, Olivia develops and maintains relationships with public and private school partners, a critical component of the GO model, encouraging meaningful dialogue around the broader issue of educational equity. Olivia earned a BA in Political Science from Dartmouth College and a Masters in Political Science from Queens University, Belfast. She is graduate of Coro's Immigrant Civic Leadership Program.
Director of Community Engagement, the GO Project
Olivia joined the GO Project in September 2007 as a full-time Program Analyst and ensured strong student enrollment, engagement, and retention through building strong relationships with GO parents and GO’s public school partners. In 2012, Olivia became the GO Project’s first Director of Community Engagement where she is responsible for overseeing the entire community engagement effort which includes strategy oversight for recruitment, training, and ongoing support of over 250 volunteers. Additionally, Olivia develops and maintains relationships with public and private school partners, a critical component of the GO model, encouraging meaningful dialogue around the broader issue of educational equity. Olivia earned a BA in Political Science from Dartmouth College and a Masters in Political Science from Queens University, Belfast. She is graduate of Coro's Immigrant Civic Leadership Program.
Allison Palmer
Executive Director, New Settlement Apartments College Access Center
For the past ten years Allison Palmer has served as the founding Executive Director of the New Settlement Apartments College Access Center in the Bronx. The College Access Center has grown from being a drop-in center to offering full-time one-to-one college counseling, financial aid advice, and SAT prep. In her second year as a LIR, Allison will work with her fellows to research barriers to college access and success and create a database of local college access centers.
Executive Director, New Settlement Apartments College Access Center
For the past ten years Allison Palmer has served as the founding Executive Director of the New Settlement Apartments College Access Center in the Bronx. The College Access Center has grown from being a drop-in center to offering full-time one-to-one college counseling, financial aid advice, and SAT prep. In her second year as a LIR, Allison will work with her fellows to research barriers to college access and success and create a database of local college access centers.
Health Justice Panel
Justin Brown
Assistant Professor, LaGuardia Community College, CUNY Institute for Health Equity
Justin earned a Master’s of Arts and Master’s of philosophy in critical social-personality psychology from the CUNY Graduate Center, where he is currently preparing to defend his doctoral dissertation in the same program of study with an emphasis on health. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Indianapolis with a dual major in psychology and Spanish along with a minor in biology. Justin’s background is in program development and intervention evaluation. His research focuses on addressing health inequities among GLBT, ethnic minority, and youth populations through asset-based approaches. Brown worked as the executive research associate and program director at the CUNY Institute for Health Equity.
Assistant Professor, LaGuardia Community College, CUNY Institute for Health Equity
Justin earned a Master’s of Arts and Master’s of philosophy in critical social-personality psychology from the CUNY Graduate Center, where he is currently preparing to defend his doctoral dissertation in the same program of study with an emphasis on health. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Indianapolis with a dual major in psychology and Spanish along with a minor in biology. Justin’s background is in program development and intervention evaluation. His research focuses on addressing health inequities among GLBT, ethnic minority, and youth populations through asset-based approaches. Brown worked as the executive research associate and program director at the CUNY Institute for Health Equity.
Benjamin Delikat
New York Program Manager, Peer Health Exchange
Ben joined Peer Health Exchange in June 2013. As a New York Program Manager, Ben is primarily responsible for assisting with the development, management, growth, and evaluation of the New York program and assisting the New York Executive Director and Program Director. Ben graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in English and Urban Studies. While a student, he volunteered as a Health Educator, Leadership Council Member, and Co-Coordinator for the Fordham PHE Chapter. As part of a research project for the Urban Studies department at Fordham, Ben scrutinized small school reform in New York City and the community effects of current urban education reform trends. Ben brings a passion for athletics and healthy living to his work at PHE, and remains committed to connecting all teens with the resources they need to live healthy lives.
New York Program Manager, Peer Health Exchange
Ben joined Peer Health Exchange in June 2013. As a New York Program Manager, Ben is primarily responsible for assisting with the development, management, growth, and evaluation of the New York program and assisting the New York Executive Director and Program Director. Ben graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in English and Urban Studies. While a student, he volunteered as a Health Educator, Leadership Council Member, and Co-Coordinator for the Fordham PHE Chapter. As part of a research project for the Urban Studies department at Fordham, Ben scrutinized small school reform in New York City and the community effects of current urban education reform trends. Ben brings a passion for athletics and healthy living to his work at PHE, and remains committed to connecting all teens with the resources they need to live healthy lives.
Shena Elrington
Director of Immigrant Rights and Racial Justice, Center for Popular Democracy
Shena comes to CPD from New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, a civil rights law firm where she serves as the Director of the Health Justice (HJ) Program. At NYLPI, Shena works in collaboration with community groups on a number of campaigns to ensure that people from medically undeserved neighborhoods in New York have access to quality healthcare. Prior to joining NYLPI, Shena was a litigation associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLP, where she worked on white-collar and anti-trust matters and provided pro bono representation to clients on a variety of family, criminal, and immigration law matters. Shena graduated from Yale Law School in 2008 and graduated cum laudefrom Princeton University in 2004, with an A.B. in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
Director of Immigrant Rights and Racial Justice, Center for Popular Democracy
Shena comes to CPD from New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, a civil rights law firm where she serves as the Director of the Health Justice (HJ) Program. At NYLPI, Shena works in collaboration with community groups on a number of campaigns to ensure that people from medically undeserved neighborhoods in New York have access to quality healthcare. Prior to joining NYLPI, Shena was a litigation associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLP, where she worked on white-collar and anti-trust matters and provided pro bono representation to clients on a variety of family, criminal, and immigration law matters. Shena graduated from Yale Law School in 2008 and graduated cum laudefrom Princeton University in 2004, with an A.B. in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
Dena Kedra
Clinical Psychologist and Psychological Counselor, City College Counseling Center
Dena is currently a licensed clinical psychologist at a private practice and a psychological counselor at CCNY's Counseling Center. Prior to joining City College, Dena was a staff psychologist at Manhattanville College Counseling Center. Her clinical rotation as a psychology intern was at Stony Brook University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Continuing Day Treatment Program. She holds a PhD. in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University, an MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from NYU, and a BA in Psychology from University of Maryland College Park.
Clinical Psychologist and Psychological Counselor, City College Counseling Center
Dena is currently a licensed clinical psychologist at a private practice and a psychological counselor at CCNY's Counseling Center. Prior to joining City College, Dena was a staff psychologist at Manhattanville College Counseling Center. Her clinical rotation as a psychology intern was at Stony Brook University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Continuing Day Treatment Program. She holds a PhD. in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University, an MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from NYU, and a BA in Psychology from University of Maryland College Park.
Caitlyn Smith
Strategic Assistance Coordinator, Age Friendly NYC , New York Academy of Medicine
Caitlyn works with neighborhoods and community and civic organizations who seek to become more inclusive of older adults. She also works closely with city agencies and older adults themselves to create and implement programs and systemic alterations benefiting the older adult population. She joined NYAM’s Division of Health Policy in 2012. Prior to her work at NYAM, Caitlyn was in the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Health Research Training Program, where she worked on environmental health issues with a primary focus on education and outreach campaigns to prevent falls among older adults. She received a Master of Public Health from New York University in 2013, where she focused on Community and International Health, and holds a BA in Anthropology and Women’s Studies from The College of William and Mary in Virginia.
Strategic Assistance Coordinator, Age Friendly NYC , New York Academy of Medicine
Caitlyn works with neighborhoods and community and civic organizations who seek to become more inclusive of older adults. She also works closely with city agencies and older adults themselves to create and implement programs and systemic alterations benefiting the older adult population. She joined NYAM’s Division of Health Policy in 2012. Prior to her work at NYAM, Caitlyn was in the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Health Research Training Program, where she worked on environmental health issues with a primary focus on education and outreach campaigns to prevent falls among older adults. She received a Master of Public Health from New York University in 2013, where she focused on Community and International Health, and holds a BA in Anthropology and Women’s Studies from The College of William and Mary in Virginia.
Sustainability Panel
Maegan Blansett (Panel 2)
Advisor to General Manager, New York City Housing Authority
In her current role, Maegan helps oversee the advancement of Resident Green Committees in public housing developments citywide, most recently having initiated a new committee at the South Jamaica Houses in Jamaica, Queens. In addition, she supports the creation and maintenance of urban gardens and farms on NYCHA property. A native of Boise, Idaho, Maegan has a degree in geography from UC Berkeley.
Advisor to General Manager, New York City Housing Authority
In her current role, Maegan helps oversee the advancement of Resident Green Committees in public housing developments citywide, most recently having initiated a new committee at the South Jamaica Houses in Jamaica, Queens. In addition, she supports the creation and maintenance of urban gardens and farms on NYCHA property. A native of Boise, Idaho, Maegan has a degree in geography from UC Berkeley.
James Burke
Director of Member and Organizing, WE ACT
Director of Member and Organizing James Burke has been an environmental justice advocacy and policy coordinator and field organizer for nearly a decade. He has led grassroots campaigns with some of the most prominent national organizers including Sierra Club and Environment California; organized opposition to proposed coal-fired power plants through rallies, meetings and comprehensive media strategies for Ecological Conservation Organization in Little Rock, AR; and led volunteer and paid canvassing efforts to constituents’ bases of more than 15,000 in New York City and elsewhere. Mr. Burke received a B.A. in History from Wagner College. He is responsible for membership development and issue campaign coordination.
Director of Member and Organizing, WE ACT
Director of Member and Organizing James Burke has been an environmental justice advocacy and policy coordinator and field organizer for nearly a decade. He has led grassroots campaigns with some of the most prominent national organizers including Sierra Club and Environment California; organized opposition to proposed coal-fired power plants through rallies, meetings and comprehensive media strategies for Ecological Conservation Organization in Little Rock, AR; and led volunteer and paid canvassing efforts to constituents’ bases of more than 15,000 in New York City and elsewhere. Mr. Burke received a B.A. in History from Wagner College. He is responsible for membership development and issue campaign coordination.
Jeff Irvine (Panel 2)
Lead NYC Solar Ombudsman, Sustainable CUNY
Jeff coordinates with partners to make installing rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) easier, faster, and cheaper for homeowners and businesses. Prior to joining the CUNY Solar Team, Jeff interned for the NYC Mayor's Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability, managing the Mayor's Carbon Challenge to universities and hospitals. Jeff also previously worked as a NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator. Originally from Amherst, MA, Jeff has an MPA in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University and a BS in Television, Radio and Film from Syracuse University. In his previous career, he worked for five years as a documentary producer for PBS on shows such as NOVA and FRONTLINE. In Jeff's free time, he plays the drums, was once a (nearly) professional ultimate frisbee player, and writes a monthly column about Syracuse University basketball for a SportsNet New York (SNY) blog.
Lead NYC Solar Ombudsman, Sustainable CUNY
Jeff coordinates with partners to make installing rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) easier, faster, and cheaper for homeowners and businesses. Prior to joining the CUNY Solar Team, Jeff interned for the NYC Mayor's Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability, managing the Mayor's Carbon Challenge to universities and hospitals. Jeff also previously worked as a NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator. Originally from Amherst, MA, Jeff has an MPA in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University and a BS in Television, Radio and Film from Syracuse University. In his previous career, he worked for five years as a documentary producer for PBS on shows such as NOVA and FRONTLINE. In Jeff's free time, he plays the drums, was once a (nearly) professional ultimate frisbee player, and writes a monthly column about Syracuse University basketball for a SportsNet New York (SNY) blog.
Fernando Montejo (Panel 1)
Advisor to General Manager, New York City Housing Authority
Fernando currently works as the Advisor to the General Manager, and formerly had the role in NYCHA as a Community Coordinator for Sustainability Initiatives. In this capacity, Fernando advanced NYCHA’s environmental agenda by engaging public housing residents across the City to establish sustainability committees, promote energy efficiency, increase recycling practices, and prepare for severe weather emergencies. Fernando started at NYCHA as an AmeriCorps volunteer throughout the Mayor’s NYC Civic Corps program. Prior to NYCHA, he was a Canvassing Coordinator in Queens with Make the Road, and has previously worked on sustainability and resiliency efforts in New Orleans and Rajasthan, India. Fernando received a B.S. in Urban & Regional Studies from Cornell University.
Advisor to General Manager, New York City Housing Authority
Fernando currently works as the Advisor to the General Manager, and formerly had the role in NYCHA as a Community Coordinator for Sustainability Initiatives. In this capacity, Fernando advanced NYCHA’s environmental agenda by engaging public housing residents across the City to establish sustainability committees, promote energy efficiency, increase recycling practices, and prepare for severe weather emergencies. Fernando started at NYCHA as an AmeriCorps volunteer throughout the Mayor’s NYC Civic Corps program. Prior to NYCHA, he was a Canvassing Coordinator in Queens with Make the Road, and has previously worked on sustainability and resiliency efforts in New Orleans and Rajasthan, India. Fernando received a B.S. in Urban & Regional Studies from Cornell University.
Justin Strachan (Panel 1)
NYS Solar Ombudsman, Sustainable CUNY
Justin works on making solar more affordable in New York by expanding and strengthening the financing options for PV systems. Currently, Justin is leading the New York State Financing Options working group, implementing a community solarize program, and working to educate policy makers and stakeholders about financing mechanisms for solar. Justin comes to CUNY from NASA, where he coordinated the New York City Research Initiative, working to engage students in the fields of climate change, aerospace engineering, and robotics. Prior to NASA, Justin also interned with PACENow, researching and comparing all of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) legislation in the U.S. Justin has a MA in U.S. History from Hunter College, where he focused on the history of climate change, and a BA in U.S. History from the University of Arizona.
NYS Solar Ombudsman, Sustainable CUNY
Justin works on making solar more affordable in New York by expanding and strengthening the financing options for PV systems. Currently, Justin is leading the New York State Financing Options working group, implementing a community solarize program, and working to educate policy makers and stakeholders about financing mechanisms for solar. Justin comes to CUNY from NASA, where he coordinated the New York City Research Initiative, working to engage students in the fields of climate change, aerospace engineering, and robotics. Prior to NASA, Justin also interned with PACENow, researching and comparing all of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) legislation in the U.S. Justin has a MA in U.S. History from Hunter College, where he focused on the history of climate change, and a BA in U.S. History from the University of Arizona.
Whitney Rueling
Program Manager, The Sylvia Center
Whitney was the first Garden to Café’s Program Coordinator at SchoolFood starting in 2010 where she worked with 50 plus schools to help connect the school gardens to school meals. Previous to this, Whitney worked as a chef instructor and nutrition intern with CityHarvest. Whitney was raised on a small farm in Northern California and has long enjoyed preparing meals fresh from the garden. Whitney studied at the Cordon Bleu in Paris and holds a Masters in Food Studies from New York University.
Program Manager, The Sylvia Center
Whitney was the first Garden to Café’s Program Coordinator at SchoolFood starting in 2010 where she worked with 50 plus schools to help connect the school gardens to school meals. Previous to this, Whitney worked as a chef instructor and nutrition intern with CityHarvest. Whitney was raised on a small farm in Northern California and has long enjoyed preparing meals fresh from the garden. Whitney studied at the Cordon Bleu in Paris and holds a Masters in Food Studies from New York University.
Angela Tovar
Director of Sustainable Policy and Research, Sustainable South Bronx
Angela Tovar joined SSBx in 2011, after spending a year as a Research Fellow for The Center for Community Planning and Development at Hunter College, Prior to that, she spent five years as a Senior Manager of Corporate Volunteerism for Chicago Cares. She also worked as a National Civilian Community Volunteer through Americorps, helping with community-based projects including eco-restoration in the Florida Keys, Habitat Humanity in Alabama, and trail building in Tennessee. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from the College of Charleston, in Charleston, S.C. and a Master’s in Urban Planning from Hunter College. Angela currently serves as the Director of Sustainable Policy and Research where she oversees all policy and community greening efforts for the organization.
Director of Sustainable Policy and Research, Sustainable South Bronx
Angela Tovar joined SSBx in 2011, after spending a year as a Research Fellow for The Center for Community Planning and Development at Hunter College, Prior to that, she spent five years as a Senior Manager of Corporate Volunteerism for Chicago Cares. She also worked as a National Civilian Community Volunteer through Americorps, helping with community-based projects including eco-restoration in the Florida Keys, Habitat Humanity in Alabama, and trail building in Tennessee. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from the College of Charleston, in Charleston, S.C. and a Master’s in Urban Planning from Hunter College. Angela currently serves as the Director of Sustainable Policy and Research where she oversees all policy and community greening efforts for the organization.
Graduate School Alumni Panel
Lincoln Ajoku
M.A. Student, Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs; Education Advisor, Concern Worldwide
Lincoln Ajoku is the Education Advisor with Concern Worldwide US, where he provides technical support to its education programs in several countries. Lincoln began his work in education as a fourth grade teacher in Houston, Texas. He has subsequently worked in education and international development for agencies including the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme, with a regional focus on West and East Africa. Through a fellowship with the Centre for Global Development, he served as a special advisor in the Ministry of Education in Liberia. While working with the Global Partnership for Education, he researched education policies and aid effectiveness in Ghana, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Somalia, among other countries. Lincoln received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The City College of New York, and his Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University.
M.A. Student, Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs; Education Advisor, Concern Worldwide
Lincoln Ajoku is the Education Advisor with Concern Worldwide US, where he provides technical support to its education programs in several countries. Lincoln began his work in education as a fourth grade teacher in Houston, Texas. He has subsequently worked in education and international development for agencies including the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme, with a regional focus on West and East Africa. Through a fellowship with the Centre for Global Development, he served as a special advisor in the Ministry of Education in Liberia. While working with the Global Partnership for Education, he researched education policies and aid effectiveness in Ghana, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Somalia, among other countries. Lincoln received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The City College of New York, and his Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University.
Miguel A. Garcia, Jr.
President, CEO, National Urban Fellows
From his days as a National Urban Fellow, Miguel Garcia's professional journey has come full circle, leading him back to the institution that provided him with an edge. His focus in the diverse areas of public policy, grantmaking, school-to-work transition, youth leadership development, and education has enabled him to evolve into an effective problem-solver with keen analytical skills. Garcia has served on several Boards of Directors in both New York City and State and was elected as a Community School Board member in the Bronx. In addition to receiving a National Urban Fellowship, he was honored with an Institute for Educational Leadership Fellowship. However, it was as Program Officer at the Primerica Foundation, that he had a glimpse into the socio-economic demands and diversity of America. Miguel founded and led Health Opportunities High School in the Bronx, where his responsibilities included managing the curriculum, supervising faculty and support services, and fostering educational and community relationships. He was the Dean of Crisis Intervention for Special Education at DeWitt Clinton High School and an Academic Coordinator for an Entrepreneurship Honors program.
President, CEO, National Urban Fellows
From his days as a National Urban Fellow, Miguel Garcia's professional journey has come full circle, leading him back to the institution that provided him with an edge. His focus in the diverse areas of public policy, grantmaking, school-to-work transition, youth leadership development, and education has enabled him to evolve into an effective problem-solver with keen analytical skills. Garcia has served on several Boards of Directors in both New York City and State and was elected as a Community School Board member in the Bronx. In addition to receiving a National Urban Fellowship, he was honored with an Institute for Educational Leadership Fellowship. However, it was as Program Officer at the Primerica Foundation, that he had a glimpse into the socio-economic demands and diversity of America. Miguel founded and led Health Opportunities High School in the Bronx, where his responsibilities included managing the curriculum, supervising faculty and support services, and fostering educational and community relationships. He was the Dean of Crisis Intervention for Special Education at DeWitt Clinton High School and an Academic Coordinator for an Entrepreneurship Honors program.
James Suggett
M.A Student, City College's Public Service Management Program
James Suggett is a student in the Master’s Program in International Relations at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York. He received the Powell graduate fellowhip in 2013-2014, which he used to study Portuguese in Brazil and carry out comparative research on modern Brazilian political institutions. James currently works as a writing tutor at CCNY’s Writing Center and as an administrator in the Skadden, Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies. Before coming to CCNY, James lived in Venezuela, where he worked as a staff writer and editor for Venezuela Analysis, organized study abroad delegations, and was a volunteer teacher at La Escuelita del Barrio Pueblo Nuevo y Simón Bolívar. He also previously worked as a student activist coordinator and research assistant in Washington, D.C. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from CCNY and bachelor’s degrees in history and third world studies from UC San Diego.
M.A Student, City College's Public Service Management Program
James Suggett is a student in the Master’s Program in International Relations at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York. He received the Powell graduate fellowhip in 2013-2014, which he used to study Portuguese in Brazil and carry out comparative research on modern Brazilian political institutions. James currently works as a writing tutor at CCNY’s Writing Center and as an administrator in the Skadden, Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies. Before coming to CCNY, James lived in Venezuela, where he worked as a staff writer and editor for Venezuela Analysis, organized study abroad delegations, and was a volunteer teacher at La Escuelita del Barrio Pueblo Nuevo y Simón Bolívar. He also previously worked as a student activist coordinator and research assistant in Washington, D.C. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from CCNY and bachelor’s degrees in history and third world studies from UC San Diego.
Natalia Trujillo
Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Public Administration
Natalia Trujillo is the assistant director of the graduate program in Public Administration. On her role, she manages a career development program for graduate students, coordinates alumni engagement activities, runs undergraduate scholarships, and administers the program’s budget. She developed a comprehensive career program that assists MPA students in career planning, provides training in job-searching skills, and offers a variety of professional development workshops. Prior to joining the Public Administration graduate program, Natalia coordinated management and budgeting for CCNY’s Skadden, Arps pre-law program. Natalia earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from CCNY and a bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Business from ICESI University in Cali, Colombia.
Assistant Director, Graduate Program in Public Administration
Natalia Trujillo is the assistant director of the graduate program in Public Administration. On her role, she manages a career development program for graduate students, coordinates alumni engagement activities, runs undergraduate scholarships, and administers the program’s budget. She developed a comprehensive career program that assists MPA students in career planning, provides training in job-searching skills, and offers a variety of professional development workshops. Prior to joining the Public Administration graduate program, Natalia coordinated management and budgeting for CCNY’s Skadden, Arps pre-law program. Natalia earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from CCNY and a bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Business from ICESI University in Cali, Colombia.
Student Moderators
Shay Culpepper
Senior, Pure Mathematics
Graduate School Alumni Panel. Shay Culpepper is first and foremost a Texan. She is also a senior at City College majoring in Pure Mathematics to enable her Economics habit. Currently Shay is writing a research paper that relates women's economic prospects and their likelihood of domestic violence in India. She is a City College Fellow and a Partners for Change Fellow. When not at school (or studying), you can find her playing with her dog, Moose, swing dancing, or fountain pen collecting.
Senior, Pure Mathematics
Graduate School Alumni Panel. Shay Culpepper is first and foremost a Texan. She is also a senior at City College majoring in Pure Mathematics to enable her Economics habit. Currently Shay is writing a research paper that relates women's economic prospects and their likelihood of domestic violence in India. She is a City College Fellow and a Partners for Change Fellow. When not at school (or studying), you can find her playing with her dog, Moose, swing dancing, or fountain pen collecting.
Makeda Dawkins
4th Year, Sophie Davis Program
Health Justice Panel. Makeda is passionate about women's health, specifically maternal-fetal care. She has worked on numerous community-based research projects at The Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center focused on increasing awareness about the long-term effects of smoking in HIV-positive individuals before and after cessation. She has presented her work to HIV/AIDS and Cancer Collaboration Community Advisory Board. Currently, Makeda is a Health Justice Partners for Change Fellow and is presently involved in the continuation and data analysis of The South Bronx Birth Outcomes Study at the CUNY Institute for Health Equity.
4th Year, Sophie Davis Program
Health Justice Panel. Makeda is passionate about women's health, specifically maternal-fetal care. She has worked on numerous community-based research projects at The Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center focused on increasing awareness about the long-term effects of smoking in HIV-positive individuals before and after cessation. She has presented her work to HIV/AIDS and Cancer Collaboration Community Advisory Board. Currently, Makeda is a Health Justice Partners for Change Fellow and is presently involved in the continuation and data analysis of The South Bronx Birth Outcomes Study at the CUNY Institute for Health Equity.
Moustafa Elshaabiny
Senior, Computer Science
Civil and Human Rights Panel. Moustafa is currently a senior studying Computer Science and president of CCNY's chapter of Roosevelt Institute. Prior to his senior year, Moustafa spent his summer interning in Germany as a research intern. His other activities include working as a research intern and Admissions Ambassador for CCNY.
Senior, Computer Science
Civil and Human Rights Panel. Moustafa is currently a senior studying Computer Science and president of CCNY's chapter of Roosevelt Institute. Prior to his senior year, Moustafa spent his summer interning in Germany as a research intern. His other activities include working as a research intern and Admissions Ambassador for CCNY.
Ashlee Fraser
Junior, Psychology and Childhood Education
Education Panel. Ashlee Fraser studies psychology and childhood education. Having worked with young people in the past, she sees the need and lack of mental health services in low-income communities. Ashlee plans to pursue a doctorate’s degree in psychology and one day open a recreational center for children and young adults, but most importantly, provide a team of volunteer psychologists to young people that may not afford to see counselors.
Junior, Psychology and Childhood Education
Education Panel. Ashlee Fraser studies psychology and childhood education. Having worked with young people in the past, she sees the need and lack of mental health services in low-income communities. Ashlee plans to pursue a doctorate’s degree in psychology and one day open a recreational center for children and young adults, but most importantly, provide a team of volunteer psychologists to young people that may not afford to see counselors.
Felix De Jesus
Senior, Pre-Law and History
Civil and Human Rights Panel. Felix is currently working as an administrative assistant at the Law Office of Betty Huang and is an Undergraduate Student Government Senator. He is also the Policy Director of Equal Justice for the Roosevelt Institute Campus Network at City College. Last spring, he interned at the New York State Division of Human Rights and at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office during the summer of 2013. Felix is a graduate of the Colin Powell Community Engagement Fellowship and the Skadden, Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies at the City College of New York. His other activities have included program assistant at the Harlem Youth Law and Justice Center and co-founder and deputy director of CCNY's ACLU chapter.
Senior, Pre-Law and History
Civil and Human Rights Panel. Felix is currently working as an administrative assistant at the Law Office of Betty Huang and is an Undergraduate Student Government Senator. He is also the Policy Director of Equal Justice for the Roosevelt Institute Campus Network at City College. Last spring, he interned at the New York State Division of Human Rights and at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office during the summer of 2013. Felix is a graduate of the Colin Powell Community Engagement Fellowship and the Skadden, Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies at the City College of New York. His other activities have included program assistant at the Harlem Youth Law and Justice Center and co-founder and deputy director of CCNY's ACLU chapter.
Omar Hammand
Senior, Environmental Engineering
Sustainability Panel. Omar is currently a senior at CCNY pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering. He is a Partners for Change Urban Sustainability Fellow interning at WEACT for Environmental Justice working to help develop the Climate Agenda initiative. Previously, Omar worked in hospitality for 13 years and managed capital projects and departments of over 40 employees, fostering companywide green plans to shift the hotels towards green policies such as recycling soap, hangers, mattresses and batteries, as well as switching to all green chemicals and installed sensors for all thermostats. After graduation, Omar plans on becoming a program manager focusing on resilience.
Senior, Environmental Engineering
Sustainability Panel. Omar is currently a senior at CCNY pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering. He is a Partners for Change Urban Sustainability Fellow interning at WEACT for Environmental Justice working to help develop the Climate Agenda initiative. Previously, Omar worked in hospitality for 13 years and managed capital projects and departments of over 40 employees, fostering companywide green plans to shift the hotels towards green policies such as recycling soap, hangers, mattresses and batteries, as well as switching to all green chemicals and installed sensors for all thermostats. After graduation, Omar plans on becoming a program manager focusing on resilience.
Carolina Martinez
Senior, Political Science and International Studies
Education Panel. Carolina is currently a senior in the City College Honors Program with a double major in Political Science and International Studies. Carolina has interned in Washington D.C, at the U.S Office of Personnel Management, and in New York City, at two departments under the Mayor's Office; Special Projects and Community Events and NYC Service. She has served as a mentor for college freshmen under "Crear Futuros", a program launched by the Hispanic Federation. Last but not least, Carolina has been an active part of the Undergraduate Student Government, serving as a Senator, Vice President of Community Affairs, and currently as the Executive Vice President.
Senior, Political Science and International Studies
Education Panel. Carolina is currently a senior in the City College Honors Program with a double major in Political Science and International Studies. Carolina has interned in Washington D.C, at the U.S Office of Personnel Management, and in New York City, at two departments under the Mayor's Office; Special Projects and Community Events and NYC Service. She has served as a mentor for college freshmen under "Crear Futuros", a program launched by the Hispanic Federation. Last but not least, Carolina has been an active part of the Undergraduate Student Government, serving as a Senator, Vice President of Community Affairs, and currently as the Executive Vice President.
Robin Nag
Senior, Chemical engineering
Sustainability Panel. Robin is a senior studying chemical engineering at the Grove School of Engineering. Aside his engineering background, he is involved in computer science and sustainability studies. The past summer, Robin worked for a startup company called GreenStar Hub, which specializes in bidding platforms for green technology. Currently, he is a CleanTech Scholar intern at Sustainable CUNY. His involvement on the campus includes being an engineering senator in the Undergraduate Student Government and a treasurer of the Chemical Engineering Honor Society. For the approaching future, Robin plans to focus his career in the realms of technology, sustainability, and chemical research.
Senior, Chemical engineering
Sustainability Panel. Robin is a senior studying chemical engineering at the Grove School of Engineering. Aside his engineering background, he is involved in computer science and sustainability studies. The past summer, Robin worked for a startup company called GreenStar Hub, which specializes in bidding platforms for green technology. Currently, he is a CleanTech Scholar intern at Sustainable CUNY. His involvement on the campus includes being an engineering senator in the Undergraduate Student Government and a treasurer of the Chemical Engineering Honor Society. For the approaching future, Robin plans to focus his career in the realms of technology, sustainability, and chemical research.
Ramdat Singh
Senior, Political Science, minor in Public Policy
Graduate School Alumni Panel. Ramdat Singh is a senior, majoring in Political Science with a minor in public policy. He is the President of the Undergraduate Student Government. Ramdat is a scholar in the Skadden Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies. Additionally, Ramdat is a Mediator in the Harlem Regional Office of the New York State Attorney General's Office.
Senior, Political Science, minor in Public Policy
Graduate School Alumni Panel. Ramdat Singh is a senior, majoring in Political Science with a minor in public policy. He is the President of the Undergraduate Student Government. Ramdat is a scholar in the Skadden Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies. Additionally, Ramdat is a Mediator in the Harlem Regional Office of the New York State Attorney General's Office.
Irini Youssef
4th Year, Sophie Davis Student
Health Justice Panel. Irini is a fourth year in the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education program with a goal of becoming a psychiatrist after medical school. As an undergraduate, she is an Edward I. Koch Fellow where she participates in 200 hours of community service and volunteers in a soup kitchen and doing cancer research. Irini is also very highly involved in tutoring and teaching organic chemistry and biochemistry and is currently a teacher assistant. Her other interests include working out and running in 5K's.
4th Year, Sophie Davis Student
Health Justice Panel. Irini is a fourth year in the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education program with a goal of becoming a psychiatrist after medical school. As an undergraduate, she is an Edward I. Koch Fellow where she participates in 200 hours of community service and volunteers in a soup kitchen and doing cancer research. Irini is also very highly involved in tutoring and teaching organic chemistry and biochemistry and is currently a teacher assistant. Her other interests include working out and running in 5K's.