“Don’t be a follower, be a leader.” Alexis’ approach towards impacting the masses starts with the mind. For many disproportionately affected groups of people, empowerment is essential towards helping them acknowledge their power and rights, despite what society may have displayed throughout history. Alexis’s awareness, creativity, and listening ear is the foundation of her being an effective leader making positive changes in her community for racial, economic, and healthcare injustices.

My name is Ayomide Ojo, an international student from Nigeria. I am a graduate student at Baruch College studying International Affairs. As a first-generation college student, my family struggled to ensure that I got access to quality education which is a privilege and not a right. Growing up, I was immediately drawn to the disparities in the distribution of wealth and income and the growing gap between the rich and poor, this fueled my interest in social justice work and human rights freedom. I love to listen to music and enjoy volunteering in my spare time.

Brian is a rising junior, majoring in Political Science. A recipient of the Dream.US scholarship, he is passionate about politics and political theory, with a specific interest in gun violence and immigration reform. He is a former member of the Port Richmond Partnership Leadership Academy (PRPLA), in conjunction with Wagner College, for which he competed in regional ethics bowls and was an active participant in internships and community service events.

Cade is an Ainu-Japanese organizer and advocate based in Brooklyn. The son of an immigrant, Cade works to combat xenophobia and income inequality in his community. At Hunter College, Cade studies Asian American Studies and Political Science with a focus on Public Space.

Crystal Antony is a third-year medical student at the CUNY School of Medicine. She is passionate about the role physicians play in serving their communities and ensuring a healthy and happy life for people of all backgrounds.

Evelyn Salmeron holds a master’s degree in urban studies from the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, with a focus on public administration and policy. Her capstone research focused on the experience of Latinx immigrants living alone in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evelyn’s interest in immigrant rights stems from her personal experience as a DACA recipient.

Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Juanita Mejía Gutiérrez is an experienced visual and performing artist with nearly two decades of training. Upon moving to New York City, Juanita earned a B.A. from the Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School. Following her passion for social transformation, Juanita joined the Fund Excluded Workers Coalition as a campaign organizer–advancing an advocacy campaign at the crossroads of immigrant and labor justice.

Jules is committed to building migrant worker power in New York. Their role in the movement is wielding journalism to amplify the advocacy of marginalized migrant women in low-wage domestic work. Through the Fellowship course taught by Heather McGee, Jules is excited to learn how to more effectively build migrant worker power through story-telling.

My name is Kawther Coppin and I am currently a first year medical student at the CUNY school of Medicine. My participation in the Social Change Fellowship stems from a longstanding interest in dismantling existing racial inequities and disparities I was exposed to throughout my undergraduate clinical experiences. I am also passionate about creating upstream change through mentorship and education of future generations.

Kezia Kent, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, understands first-hand the impacts of climate change on lives and livelihoods in the Caribbean region and the wider world. She came to City College in 2019 and is currently a junior majoring in Economics. Having lived through several natural disasters, the financial and overall economic consequences that came in the aftermath of these disasters piqued her interest in exploring the connections between the climate, environment, and economy and its effects on the lives of everyday people. In the future, she hopes to pursue work at the intersection of environmental economics and law and use her training to find meaningful solutions to complex climate challenges. In her spare time, she enjoys reading novels, trying new foods, and watching documentaries.

My name is Kimberlyn Rodriguez, and I was born in Italy, raised in Spain but both of my parents are Dominicans. I am currently majoring in Bilingual Childhood education, with the goal to change the lives of many children in the future. I can’t wait to start this fellowship and learning more on how my little self can make a difference in this big world.

My name is Kris Cerisier and I am a first generation afro Latine born and raised in The Bronx\Harlem. My journey into community organizing and social justice began with supporting the Land Back Movement with Afro Indigenous communities in Latin America. I currently work at VOCAL New York, a statewide grassroots membership organization that builds power among low-income people directly impacted by HIV/AIDS, the drug war, mass incarceration, and homelessness, as a community organizer.

I am a proud Queens native, and a recent undergrad graduate! When I’m not at work, I’m usually walking my dog or on Zoom, supporting unionizing workers across the U.S.

Graduate student at the City College of New York. Seeking to address the questions and challenges associated with the application of sustainable, affordable, and equitable housing to underserved communities through the Master of Architecture I program at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture and Design.

Shakira is a sixteen-year financial crimes compliance professional and people-driven leader that also thrives as an individual contributor. She is passionate about people, policy, and creative solutions to problems arising in the conference room and the public square.

Tomme is a Black non-binary queer person who is passionate about engaging in dialogue and understanding ways to break down barriers for those most de-centered in our current U.S societal structure. Originally from Philadelphia, they enjoy spending their down time traveling, painting and trying new adventures that take them out of their comfort zone. They are excited to meet and learn from all the people participating in this years cohort.

Yamila Martinez is a senior at Hunter College. She is interested in journalism, education, international affairs and public policy. In college, she has interned with women and black government officials through the CUNY Women’s public service internship program and the Caucus CUNY Scholars Program. She is also a former national fellow of the Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship Program at Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

My name is Yatri Baniya and I’m a senior majoring in International Relations at City College of New York. I’m a first-generation student who immigrated to the United States in High School. I have a deep interest in learning about social issues and challenges faced by the marginalized communities and hope to help advocate for social injustices. In future, I hope to pursue a meaningful career in public service where I can help advocate for public policies that promote equal social mobility and development in the society.