Building Community and Business: Diana Perez Paves the Way for Social Justice through Entrepreneurship
Diana Perez ‘18, a first-generation Mexican immigrant and proud Latina alumna of the Colin Powell School at CCNY, embodies resilience, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Through her studies in Economics and Mathematics, she sought to address economic inequalities and empower marginalized communities. Today, as a co-founder of Radiate Consulting NY, a worker-owned cooperative, she continues to champion social justice through culturally sensitive… Read More »
Closing the Opportunity Divide - MD Miah ‘24
I am a first-generation recent graduate from the City College of New York, having majored in economics with a concentration in finance and a minor in management and administration. Originally from Bangladesh, my family moved to the Bronx, New York, when I was young. Growing up in the Bronx, I faced various challenges related to financial literacy and adapting to a new culture. One specific financial challenge we faced was dealing with predatory payday loans, which resulted in severe financial stress… Read More »
Meet Nica Genestin ’22: A Story of Resilience and Determination
Nica Genestin, a 2022 alum, embodies resilience and determination. She immigrated to the U.S. at five, facing numerous challenges with her family before starting her higher education journey at Borough of Manhattan Community College and later transferring to CCNY. Initially drawn to biology, Genestin discovered her true passion for political science through internships at the Social Science Research Council and Democracy Corps. Today, she serves as the Program Coordinator at Barnard… Read More »
Paul Wachtel’s Journey from Physics to Psychology and a Storied Career at CCNY
Please share something about your personal and professional background.
I grew up in the Bronx and have been a New Yorker for most of my life. We were a family of four living in a one bedroom apartment. My father had dropped out of school after the ninth grade to support his single mother and younger sister. So I can identify with the many students at City who are the first in their family to attend college, and with the experience of whole new worlds… Read More »
From Immigrant Roots to Legal Leadership: Andre Desir ‘16
Andre Desir ‘16, who was born to immigrant parents from Haiti and Canada, initially undervalued a college education. Desir's decision to attend CCNY and join the Colin Powell School was deeply influenced by his father's educational legacy and the allure of CCNY’s diverse programs and vibrant community. Motivated by a desire for maximum agency in navigating life, he recognized education as the key to a better future. At CCNY, Desir participated in the Skadden Arps Program (now the… Read More »
Introduction
Angela Vasovic '22 was born to parents who immigrated to America from Yugoslavia. Growing up, Vasovic developed a profound interest in global perspectives during family visits to Serbia and decided to begin her journey in diplomacy at the City College of New York. Her commitment to international affairs and human rights led her to an early internship with International IDEA, and her participation in the Colin Powell and S Jay Levy fellowships at CCNY paved the way for an internship with the Department of State during the pandemic, and… Read More »
Alum Carlos Pazmino’s Journey to a Career in Urban Planning
Carlos Pazmino ‘15, a Transportation Planner/Urban Planner II at The District Department of Transportation, immigrated with his mother from Quito, Ecuador, at the age of 10, during a very turbulent era in that country. City College provided a platform for Pazmino to blend personal experiences with academic pursuits, fueling his passion for urban planning.
What brought you to CCNY and to the Colin Powell School?
My stepfamily has a longstanding history with CUNY, as my… Read More »
Alesia Burnazi ‘17: Curiosity Will Take You Places You Never Thought You’d Go
Alesia Burnazi ‘17 is Communications Associate for Palladium and Communications Manager for the UNICEF-funded AFPro project in Albania. Born in Tirana, Albania, Burnazi’s began her college career at BMCC before transferring to CCNY. Her family background, paired with her passion for world affairs, politics, and journalism, led her to study international studies at CCNY.
Please tell us a little about your background.
I was born and raised in Tirana, Albania. I am of… Read More »
From City College to Amsterdam, the story of Alumnus Fatjon Kaja ’16
Born in a small Albanian town, alumnus Fatjon Kaja’s journey has led him from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn to City College to Amsterdam.
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Where are you from and what is your background story?
I was born in a small town in Albania, where I lived until my junior year of high school. I went on to complete my high school education at Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn. Following this transition, I enrolled at the City College of New York where I pursued my degree… Read More »
Zine Ebersohn ‘24, who comes from South Africa, brings a deep love for her country and a passion for storytelling and helping people to CCNY. Her journey to New York was initially as a scholarship recipient studying acting. Inspired by her community's struggles with racial inequality and barriers led her to realize the importance of mental health access for all. She has found her calling in mental health advocacy.
Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?
I grew up in diverse South Africa, and I have a… Read More »
Last Updated: 08/26/2020 16:36