MEET THE 2020–21 COHORT
We are excited to introduce the next Leadership New York (LNY) cohort! These participants will explore the social, political, and economic issues facing New York City today and learn how to navigate varying stakeholder interests. By the end of the program, participants will develop the personal leadership skills, NYC knowledge and multi-sector network to accomplish goals in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
Cohort 33

Alex Lieber
Technical Director, AKRF, Inc.Committed to helping New York grow into a healthy, equitable, and environmentally sustainable community.

Alexis Suib
Parent Empowerment Liaison, New York City Department of EducationPassionate about educational equity, immigrant rights and criminal justice reform.

Anita Lovaincy
Strategic Partnerships Director, City Year, Inc.Passionate about addressing the systemic challenges within the criminal justice system, and the disparate impact on BIPOC.

Anneka Preston
Grants Manager, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable TrustMission-driven professional who is passionate about creating spaces for diverse, equitable and inclusive human development.

Danielle Mowery
Community Engagement - Social Media/Communications, Brooklyn Book Festival - The Partnership for the HomelessPassionate about promoting fairness and equity in NYC life, especially in education, civic engagement, housing and justice.

Darcy Richie
Senior Director of Program and Impact, Generation CitizenCommitted to leaning on education as a tool and resource for empowering young people and elevating their voice.

Davey Ives
Chief of Staff - Brooklyn, NYC ParksPassionate about improving the built environment and urban open spaces in ways that provide equitable experiences for all New Yorkers.

David Lowry
Project Director, NYC Criminal Justice AgencyPassionate about reducing the jail and prison populations while working to diminish systemic racism and bias in the criminal justice system.

Dimitra Karachaliou
Project Controls Manager, AECOMOn top of my list, passionate about affordable housing and accommodation for homeless people, immigrant integration and youth education.

Ed Cen
Development and Communications Associate, Fort Greene Park ConservancyPassionate about creating equity through political representation and advocating for parks and open spaces for all New Yorkers.

Ian Lundy
Director of Transactions, NYC Housing AuthorityPassionate about increasing access to housing and transportation, focused the intersection of policy and investment.

Ianne Inzerillo
Manager, Organizational Development, Brooklyn Public LibraryI am a true believer that access to open and green spaces is in reach of all.

Ibrahima Souare
Community Development Officer, LISC NYC | Local Initiatives Support CorporationSmall business strategist and economic development enthusiast with passion for supporting disenfranchised communities.

Ivelisse Sosa
Director Of Operations, WHIN Music Community Charter SchoolStriving to be a part of an environment where students receive an equitable, joyous, and rigorous education.

Jessica Clarke
Chief, CIvil RIghts Bureau, New York State Office of the Attorney GeneralPassionate about protecting the rights of all New Yorkers, particularly in the areas of fair housing and criminal justice.

Jessica Lax
Director of Programs, Van Alen InstituteDedicated to advancing values-based public/private and community partnerships.

Joe White
Distributed Generation Ombudsman, Con EdisonDedicated advocate for racial equality and human rights. Passionate about community outreach and mentoring disadvantaged youth.

Jose Medrano
Analyst, Karp StrategiesPassionate about economic development that advances equitable, diverse, and livable neighborhoods.

Joe McMillen
Senior Space Planner, NBAPassionate about policy and helping the government operate more strategically and effectively for all people.

Kendall Lewis
School-Age Network Manager, South Bronx Rising TogetherIncreasingly passionate about economic equity addressing issues of wage stagnation, unionization, our tax structure, and wealth generation.

Laura Roumanos
Executive Director & Co-founder, PhotovilleCommitted to developing sustainable ways to provide paid opportunities for artists that allow them to create challenging visual stories.

Lee Ann Norman
Director, Learning and Leadership Programs, League of American OrchestrasPassionate about increasing the reach of arts and culture using fair and equitable approaches to support vibrant community life.

Luis Morales
Executive Director of the Manhattan D.A. Academy, Manhattan DA's OfficePassionate about meeting the needs of all New Yorkers through policy development and innovations in criminal justice.

Manuel Miranda
Owner and Lead Designer, Manuel Miranda Practice, LLCGraphic designer dedicated to making NYC's cultural amenities, economic development programs and educational opportunities navigable to all.

Michelle Patrice Booker
Deputy District Director, Congressman Adriano EspaillatDedicated to ensuring access to health and equitable treatment within the healthcare system for communities in NYC.

Paul Heckler
Major Gifts Officer, The Public TheaterPassionate about the intersections of arts and culture, public space, and the relationship of urban policy and justice.

Quincy Alegría-Gambrell
Providing creative solutions to capital access for economically disadvantaged communities via economic & social infrastructure development.

Ramakrishna Kadukuntla
Program Coordinator, Mayor's Office for People with DisabilitiesTackling community development and city policy issues in the Immigrant community, Disability community & Disabled Veterans community.

Richard Mullings
M/WBE Consultant, Empire State DevelopmentPassionate about closing racial equity gaps in education, business growth, and housing stabilization in low-income communities.

Ryna Dery
Associate Executive Director, Educational AlliancePassionate about building community and committed to health equity and food access.

Sabre Kaszynski
Executive Director, New York City Department of Social ServicesDedicated to making government work for all people. Passionate about providing health care for all.

Sam Livingston
Director of Operations, Weill Music Institute, Carnegie HallBelieves arts and culture orgs are essential infrastructure, connecting NYC and amplifying voices; Passionate about equity.

Shanon Shaw
Associate Director of Operations, Center for Court InnovationPassionate about building community and fostering equity for those who are otherwise marginalized.

Thomas Brigandi
Lead Analyst, Moody's Investors ServicePassionate about ensuring working class and retired Americans never face entitlement benefit cuts.

Yui Scribner
Head of Operations, Impact America FundExploring the convergence of people, products, and policy to advance the common good and restore the promise of the American Dream for all.
Cohort 34

Adrian Ogle
Head, Global Events & Engagements, Echoing GreenPassionate about fairness and freedom for all New Yorkers; dedicated to creating space and vibrancy for LGBTQ+ people of color.

Alex Destin
Strategy Senior Manager, AccenturePassionate about the professional and educational advancement of underserved groups.

Alexandria Sica
President, Dumbo Improvement DistrictDedicated to bringing communities together and harnessing the power of a local economy for everyone.

Bakbakkar Harris
Director of Regional Support, Students in Temporary Housing - Department of EducationPassionate about advocating on behalf NYC Students in Temporary Housing and vulnerable youth.

Charlotte Levitt
Director of Marketing & Digital Communications, New York City Campaign Finance BoardCurious about redesigning our government and democratic systems to be more responsive, just, and helpful to all New Yorkers.

Chris Durosinmi
Assistant Director, Government & Community Affairs, Wildlife Conservation SocietyEnsuring NYC's pandemic recovery includes a social justice lens for historically disenfranchised communities & their outstanding challenges.

Darryl Ramsey
Associate Director EY Government Public Sector, EYInterested in new policing methodologies inclusive of Criminal Justice reform and Digital Equity to enable an equalizing societal shift.

Deborah Asirifi
Director of Support Services & Child Registration, The Fresh Air FundPassionate about developing relationships with community-based organizations to deliver resources to NYC’s underserved communities.

Edwin B. Maxwell
Director, Neighborhood Services, Brooklyn Public LibraryPassionate about building stronger communities and advancing equity through the freedom of information and education.

Elaine Mahoney
Senior Resilience Project Manager, HPDDedicated to developing affordable, sustainable, and resilient communities.

Andrew Riley
Deputy Director of Training, Taxi and Limousine CommissionPassionate about professional development and education as key factors to the promotion of diversity and inclusion for all people.

Grace Philipp
Senior Associate - East Region Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase & Co.Dedicated to advancing an equitable NYC through community engagement and economic development innovations.

Grey Elam
Director of New York City Programs, Institute for Urban Parks at Central Park ConservancyCommitted to access and inclusion in NYC’s parks and public spaces.

Hatuey Ramos-Fermín
Director of Programs, The Laundromat ProjectPassionate about leveraging arts and culture for a just and equitable city.

Heidi Morales
Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, NYC Department of InvestigationInterested in exploring a path towards equitable education for all NYC children; fair and just housing rents; food security for all.

J. Joan Hon
Partner, Rooney Nimmo PCPassionate about ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice.

Jeff Lee
Principal, Capalino+CompanyInterested in developing improved models of public-private partnerships making sustainable investments & improvements in urban communities.

Jerry Weinstein
Writer & Civic Engagement Strategist, Freelancer. Clients include: Civic Hall, Guardian, NYTimes, TED, IBM, National Constitution CenterConnecting civic tech startup founders to those who can amplify their work while providing mentoring on strategy, comms, and culture.

John Rooney
Economic Inclusion Manager, Gilbane Building CompanyPassionate about unlocking opportunities in construction to address economic inequality and strengthen historically underserved communities.

Jose Miranda
Director of Economic Justice, Chhaya Community Development CorporationDedicated to pursuing economic equity for underrepresented groups.

Joseph Sutkowi
Consultant, Karp StrategiesFascinated by infrastructure planning and eager to embed new voices in the development process to make economic growth inclusive.

Kawan Clinton
Supervising Attorney, The Legal Aid SocietyPassionate about changing the legal system towards equity for ALL. Inclusion focused until Black Lives Matters is a basic human principle.

Kevin Watts
Senior Product Manager, GE Renewable EnergyPassionate about building and powering a more sustainable and equitable urban environment.

Lauren Chung
Immediate Past-President, New York Junior LeaguePassionate about ensuring equitable & effective public pre-K-12 education, and effective advocacy on behalf of underserved populations.

Lyna Vuong
Senior Design Strategist, Margaret Sullivan StudioPassionate about advancing nourishing and sustainable food systems, and creating more equitable, vibrant communities.

Michelle Gottlieb
Camping Department Manager, The Fresh Air FundPassionate about providing career development opportunities for young adults and connecting NYC youth to new experiences in the outdoors.

Natasha Liggins-Modelo
Senior Project Manager, NYCERSPassionate about providing sustainable opportunities usually inaccessible to young people residing in underserved or underprivileged areas.

Nayira Polanco
Community School Director, Wediko NYCDedicated to education systems that advance racial justice, dismantle white supremacy, break school-to-prison pipeline & honor POC history.

Ometa Killiebrew
Deputy Director, Retirement and Pension Benefits, NYCERSPassionate about equal opportunities in youth education, extracurricular activities for children and long-term societal benefits of both.

Patrick Hart
Program Director, CUNY Institute for State and Local GovernanceSupporting community organizations & equitable, humane systems of workforce & youth development, affordable housing & criminal justice.

Pisei Chea
Assistant Vice President - Analyst, Moody's Investors ServicePassionate about the promotion of inclusive policies that support immigrants' rights and access to services.

Reina Utsunomiya
Senior Director, Grades 9-14 NYC P-TECH Schools, New York City Department of EducationPassionate about empowering youth to reach greater economic mobility through public-private partnerships and community building.

Bobby Derival
Executive Director of the Masters in Public Administration Program, The City College of New YorkCommitted to growth of NYC's upcoming social change activators to lead authentically, collaborate collectively & expand civic solutions.

Rodney H. Greaves
IT Manager Procurement, Budget, & Contracts, NYCERSPassionate about ensuring young people are equipped educationally and emotionally to handle daily challenges.

Sarahn O’Uhuru
Senior HR Recruitment Coordinator, NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME)Passionate about public service and promoting equity and creating programs that support diversity and inclusion particularly in recruitment.

Saul Almonte
Section Manager, ConEDInterested in the areas of racial inequality and passionate about educating the youth.

Sharese Crouther
Associate Director of Operations and Planning, Center for Court InnovationI have a real passion for developing and implementing projects and initiatives that are intentional and serves communities of color.

Susan Charles
Administrative Retirement Benefit Specialist Manager, NYCERSPassionate about providing professional and educational development resources for young women pursuing social and financial independence.

Terry Yarde
Manager, National GridPassionate about supporting underserved communities through education.

Xamayla D. Rose
Deputy Public Advocate of Civic & Community Empowerment, Office of the New York City Public AdvocatePassionate about empowering historically marginalized communities via civic education, restoring franchise and equity for people of color.

Yvette Clairjeane
Recruitment, Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager, NYC Department of City Planning (DCP)Passionate about diversifying the NYC public-schools and creating an equitable education system regardless of family economic status.