Student, Faculty, and Alumni Stories

  Breaking Barriers: Dr. Prash Naidu’s Journey in Environmental and Health Justice Dr. Prash Naidu, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at CCNY, leverages his rich cultural heritage and unconventional academic path to challenge systemic inequities through research and advocacy. His work spans environmental health, medical anthropology, and justice, focusing on how pollution and social stressors affect marginalized communities. A Journey Shaped by Heritage and Experience Growing up in Singapore as part of a South Asian-Polynesian family, Dr. Naidu’s… Read More »


  Championing Global Health and Human Rights: Camden Malone '23 A graduate of CCNY’s Master’s in International Affairs program, Camden Malone has dedicated his career to addressing global challenges in health, climate, and human rights. Inspired by a conversation with Dr. Jean Krasno, Camden took full advantage of opportunities at CCNY, from studying abroad in Senegal to interning at the United Nations. Now, as a Global Health Policy Associate at the United Nations Foundation, he collaborates with the World Health Organization and leads initiatives… Read More »


  Ouafaa Hmaddi, assistant professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at CCNY’s Colin Powell School, is on a mission to level the playing field for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Born and raised in Morocco, Hmaddi’s career journey spans engineering, policy, and entrepreneurship research, weaving a narrative of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to equity. A Path Shaped by Experience Hmaddi’s journey began in Morocco, where she grew up in a family of entrepreneurs navigating systemic barriers. These early experiences planted the seeds for her… Read More »


  Erick Martinez, a senior at the Colin Powell School, is a testament to resilience and ambition. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City’s vibrant Dyckman neighborhood, Erick’s journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of his parents. His mother, an entrepreneur running a daycare business, instilled in him the value of perseverance, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. Meanwhile, his father nurtured his love for motorsports, sparking Erick’s dream of one day working in prestigious series such as NASCAR,… Read More »


  Wanda Luis: Resilience, Dreams, and the Power of Belonging at CCNY Wanda Luis, a proud first-generation Dominican-American and lifelong New Yorker, embodies resilience and determination. After earning her associate degree at Bronx Community College, she transferred to CCNY in 2016. Life’s demands led her to pause her studies in 2017 to work full-time and support her family. But Wanda’s dream of becoming a licensed mental health therapist called her back to CCNY, where she’s reclaiming her story and redefining what’s possible. Growing Up with… Read More »


  From Migration to Mentorship: Dr. Maritsa Poros on Sociology, Teaching, and Advancing Equity Dr. Maritsa Poros, Professor of Sociology at CCNY, brings a unique perspective to her work, blending personal experiences with an interdisciplinary approach to migration, urban sociology, and social networks. Born to Greek immigrant parents, Dr. Poros’s academic journey began with a pursuit of clinical psychology before a life-changing sociology class shifted her focus. Today, she stands as a mentor, researcher, and advocate for equity in higher education. A… Read More »


    From High School Dreams to The New York Times: Fairuz Omar Raya’s Journalism Journey Meet Fairuz Omar Raya, a sophomore at City College of New York (CCNY), who is turning her passion for storytelling into a promising journalism career. Majoring in Political Science and minoring in Journalism, Fairuz has already secured remarkable accomplishments, including her acceptance into the New York Times Corps program and the NBCU Academy and Inner Circle Journalism Fellowship. From Early Inspiration to a Journalism Calling As a Bangladeshi-American… Read More »


  Professor Sherrie Baver: Championing Environmental Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean Professor Sherrie Baver has dedicated her career to exploring the complex relationship between environmental justice and democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean. Her current research focuses on the implementation of “Environmental Democracy” in Mexico and Chile, with a passion fueled by years of fieldwork and a lifelong commitment to understanding the intersection of politics, culture, and the environment. A Passion for Latin America and Political… Read More »


  Leading with Purpose: Hannah-Sophie Wahle’s Journey in Global Humanitarian Efforts Hannah-Sophie Wahle, a City College alumna with a degree in political science, has built a remarkable career in humanitarian work and global change. Her passion for international affairs was first sparked by her parents, whose careers in peacekeeping and pastoral care offered her a unique view of the world. Originally from Germany, Hannah-Sophie’s curiosity led her to study abroad in Texas, where she fell in love with the U.S. education system, eventually choosing City… Read More »


  Katherine Chen and Her Path to the Colin Powell School Dr. Katherine Chen, Chair of Sociology at the Colin Powell School, is making waves in the field of organizational ethnography. With a keen focus on how organizations can empower individuals through collective decision-making, she draws inspiration from her diverse and motivated students at CCNY. Many of her students come from working-class and immigrant backgrounds, and Dr. Chen is dedicated to helping them connect their unique skills to broader societal issues. Discovering a Passion for… Read More »


Last Updated: 01/15/2020 15:46