My name is Alexdenis Blanco. I study Psychology and hope to achieve a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. My focus is on mental health and helping people find a support system they may have not previously had access to as I believe a healthy mind can lead to a healthier environment. I hope one day to open a center for troubled youth to allow them the space to try new things and build new connections.

A history student at Hunter College, Amanda is interested in women’s history and feminist theory, especially as far as it can be applied to understanding and solving the contemporary issues women face. Working women have been particularly vulnerable to evolving (or, devolving) cultural and economic situations, a state of affairs which Amanda is keen on analyzing in order to find the best means of pursuing women’s liberation.

My name is Amari Xola Rasin, I am a upper level sophomore at BMCC majoring in Africana Studies. I am a Black Queer Trans man from Brooklyn with Haitian and Syrian ancestry. I am also an abolitionist and although I do not dream of labor in the sense of having a dream job. The struggle that drives me is helping political prisoners. It is for this reason that I would find it most fulfilling to become an international lawyer.

Anakaren is currently pursuing a degree in Sociology with a minor in Communications. Passionate about societal dynamics and their impact, her primary focus is on addressing social justice issues, particularly the intersection of climate change and its disproportionate effects on Black and Hispanic communities. Committed to leveraging her skills to tackle socioeconomic factors and health disparities, Anakaren aims to contribute meaningfully to positive change, advocating for resilience in these vulnerable communities.

Born and raised in Queens, NY, Ariana Gonzalez is currently a junior at Hunter College studying Sociology. She is passionate about the intersection of immigrant and worker’s rights. In her spare time, she enjoys reading political theory and traveling.

My name is Binetou Diop, currently a junior at the City College of New York studying International Studies with minors in Economics and Public Policy. My path has been shaped by my father’s early death and the different obstacles that my family has endured. Despite these challenges, I am motivated to embrace the possibilities that come my way in order to improve my family’s present circumstances. My academic interests and personal experiences inspire me to not only overcome hardship, but also to actively contribute to a better future for myself and people around me.

My name is Calum and I am currently a sophomore at the City College of New York majoring in Sociology and Political Science. I have a deep interest in understanding the socio-economic structures we live under and an even deeper interest in how to fix them. I am excited to learn and contribute my knowledge to this fellowship.

Native to Yonkers, NY and born to Puerto Rican-American and Ecuadorian parents, Elijah attends CCNY for Latin American Studies with a minor in Studio Art. Passionate about workers rights and immigrant rights, Elijah hopes to change the way many view these issues through education and art. On his own time, he enjoys playing basketball or walking around with a camera, with MIKE or bachata playing in his headphones.

Attending the City College of New York, I am Heaven Peoples, a transfer student from Howard University. My academic journey, rooted in Psychology and Black Studies with a Community Change minor, has led me to propose Girls for Gender Equity's first Youth Engagement Fellowship Project and participate in Sadie Nashe's E.L.L.A initiative. Here, I focus on research to bridge resource gaps for Black girls, integrating wellness, psychological insights, and educational perspectives. My commitment extends to advocating for policies that empower Black girls in their educational and personal development journeys.

Hussam Mohammad is an undergraduate anthropology major at The City College of New York. Having fled Darfur as a child, his family experienced the challenges of displacement from Sudan, victimized by political persecution, exile and genocide. Today, his purpose is centered on aiding refugees, immigrants and anti-extractivism advocacy. "The arc of humanity is long but it bends towards justice" - Theodore Parker.

I'm a junior, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Political Science. As part of the immigrant community, I'm always advocating for immigrants rights, sharing my experience with others to let them know that nothing is impossible and they have the power to achieve their goals.

Mame Niang is SVP’s West African Member Organizer. She is a Senegalese born and bred. Mame is dedicated to helping street vendors in Fordham and Harlem, along with communities that require her assistance. Mame will graduate from John Jay College with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and a minor in criminology in the spring.

My name is Mariame Traore and I am currently a lower senior student at Cuny, I am planning to further my education at the Cuny School of Medicine. My journey towards scholarly interests, shaped by my personal experiences, revolves around two interconnected passions: promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance within the Muslim community and advocating for women's rights.

I am Mosammat Akter, born in Bangladesh and currently a Junior at Hunter College, pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Political Science. Growing up amidst a corrupt government sparked my interest in addressing systemic injustices, especially toward minorities. Beyond academics, I actively volunteer at nonprofits like Desis Rising Up and Moving and intern at the Manhattan Borough President’s office, where I work directly with communities. These experiences deepen my commitment to government work and empower me to pursue a future in law, where I aim to advocate for justice and improve lives.

I'm Naidelyn Castellanos, a first-generation American with immigrant roots. Raised by a single mother from a small town in the Dominican Republic, I'm the first granddaughter of a woman who inspired change through her sacrifices. I'm currently majoring in Business Administration with a minor in International Studies, I see this fellowship as a stepping stone to making a positive impact, mirroring the influence my grandmother had on my life. La Vida Es Difícil (Life is tough), but I believe our tool given in this world is our voices and knowledge. I'm eager to learn how to use them to make an impact.

Nicholas (Nick) Hetherington is living and loving his third life. In one of his previous lives, he was an actor/producer working in the New York Theatre scene and on various television shows including Nickelodeon’s Team Umizoomi, and HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. None of this, however, compares to the past two years at LaGuardia, and now at City College. Nick is looking forward to a future that is both unknown, and full of possibilities, but connected to the world of social and economic justice.

My name is Nusrat (she/her) and I am pursing a degree in Sociology and International Studies. I am excited to partake in this fellowship and see where it takes me. I am interested in connecting with diverse individuals and hear what stories they have to share.

My name is Rakshita Broota and I'm a first gen Indian American. Currently majoring in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Business. I've loved advocating for social change since I was a child and will continue to do so. I have a special place in my heart for Immigrants and people who do not have the voice to stand up for themselves.

My name is Raky Sy and I'm the first generation of my family to attend college. I am majoring in political science and international relations. My life has been fueled by my passion for politics, public service, advocacy and my continent, Africa, which has been the driving force behind my unwavering commitment to creating positive change in my community. I aspire to work in foreign services. I want to be part of those who manage America's political and economic relations with the African continent.

A first-generation college student, Samantha Rodrigues is a New York native passionate about activism and social justice in her local community. While studying political science at CUNY Baruch College, Samantha found her passion for activism while interning at the New York Civil Libitieres Union (NYCLU). As a former foster child, Samantha's experiences have inspired her drive and passion to defend other vulnerable communities. She sees the beauty in people and wants to fight to keep it alive. Samantha hopes to empower fellow foster kids and build a better community for LGBTQ+ youth.

Sara Abu Touq is a passionate, committed Pre-Law student at Hunter College pursuing a career as a Civil Rights Attorney. She has experience in policy work and legal research from several internships, including the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice and the Sonia and Celina Sotomayor Judicial Program. Sara intends to influence change within her community as her career progresses, combating issues such as discrimination, constitutional rights violations, and police brutality.

Tess is a sophomore currently pursuing her studies at The City College of New York. Majoring in political science and community change studies, Tess is deeply passionate about social change, justice, and community organizing. With a strong commitment to making a positive impact, she aspires to build a career in community organizing, leveraging her education and enthusiasm to drive meaningful change within her communities.

Urunne, a Queens native, is currently a junior at MHC/Hunter College majoring in biochemistry and theatre. She believes empowerment and visibility are imperative in social change and wants to explore the mediums we can use to accomplish this goal, whether they are conventional or more creative. She is particularly interested in examining the intersection between equitable healthcare and houselessness.

Veronica Berdychev is a sophomore at Hunter College, majoring in political science and economics. She is an intern at DNIS law firm, which allowed her to learn about immigration law. Her passion on immigrant rights stems from being the daughter of a Polish immigrant mother.

Victoria has been committed to youth organizing with a background in environmental, educational, and labor rights advocacy. As a person dedicated to improving and empowering people; she’s excited about the opportunity to develop her organizing skills for the betterment of our communities.

Yamilet Vasquez is a senior enrolled in the CUNY Baccalaureate Program for Interdisciplinary Studies. She is one of the first people in the country to get her BA in Human Rights/Community Innovation and Applied Public Interest Technology. As a standout Alum of the CUNY Research Scholars, she has earned 2 consecutive awards for best presentations and emerged as a finalist in a national digital video contest hosted by New America.