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Silicon Harlem’s Next Gen Tech Conference"Transforming Tomorrow: Innovations that are Re-Shaping Our Communities!"
Join us at the 11th Annual Next Gen Tech Conference as we explore the cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing industries and impacting communities worldwide. Our conference aims to ignite conversations, spark collaborations, and drive actionable solutions to address today's most pressing challenges and opportunities. From automation and AI to augmented reality and immersion technology, discover how these advancements are reshaping healthcare, workforce Development, small businesses and entrepreneurship, Urban Mobility, food sustainability, and our environment. Be part of the movement that's shaping the future, one breakthrough at a time.
Session Titles and Overviews:
These sessions will feature thought-provoking discussions, and networking opportunities to inspire collaboration and drive positive change. Join us at the Next Gen Tech Conference and be part of shaping the future of technology for a better tomorrow.
ALL TOPICS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Clayton Banks advocates and stretches the boundaries of broadband connectivity, to bring parity to zip codes, preparing citizens for current and future jobs, and leading communities to sustainable economic opportunities.
Expertise:
Telecommunications, Smart and Tech-Enabled Infrastructure, Broadband, Advanced Wireless Connectivity, Digital and Data Literacy, Virtual Incubator Development, Technology Hub Design, Network Deployment, Web Production, Telecommunication Policy, and Leadership.
Bio:
Clayton Banks is the CEO of Silicon Harlem whose goal is to combine technology and innovation with affordable connectivity that can enable a sustainable economic engine in emerging communities across the United States. Under his leadership, Silicon Harlem has attracted over $50 million dollars into upper Manhattan for advanced infrastructure research and test bedding. Mr. Banks has positioned Upper Manhattan as a tech and innovation hub that is one of the fastest growing areas for tech startups, entrepreneurs, and companies. Banks has been able to galvanize the public sector, the private sector, universities, and community stakeholders to embrace tech as a sustainable economic engine for Upper Manhattan. Banks has established critical programs based on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in public schools and several non-profits in Upper Manhattan to prepare citizens for 21st century jobs and careers. These programs have become gateway opportunities for many students to pursue further education. Prior to Silicon Harlem, Banks was a pioneer in the cable and communications industry. He set the vision for
Ember Media, a development group that builds digital solutions and interactive applications for top brands and non-profit organizations, across multiple platforms. Known as a pragmatic visionary, Banks has developed and deployed leading edge technology and applications for network cloud, gaming consoles, social media, augmented and virtual reality, interactive TV, tablets, mobile apps and over 400 interactive properties. Banks worked with former President of the United States Bill Clinton to publish a first-of-its-kind interactive college guide series called "The Key", that targets underserved communities and features Historically Black Colleges and Universities and
Hispanic Serving Institutions. Banks served as Vice President of Affiliate Relations for Comedy Central. While at Comedy Central, he was part of the launch of South Park, the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and the Upright Citizens Brigade.
He has been recognized with many awards and honors including being selected as one of New York Cities “Tech Power 50” leaders in the technology industry. Banks has been inducted into the Library of Congress, has received proclamations from the Public Advocate, Manhattan President's office, Brooklyn’s President Office, and Advocate of the Year from Society for Africans in Diaspora.
Passionate About:
People, learning, Data, Content, Future, Communications, Collaboration, Vision, Reading.
Known As:
Social Entrepreneur, Inventor, Design Creator, Idea Generator, Pragmatic Visionary and Leader, Community Contributor, Brand Steward.
Universities: California State University Fullerton, Harvard Business School.
Aarti is the CEO of Smart City Expo USA where she convenes presidents, global mayors, government officials, CEOs, NGOs, and leading innovators on harnessing AI, big data, blockchain, and the $1.6 trillion global smart city marketplace to build smart, equitable, and sustainable 21st century cities.
“Cities cannot be ‘smart’ if we have homelessness, hunger, and poverty or if cities cannot access decent transportation, housing, healthcare, security, broadband, education, energy, clean air and water, or build generational wealth. We must use frontier technologies to prepare cities for tomorrow while addressing urgent issues of today,” says Aarti.
Aarti began her career as an information technology lawyer and then a decade in media and entertainment representing Grammy-nominated artists, filmmakers, magazine publishers, and more. She worked with India’s leading events company, Wizcraft, and oversaw the tours of the world’s most famous Bollywood stars. She has organized high-level delegations for the U.S. State Department in advance of the 2014 World Cup, consulted for Derek Jeter’s The Players’ Tribune, and worked on will.i.am’s sustainable joint venture with Coca-Cola, EKOCYCLE. Aarti facilitated the City of Columbia, SC giving Jay-Z a key to the city, and José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen feeding the most vulnerable in Augusta, GA during the pandemic.
Aarti served as Interim Executive Director of the Blue Sphere Foundation (an ocean conservation NGO) and as a content producer for The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's 2018 Goalkeepers event featuring President Macron and other heads of state. She was selected to participate in the 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, served as a Senior Advisor for Black Media Strategic Engagement to the Bloomberg 2020 campaign, as Sponsorship Director of Juneteenth Unityfest, and as an advisor for the World Economic Forum’s inaugural Urban Transformation Summit in Detroit. She is a Climate Advisor to the Clinton Global Initiative and most recently served as Head of Strategic Partnerships for will.i.am’s AI platform, fyi.ai.
An early steward of criminal justice reform, Aarti helped successfully petition President George W. Bush to grant, in 2008, the early release of her client who was serving a 14-year federal prison sentence for a first-time non-violent drug offense – it was one of only 11 Commutations granted during President Bush’s eight years in office. Her continued efforts to reduce mass incarceration include having worked with the wrongfully convicted at the Deskovic Foundation and formerly incarcerated women at Project Liberation.
As a feature documentary filmmaker, her credits include: Producer, ”Catching the Sun”, a film on solar energy’s ability to address income inequality featuring Van Jones and executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio (Netflix, 2016); Co-Executive Producer, “The Uncondemned”, a film on the historic Akayesu case and first ever conviction of rape as a crime of war supported by Global Citizen with music by Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter, and; Co-Producer, “Survivors Guide to Prison”, executive produced by Susan Sarandon, Gina Belafonte, Adrian Grenier, and others committed to criminal justice issues.
Aarti is a graduate of Emory University (B.A., International Studies; Certificat, Sorbonne Université) and the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law (J.D.) where she served as Editor-in Chief of the Moot Court Honor Society and received the Jacob Burns Medal of Honor. Aarti is a Global Ambassador of Global Impact Initiative, and a member of the third class of the Aspen Institute Civil Society Fellowship and the Aspen Global Leaders Network. Aarti lives in New York City with her husband, Joseph.
Jodia Vanel currently serves as a Federal Program Officer representing the great state of New York. In her current role she leads the Internet for All initiative focused on Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) along with Digital (DE) in the state of New York under the Department of Commerce and National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Biden Administration. Jodia works with New York’s State Broadband Office, community stakeholders, industry services providers along with others to ensure that affordable and accessible broadband services are achieved for all.
Jodia previously worked as a Client Executive at Microsoft focused on state and local government where she helped agencies across New York digitally transform and modernize. Prior to this, Jodia served as founder of a certified minority, women owned business enterprise (“MWBE”) focused on strategic consulting, stakeholder management and project management. Moreover, Jodia has 15 years of corporate insurance and risk management experience in both domestic and international business. She has worked with many brands and industries in almost every market and time zone across the world. Jodia brings a wealth of knowledge from the private sector, stakeholder management, government and her experiences in living and working in cities like Boston, New York, London, and Sydney. Jodia is a proud “yardie” from Jamaica, raised in Boston and has been living in New York for about 20 years. She is an active member of her community and throughout New York. Jodia is a champion of diversity, inclusion and equity for all, a small business advocate, tech, and STEAM inclusive society and an avid MWBE supporter. Additionally, Jodia serves as a Queens County Committee Member, Queens Tech Council Member, Boys and Girls Club of Metro Queens Board Member, Museum Hue Board Member and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Member.
Joshua Breitbart is the Senior Vice President, ConnectALL, at Empire State Development. In that role, he serves as Director of the Division of Broadband Access, overseeing the statewide digital equity plan and administering over $1 billion in public investments across the state. Joshua Breitbart brings more than two decades of experience to ConnectALL, including as Senior Advisor for Broadband and Deputy Chief Technology Officer for the City of New York and as an advisor to the broadband subcommittee of the Reimagine New York Commission.
As the Vice President, External Engagement, Ivo is responsible for community engagement, partnerships, and for the last two years, communications. He supports and partners with the CEO and the Development Team on development initiatives, provides support to the Programs and Museum teams, is the liaison to the JRF Alumni Association and leads JRF’s yearly Rachel Robinson International Fellowship Service and Leadership trip to Africa. Prior to this role, Ivo was the Global Diversity & Inclusion Relationships Lead at PayPal where he was responsible for establishing and maintaining internal and external partnerships focused of building and implementing new diversity recruiting strategies and programs. He was a critical partner to PayPal’s Global Talent Acquisition team where he provided strategic subject matter expertise and collaborated across functions to develop retention strategies to improve representation.
Ivo has also served as Vice President of Strategic Account Management & Businessm Development at INROADS, Inc. where he led a team focused on driving strategies to recruit and retain diverse entry level and experienced hires for national clients in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Ivo believes in giving back. He is the Co-President of the Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance (FDBA), Treasurer of the National Black Leadership Commission on Health (Black Health), Board of Trustee member of the Gift Hill School on St. John, US Virgin Islands, Board Member of the Hudson Square Business Improvement District, and a member of the men’s collective, Mastermind Connect.
He received the New York City Police Department’s Civilian Commendation Award, the Mentoring in Leadership Award from Table of Kingz, and the Man of the Year Award from Harlem Haberdashery Take Care of Harlem Initiative. Ivo is also a TEDx speaker, where he spoke about “Living Life ON Purpose, with Passion!” Ivo is from St. John, US Virgin Islands and currently resides in Harlem, NYC.
Keri Faulhaber is JobsFirstNYC’s Senior Vice President, bringing expertise in intermediary innovation that advances strategic objectives and systems-level transformation. In this role, she provides strategic leadership to advance the organization’s vision, expand its impact, and drive innovation. Keri joined JobsFirstNYC in 2013, most recently serving as Vice President, leading work solutions and communications, identifying, designing and advancing practices and policies that achieve better outcomes for employers and workers and amplifying our work. Prior to joing JobsFirst, Keri served as director of operations at Public/Private Ventures, where she oversaw several large-scale, complex workforce projects. Prior to her career in workforce development, Keri was an executive in film and television post-production. Keri holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University at Buffalo, a Certificate in Aspen Institute’s Sector Skills Academy Fellowship, and a Certificate in Executive Education from the Senior Leaders Program at Columbia Business School.
Assemblyman Al Taylor has represented the 71st Assembly District of Upper Manhattan since 2017.
Before being elected to the Assembly in a special election in the fall of 2017, Al Taylor served as Chief of Staff to legendary former Assemblyman Herman “Denny” Farrell, Jr., and as District Leader.Assemblyman Taylor has served his community as an advocate for over 20 years, working to increase economic opportunity, affect social change and reform the criminal justice system, and he continues that work in the Assembly.
In 2008, Assemblyman Taylor, a longtime advocate and leader in the fight against guns and violence, began the Man Up! In Harlem program to address the alarming increase in gun-related deaths in his neighborhood. The program arranged for dialogue between neighborhood leaders and residents through early morning prayer walks at the Polo Grounds’ Rucker Park every week. The program has been widely credited, including by the NYPD, for dramatically reducing violence in the neighborhood. The program has since been replicated in housing projects throughout Upper Manhattan.
As part of an effort to inspire communities to confront violence and work toward peace, Assemblyman Taylor walked 780 miles to Chicago in the “It’s A Love Thing Always” event. Assemblyman Taylor has also been a leader in the fight against bigotry and hatred and mobilized his community to work against hate crimes after the murder of Islan Nettles, a 21-year old transgender woman and Harlem resident.
In 2010, Assemblyman Taylor led a relief mission to Haiti after the catastrophic earthquake decimated that country.
Assemblyman Taylor graduated from Lehman College of the City University of New York with a B.A. in Public Communication and later earned the degree of Master of Divinity, with a concentration in Church Development, from Nyack College Alliance Theological Seminary.
Married for more than 20 years to wife Gwendolyn, they raise their daughters Tiffany, Tameka, Ashley and Stefani, and their son, Brandon, in Northern Manhattan, the neighborhood Al Taylor loves and has devoted his entire life to serving.
Dr. Lola Omishore, founder of TheraMotive, brings ten years of expertise as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist, and Certified Athletic Trainer. She began her sports medicine career treating elite athletes globally with her ‘healthcare on demand’ model. Now, she’s bringing that same gold-medal-worthy care to everyone’s corner because access to top-notch healthcare isn’t a privilege, it’s a civil right.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine previously served eight years in the New York City Council, representing parts of Upper Manhattan and was a leading voice for tenants’ rights, public health, and equity in schools, transit, parks, and housing. Previously, he taught bilingual middle school math and science in the South Bronx and founded Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union, a community development financial institution which has made $25 million in small loans to low-income families and small businesses in Northern Manhattan.
Samia Lemfadli is a Brooklyn native and technologist with a deep-rooted passion for sustainable agriculture. As an alumnus of programs like General Assembly's Web Development Immersive and Platform by Perscholas, she has leveraged her technical and business development skills to improve workforce strategies and advance technical infrastructure for organizations like MIT Civic Media Lab, The Knowledge House, Per Scholas, New York Maritime Innovation Center, Kilimanjaro Initiative USA, and JobsFirstNYC. Samia has applied her lived experience of the workforce development system to secure more than 300 job placements for program alumni and her community network and remains a fierce advocate for young adult economic mobility. She believes that workforce development and inclusive technology advances can be key levers for self-determination and more resilient communities. She was selected for Claniel Foundation’s 2022 Emerging Leaders Fund, was a 2020 Echoing Green Semi-Finalist, Head of the Steering Committee for NYMIC, Head of the Junior Board for Kilimanjaro Initiative USA and served as Co-Chair for the Yes Bed-Stuy Partnership.
Gary C Butts, MD,
CDIO and Executive Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Mount Sinai Health System Dean for Multicultural and Community Affairs, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Dr. Butts is currently Executive Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Mount Sinai Health System and Dean for Multicultural and Community Affairs, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He is a visionary leader with over 25 years’ experience in designing, developing, implementing and managing DEI programs and strategies in executive level academic healthcare. Dr. Butts has overseen the development of one of the nation’s (if not world’s) most comprehensive, full thickness and impactful DEI programs for an academic health care system. In these roles, Dr. Butts is responsible for oversight, management and integration of all aspects of diversity and equity programs and policies for the Mount Sinai Health System, including the medical and graduate schools (over 3,800 faculty and 650 students), graduate medical education (nearly 3,000 trainees) and the Mount Sinai Health System hospitals (42,000+ employees). In 2019, as Principle Founder, he co-founded the Diversity Innovation Hub (DIH): A Mount Sinai Venture. A first for a health care system, the DIH intentionally intersects priorities of diversity and inclusion with innovation and technology, addressing the lack of inclusion of women and people of color in the health innovation and technology space by expanding the diversity and capacity of entrepreneurs with tech and innovation pathways targeting high school, college and medical students and resident trainees. In 2020, Dr. Butts chaired the MSHS Task Force to Address Racism across the health system and is a key lead implementing its strategies.
Under his tenure, the medical school and health system have been recognized annually by Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED), the Human Rights Campaign for LGBTQ inclusion and quality care and by DiversityInc for the Top 10 Hospitals and Health Systems for 4 consecutive years, achieving #1 ranking in 2017 and 2018. In addition, MSHS has achieved status as Forbes Top 20 employers for Diversity in the nation in 2018 and 2019 and the Diversity Innovation Hub was awarded the Rock Health Diversity Innovations award in 2020.
Dr. Butts has been the leading senior representative and voice for diversity deans and leaders in New York State through Associated Medical Schools of New York as Chair for the Committee on Diversity and Multicultural Affairs since 2006 and has mentored dozens of leaders in D&I for medical schools and health systems.
Dr. Butts completed his training in pediatrics at Mount Sinai Hospital after graduating from Cornell Medical College. He holds joint appointments as Professor with tenure in the Departments of Pediatrics, Medical Education, and Environmental Medicine/Public Health.
Brian Aquart is dedicated to fostering growth and innovation and implementing impactful learning and education programs.
Brian is the Vice President of Workforce & Community Education at Northwell Health, New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer. In the Center for Learning & Innovation, he collaborates with the Chief Learning & Innovation Officer to strategically propel the growth of key education and innovation initiatives throughout the health system. He also spearheads Northwell's relationship with the Office of the Chancellor of New
York City Public Schools to establish a robust healthcare talent pipeline, offering pathways to economic success. Notably, Brian’s collaborative leadership culminated in securing a multi-million dollar grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to establish the groundbreaking Northwell School of Health Sciences. This innovative high school, developed in collaboration with NYC Public Schools & The Fund For Public Schools, is set to redefine healthcare education.
Previously, Brian served as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President & CEO at Northwell, where he managed a diverse portfolio of special projects, research, and strategic initiatives. As a trusted advisor, he worked closely with the Chief Executive to align business strategies and provided valuable insights to senior executives.
Brian's commitment to education extends beyond his professional endeavors; he hosts the insightful podcast, Why I Left, which delves into the real stories and lessons learned from individuals who have transitioned from their jobs. Brian was previously the Director of Human Resources at North Shore University Hospital and, prior to joining Northwell, served in varying employment attorney roles in NYC government and in private practice.
Brian earned his Bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. He is also a graduate of Northwell's Executive Leadership Development Program. With his multifaceted background and unwavering dedication, Brian continues to make a profound impact on healthcare education and leadership development.
Marci Kenon is the founder of Preventive Lifestyle Assistance Network (PLAN) launched in 2019 in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in providing the agency’s 12-month National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) to residents of Harlem, her hometown. In 2023, her company earned the NYC-Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification.
Marci is a fitness trainer/lifestyle coach turned environmental toxins educator/food justice activist. She transitioned after reading about the FDA-enabled Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) provision in Dr. Will Bulsiewicz’s NYT bestseller “Fiber Fueled.” GRAS permits food companies to decide what additives are safe to put in our food supply.
Fast-forward decades later, we now have 10,000+ additives in the food supply-99 percent have no studies, Bulsiewicz reveals. (There are an estimated 300 food additives registered for use in the European Union (EU)—to offer a comparison.) Many of these minimally-vetted additives end up in ultra-processed foods which on average comprise 60-70 percent of Americans’ daily caloric intake.
Marci also discovered the tremendous amount of toxins we encounter every day beyond food in her work to increase the awareness of GRAS and the legislation to stop the flood of additives, some of which are linked to chronic diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Utilizing her signature E3 Method, Marci guides clients seeking to optimize their health and well-being through the maze of market confusion that can leave them feeling overwhelmed, powerless, betrayed, and sometimes defeated.
Marci educates, empowers, and enlists clients through masterclasses, five-day workshops, five-week boot camps, and 1:1 coaching, She helps clients gain clarity to craft purpose and intention-driven plans to live health-centered, energetic lives.
Marci is a graduate of the Dalton School in New York City and the University of Southern California where she earned a B.A. in Print Journalism and International Relations. She is an IFPA-certified personal fitness trainer and an Institute for Wellness Education (IWE) wellness coach.
Marci is a former columnist and contributor to Billboard magazine with published articles featuring Jay-Z, Boys II Men, Daymond John, Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, and Nelly, to name a few. She is also the
producer of the documentary “Higher Ground: Voices of Contemporary Gospel Music” and accompanying CD “Higher Ground: Reformed & Reborn” in partnership with Image Entertainment.
She recently had the privilege to interview Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, the gastroenterologist and influencer whose book changed the trajectory of her life. She is working on an animated film and soundtrack to teach kids about gut health. She is also working on her first book, “ULTRA-PROCESSED: It’s NOT Food & It’s Killing Us!”
Gale A. Brewer represents the 6th Council District and chairs the Committee on Oversight and Investigations. The committee has a far reaching mandate to examine the mayoral administration, its policies, and delivery of city services. Under her leadership, the committee held oversight hearings on costs of the migrant crisis, responses to climate emergencies, proliferation of unlicensed cannabis shops, operational challenges in family court, maintaining the municipal workforce, and many others. Council Member Brewer is a member of the Budget Negotiation Team as well as the Committees on Finance, Higher Education, Immigration, Consumer and Worker Protection, Governmental Operations, and Rules, Privileges, and Elections. She recently passed bills to prevent lithium-ion battery fires, expand the city’s tree canopy, and protect hourly workers.
As Borough President, she submitted over 190 ULURP recommendations; allocated $213 million in capital funds (and more in operational and cultural dollars) to non-profits, schools, and parks; secured a competitive grant of $20 million from the State of New York for revitalization of Chinatown; appointed over 1000 people every year to Community Boards, school boards as well as many other boards and trained them in ethics, land use, budgeting, open data, proposal writing, conflict resolution, and other issues; and opened the first storefront district office for the Borough President on 125th Street in Harlem. She convened task forces on construction safety, African immigrants, small business, faith-based entities and real estate, affordable housing, the closing of Rikers Island jails and other matters.
Before being elected Borough President, she represented the 6th Council District from 2002-2013. Her legislative highlights included laws guaranteeing paid sick leave for most hourly employees, requiring all City data be published online, and protecting domestic workers from abusive practices.
Prior to elected office, she served as Chief of Staff to Council Member Ruth Messinger, NYC Deputy Public Advocate, Director of the city’s Federal Office, and Executive Director of the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women. She worked on a research project regarding non-profits at the CUNY Graduate Center, and she worked for a private firm that focused on creating affordable housing.
For many years, Gale Brewer has taught at CUNY and Barnard College.
Brewer has an MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and did her undergraduate work at Columbia University and Bennington College. She lives with her husband Cal Snyder, and they have a grown son. In the past, she had many foster children.
A New York based Urban & International Marketing, Research, and Special Events Production Company with affiliate operations in Washington, DC.
The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, now celebrating its 125th anniversary, is the 2nd oldest continuous business/civic organization in Manhattan (originally founded in 1896). The Chamber’s motto, “The Business of Business is People, ” is primarily focused on improving quality of life issues including business, economic development and community revitalization in the Upper Manhattan area with specific emphasis on the needs of the business, education, technology, cultural, tourism, civic, and professional sectors.
Now the largest summer people-attraction event in the northeast area, HARLEM WEEK, which started in 1974 as a one‐day celebration, is now an 11-day event (in August of each year). HARLEM WEEK annually attracts over 2.5 million targeted attendees to its over 40 events, and activities. HARLEM WEEK is now presented on live and virtual platforms. The virtual platforms are picked-up nationally and internationally by hundreds of millions of viewers via streaming, and international live broadcasts.
President:
Greater Harlem Housing Development Corporation (GHHDC) New York, New York
GHHDC is the residential, commercial and community development subsidiary of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. GHHDC, in concert with the Chamber constructed and developed “Strivers Gardens”, an international award-winning mixed-use development project located in the heart of Central Harlem (West 134th to 135th St. between Fredrick Douglass Blvd & St Nicholas Ave).
Strivers Gardens features 170 units of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condominiums; 42 double‐leveled penthouses; an enclosed urban garden; a health & recreation club; underground parking for approximately 180 cars; as well as featuring 42,000 square feet of commercial, and retail space.
GHHDC, in concert with NY City Department of Housing Preservation & Development, also renovated & developed, owns and manages 13 mixed‐use properties (located between West 134th St. and West 136th St. between AC Powel Jr Blvd and St Nicholas Ave.) serving 117 residents
BRIEF BIO AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
Featuring studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, as well as twelve community -based commercial, and local small business retail spaces.
Vice Chairman:
Williams serves as the Vice‐Chairman of Harlem Arts Alliance a not‐for‐profit organization comprised of over 200 arts and culture institutions, theaters, art galleries, and art professionals from across the Tri-State region.
Member, Executive Board:
Williams serves as a member of the Executive Board of New York City Tourism + Conventions, the renowned official regional, national and international tourism, visitation, special events, marketing, and promotional arm for the City of New York.
Chairman:
President’s Executive Advisory Board
The President’s Executive Advisory Board serves as the support instrument to assist The City College of New York in its relationships with elected officials, the surrounding community, program development, and special educational and development initiatives.
Doctorate
University of the West Indies
Among other prestigious educational awards and presentations, Williams is also the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the internationally renowned, and prestigious University of the West Indies.
TEACHING & INSTRUCTIONAL BACKGROUND
Williams has taught various courses on Urban Development, Economics, Tourism, Business, and Black History, at Cooper Union, Hunter College, The City College of New York, Rutgers University, Columbia University, Malcolm-King College, Pratt Institute, Shaw University, University of Michigan, University of Massachusetts, Fordham University, The New School for Social Research, and Central
State College to name a few. In addition, Williams has been featured on numerous regional, national and international radio, television, and cable programs. Williams has also been the feature subject of numerous daily, weekly, and monthly print publications, newspapers, and magazines.
OTHER INFORMATION
Williams is a member of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge. He is a lifetime member of the NAACP and also a lifetime member of National Action Network. Williams has been recognized by City and State NY Magazine as one of the top 100 most influential New Yorkers,; by NY Amsterdam News as one of the top 25 most influential Black New Yorkers; and by NY Christian Times as one of the most influential Black Professionals. Williams has also received ‘Front Page’ awards from New York Daily News, New York CARIB News, New York Christian Times, and the New York Beacon. He has written numerous articles which have been featured in local, regional, and national publications. Williams has co-produced TV specials on FOXTV, NBC4, CBS2, WNET, and WOR9.
Tequila, as the NYC Outreach Lead on the Education for Social Impact Team at Google, is a driving force behind New York City's tech education outreach initiatives. A passionate advocate for excellence and equity in tech education, she actively addresses disparities in computer science and digital skills education. With a focus on improving access and fostering a sense of belonging in computer science, she designs and executes programs that aim to amplify the representation of underrepresented groups in the tech industry. Tequila's dedication to education spans the cradle-to-college spectrum, with prior roles as Executive Director/Head of School at a STEAM charter school, leading early learning programs at the YMCA, and supporting first generation college students at Clark Atlanta University.
Her leadership in the education sector extends beyond her professional accomplishments. Tequila is a proud mother of two sons and a supportive spouse to a fellow Googler. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading the latest selection from McNally Jackson, training for her next marathon, and exploring new restaurants in her Harlem neighborhood.
Tequila's educational background includes a master's degree in education and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Florida A&M University. Her well-rounded approach and passion for education make her a valuable asset in advancing social impact through tech education initiatives.
Allie Joy Tsahey is a Ghanaian-American entrepreneur, career strategist and diversity, equity, and inclusion advocate. She is the Founder and CEO of Baddies in Tech, a professional development organization dedicated to creating safe spaces for underrepresented women of color to thrive in technology. Allie’s impact on diversity and inclusion in the tech industry has been featured in global publications such as Ebony Magazine, Yahoo News, AfroTech and Blavity, and she continues to strive to create initiatives that ensure Black and brown women are represented in tech spaces.
Peter Norton is associate professor of history in the Department of Engineering and Society at the University of Virginia. He is the author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City, and of Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving. He is a winner of the Usher Prize of the Society for the History of Technology, and a frequent speaker on the subject of sustainable and equitable urban mobility.
Marion Williams currently works as a Chef & Program Manager for Wellness in the Schools, an organization dedicated to inspiring healthy eating, environmental awareness and fitness as a way of life for children in public schools. She received her degree as a Chef from Peter Kump N.Y. Cooking School in late 80’s. She enrolled in the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts, to specialize in healthier way to prepare foods. As a Chef, she has worked with Wholefoods Market, James Beard Foundation, City Harvest and several Catering Facilities. She has a twenty year career in the food industry.
Her professional career outside the culinary industry; includes a degree from College of New Rochelle as a Paralegal. As a Paralegal, she worked for a private Law Firm and the Social Security Hearing and Appeals Office. An additional position included working in a Home Design and Remodeling firm. Marion continued her education in Nutrition with programs at the University of Pittsburgh and University of California, San Francisco, with studies focusing on Nutrition & Physical Activity as it impacts Health. She attends lectures at NGI surrounding Restoring Gut health.
Marion's other pursuits include volunteering with Churches, Slow food of New York, Chef’s Move to Schools, NYCNEN (NYC Nutrition Educator’s Network), and being a member of BCA Global where we mentor students of color in the Food Service industry. Continuing to educated, support and mentor the South Bronx community in which she was raised is high priority in her life's goal. “Leaving a good food Memory in the body of the children” is most important part of her work at Wellness in the Schools.
Recent Public Events;
City Harvest “Cooking Matters”, funded by Michelle Obama’s ‘Chef’s Move to Schools’...6-week Interactive Lecture on Nutrition with Cooking Instruction for the Parents of Eagle Avenue, Mott Haven Area, West Farms Communities all in South Bronx Area.
Guest Panel Speaker at the Bronx Documentary Center, For the 2012 Independent Film,
“A Place at the Table”. Starring Jeff Bridges.
Panelist at the ‘Just Food’ Conference Workshop on
“EXPERIMENTAL FOOD EDUCATION FOR NYC CHILDREN”
Webinar Blog/Talk Radio Interview: “The Heart of Healing a Healers Journey”-
Conversations with a variety of healers, discovering what they offer, how they came to their healing work & how their modality can help our listeners.
Webinar Panelist for 2015 Food Day Events. Food Day 2015 focus is on greener diets as a way to address health and environmental issues.
Panelist at Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center, May 2024
Discussion on Strategies for Sustained Nutrition and Culinary Education Programs” led by Pam Koch, Professor & Faculty Director of Trish Center for Food, Education and Policy at Teachers College.
~Marion believes that Fresh Food = Good Health~
John is a Department Manager of Con Edison’s Energy Storage team where he leads a team of engineers and project managers to evaluate, design, develop, and operate Battery Energy Storage in New York City. He is currently the co-chair of New York’s Energy Storage Task Force (“ESTF”) which is focused on increasing the deployment of energy storage in electric transmission and distribution applications.
His previous roles include leading cross-functional efforts to integrate Distributed Energy Resources (“DERs) into utility systems while advancing Con Edison’s goals for electrification, reliability, innovation, and decarbonization. John’s primary areas of focus were FERC Order 2222 implementation, IEEE 1547-2018 Smart Inverter integration, DER hosting capacity analysis, and implementing Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS).
John has 17 years of utility experience in areas of DER interconnections, electric distribution operations, project management, and regulatory policy. He has extensive experience in construction and operations of various electric distribution systems and overseeing large capital projects. John holds a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from Rutgers University and an MBA in Finance from New York University.
Dr. Michael Flanigan currently serves as Director of Corporate & Foundation Engagement and Development at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), City University of New York (CUNY). Before joining BMCC, he worked as a Senior Associate at The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and at Medgar Evers College (CUNY) as Director of the Caribbean Research Center.
He also served as Academic Development Manager for the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the School of Liberal Arts, and Senior Development Manager and Major Gifts Officer in the Division of Communications and External Relations at Medgar Evers College.
Before joining Medgar Evers College, he served as Vice President and Director of Community Relations for JP Morgan Chase and Citibank, responsible for the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island boroughs in New York City.Dr. Flanigan earned his PhD in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University and received the Outstanding Research award from the University for his dissertation, a qualitative study titled: Black Middle Class Parental Investment In Their Children’s Higher Education. He has an MBA from the Leonard M. Stern School of Business, New York University, an EMPA (The Marxe School of Public & International Affairs) and a BBA from Baruch College of the City University of New York, and a Certificate in Corporate Community Relations from the Boston College Center for Corporate Community Relations, Carroll School of Management.
Dr. Flanigan serves on the boards of directors of Education Solutions International, HARLEM WEEK, MACADEMY, and Opus Dance Theatre and Community Services. He is a former New York City Workforce Investment Board member and a former chair of the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies.
Baron Carr is a dynamic business strategist and technology enthusiast with over two decades of experience in driving innovation across multiple industries. He currently serves as the Senior Director of the Small Business Initiative at The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. Baron is at the forefront of integrating technological advancements with community development, demonstrating the profound impact tech can have on local economies and environments.
With expertise in marketing, finance, and media—backed by an MBA in Accounting and a BA in Media Arts from Long Island University—Baron brings a multifaceted perspective to the tech-driven conversations of our time. His illustrious career spans leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies like Carlson Companies and JPMorgan Chase, where he consistently leveraged cutting-edge technologies to transform business operations and customer experiences. Notably, as President of Management and Operations at The Wright Fit, a leader in the wellness and fitness industry, Baron spearheaded a digital revolution that expanded the company's footprint. This experience highlighted the intersection of technology, personal wellness, and environmental sustainability in corporate settings.
In his current role at the Chamber, Baron focuses on aligning technological innovations with local economic development, showcasing how tech-driven solutions can address business growth, community wellness, and environmental challenges. His work bridges the gap between emerging technologies and their practical applications in enhancing quality of life and promoting sustainable practices.
Daniel Zarrilli is the first-ever Chief Climate & Sustainability Officer at Columbia University where he is leading and coordinating the University’s wide-ranging efforts to achieve its climate commitments and related sustainability goals. This includes overseeing the implementation and delivery of Columbia’s Plan 2030 sustainability strategy, serving as an expert advisor to University climate-related policy development initiatives, and developing productive relationships with interested stakeholders across the University community. He chairs a new University Steering Committee for Climate Action and will collaborate with external partners to support Columbia’s actions. He also serves as a critical advisor to the University's senior leadership on climate action and sustainability matters and is a part of the Chief Operating Officer’s leadership team.
He served previously as Special Advisor for Climate and Sustainability where he supported the creation of the Columbia Climate School and advised the University on institutional climate action. He joined Columbia University from the NYC Mayor’s Office, where he served until 2021 in the role of Chief Climate Policy Advisor.
With senior climate and resilience appointments from Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Mayor Bill de Blasio over eight years, Daniel positioned New York City as the global leader in the fight against climate change. Notable successes include launching a comprehensive $20 billion climate adaptation program, enacting Local Law 97 to decarbonize the city’s most polluting buildings, divesting the City’s pension funds from fossil fuel reserve owners and investing billions into climate solutions, securing new clean energy transmission to serve the five boroughs, and launching a ground-breaking program to embed environmental justice into the City’s decision-making.
Under his leadership in 2019, New York City released its updated long-term strategic plan, OneNYC 2050, which included bold new actions to confront our climate crisis, address health and wealth inequities, and strengthen our democracy. He also served on NOAA’s advisory committee for the Sustained National Climate Assessment, concluded a 3-year term on FEMA’s National Advisory Council, and advised the State of Louisiana on its 2017 Coastal Master Plan update. He recently completed serving as an author on the Fifth National Climate Assessment, is a member of the New York Independent System Operator’s Environmental Advisory Council, advises the C40 Centre for City Climate Policy and Economy, and serves as a Mayoral appointee on the NYC Water Board.
Previously, he was Senior Vice President for Asset Management at the New York City Economic Development Corporation and spent five years with Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation. Daniel is a licensed Professional Engineer in New York, a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and holds an MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from MIT and a BS in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University. He resides in Staten Island with his wife and three children.
Naphtali is a Recruitment Program Manager at Siemens, where he focuses on bridging the gap between students and careers in technology by connecting with colleges and providing mentorship and industry insights. With a degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Naphtali began his career in Siemens Smart Infrastructure, bringing the latest innovations to critical environments like museums, hospitals, and laboratories. Throughout his tenure, he has served in diverse roles, including Engineering Specialist, Operations Supervisor, and Senior Sales Executive, which has given him a unique 360-degree understanding of business operations and the soft and technical skills essential for success.
A passionate advocate for workforce development, Naphtali is a Certified Maxwell Leadership Trainer and an Intelligent Leadership Executive Coach, and has facilitated year-long leadership programs for emerging leaders. He brings a wealth of experience to the panel, combining deep industry knowledge with a commitment to helping others grow and thrive in the tech ecosystem.
Clavel M. Lazarre is an experienced and innovative operations leader with a distinguished, multi-disciplined career spanning operations management, sales execution, and business management. In his current role as Vice President of Business Development and Social Ventures, he is responsible for identifying new business opportunities and managing existing ones; developing and executing strategic plans; securing partnerships and funding; and ensuring sustainable growth and impactful outcomes. He oversees Janitorial Maintenance Services, a porter service employing formerly incarcerated people that has been in operation for over two decades.
Prior to this, Clavel was Vice President of Operations at Alluel Logistics, a logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management company. He has also served as Chief Operating Officer at Monark Consulting Group, directing the creation of a national implementation and marketing strategy for a multi-phased, $200M banking development project. Other roles include serving as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Fitness Collective Inc., where he grew the business from an initial $5,000 investment into a $1M business with 4,000 clients in the first 24 months.
Clavel has devised operational management strategies for organizations with $50M+ in revenue, including Amex Open, Ogilvy, and PFP Insurance. Earlier in his career, he established the operational infrastructure for a United Nations-approved non-governmental organization that created orphanages and elementary schools, feeding and educating over 2,000 children daily. Clavel holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Small Business Administration from Northern Arizona University and an MBA in General Business Management from West Texas A&M University.
For over 25 years, Maurice has initiated new business alliances by advising clients on expanding careers and or commercial product lines. Successfully assisting entertainment brands and or media companies with market penetration and ascendancy, creating new business opportunities for national and international markets. A seasoned executive with considerable experience in strategic planning.
Some of his projects include providing Media Forum with American radio programming for the Osaka market, the introduction of a Video-On-Demand channel for the National Black Programmers Consortium with Verizon FIOS.
Maurice’s expertise in Media and management has proven invaluable to countless clients including Wendy Williams, Frankie Crocker, Al Bandero, Vaughn Harper (WBLS/Grand Theft Auto), Kym Hampton (Weight Watchers), and DJ Red Alert just to name a few. His success in restructuring bankrupt media outlet WUSS-Atlantic City resulted in a nearly 1000% increase in revenue and increased market share from absolute last to third place within nine months. As a business adviser, Singleton helped launch media venues KEUG-FM (Or), KXZZ (La) and others along with the creation of the HBCU360-College TV platform. Serving as Consultant to; ACS, Innovative Outsourcing, MIST Harlem/My Image Studios, along with advising a few retired NBA Players on a variety of business matters.
Production credits include:
He is the 2006 recipient of Cablevision's MVP employee Award (the nation's leading broadband provider). Featured as “Program Director of the Week” by Billboard magazine, recognized as “a major force in urban radio” by Black Radio Exclusive Magazine, and awarded “Black Radio Professional of the Year” honors at the annual “Music and Media” Grammy ceremonies 92.'
As an innovative concept, Singleton successfully researched-tested & developed the in-store media analysis of the effects of music ambiance in the Urban retail environment for; Burger King, KFC, McDonalds and Citibank located in heavily populated African-American communities. The 91' test results led to the addition of Urban formats by all foreground and background music media services.
Maurice is a “think outside the box” serial entrepreneur whose talent is to pull together the appropriate stakeholders; aligning creative, formulating new strategies, negotiating contracts, and generating new innovative Technology concepts for maximum results.
Dr. Diana Hernandez conducts research at the intersection of energy, equity, housing and health. A sociologist by training, her work examines the social and environmental determinants of health and has studied the impacts of policy and place-based interventions on the health and well-being of socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Her foundational research on energy insecurity- defined as the inability to adequately meet household energy needs- has explored the multiple dimensions of this phenomenon identifying sociodemographic disparities, adverse consequences and promising interventions toward energy equity and justice. Much of her community-oriented research has been done in collaboration with community groups and government agencies around the country, including in the South Bronx, where she has led small-scale housing redevelopment projects. Dr. Hernandez has published over 75 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in leading academic journals such as Social Science & Medicine, Journal of Urban Health and Energy Policy. Her work been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the JPB, Robert Wood Johnson, and Alfred P. Sloan Foundations, among others. Professor Hernandez teaches graduate level courses on qualitative research methods, design and analysis; public health leadership; and energy justice. She is a Mayoral Appointee to NYC's Environmental Justice Advisory Board. Dr. Hernandez has written for and been featured in various media outlets including the NY Times, USA Today, BBC, NY Daily News and CityLab. Her first book about energy insecurity in the US is due to be published in 2024.
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor of Sociomedical Sciences
Administrative Titles
Faculty Affiliate and co-Director of the Energy Opportunity Lab at the Columbia Center for Global Energy Policy
Faculty Affiliate of the Columbia Population Research Center
Deputy Director, Center for Environmental Health and Justice in Northern Manhattan
Ny Whitaker is an extraordinary individual whose journey has been marked by an unyielding commitment to making a meaningful impact. With a solid foundation in education, Ny holds degrees in Psychology, Marketing, and Journalism, along with a certificate in Civic Engagement and Leadership from the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies. Over the course of more than two decades, Ny has founded three companies, each dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of her clients. As the Founder & Chief Strategist at PROJECT NYNE PRODUCTIONS, Ny takes charge of the company's vision, branding, political and community partnerships, client relations, and the strategic development of all client projects.
Ny's illustrious career encompasses a wealth of experience in various domains, including government, policy, public affairs, event management, business development, sales, fundraising, and marketing. Her journey through leadership positions in technology, entertainment, toy, gift, education, political, healthcare, nonprofit, and media industries has equipped her with a unique perspective and a wide-ranging skill set.
A true event marketing expert, Ny has orchestrated conferences, trainings, fundraisers, and special events for both corporate and nonprofit clients. These events have covered an extensive array of topics, from business innovation to workforce development, community organizing to education, and beyond. Ny's meticulous management of events, from conception to execution, has left an indelible mark on every occasion. Ny Whitaker's ability to cultivate and manage relationships with C-suite executives, strategic partners, investors, and donors has led to the development of impactful social impact projects. She has successfully implemented fundraising and sponsorship programs for renowned organizations, including The NY Health and Hospitals Corporation, The Altman Foundation, New York University, and many more. Ny's exceptional work has earned her awards and recognition, making her a standout in the event industry.
Ny's dedication extends to education, where she has been teaching graduate-level courses at NYU's School of Professional Studies for over 15 years. Her contributions to curriculum development and her writings on a wide range of topics reflect her commitment to education, diversity, and social change. Recently, Ny was named a 2024 Woman of Influence by Crain’s Magazine for her work as a mentor and is a NASDAQ Fellow dedicated to uplifting women and girls in the communities she serves.
In the realm of politics, Ny Whitaker is not just a strategist but an active community leader. As a former Obama Alumni, she played a pivotal role in President Obama's historic appearance at The Apollo Theater, a moment captured in an HBO documentary. Ny is deeply involved with the Participatory Budgeting Project, serves on the County Committee, holds positions in the Manhattan County Democratic Party, and served as a NYS Delegate for the Democratic National Convention. Ny is also currently the Executive Director of The W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy in Great Barrington, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer and NAACP co-founder, Dr. Du Bois. The Center is reimagining the historic Clinton A. M. E. Zion Church in Great Barrington as an African American heritage site and cultural center that celebrates the rich African American history of The Berkshires. Ny Whitaker's remarkable journey continues with her founding of New York for Biden+Harris 2020, a group that achieved record-breaking virtual volunteer activity during the first presidential campaign of a pandemic. Her proud union membership, combined with her diverse educational background, has made Ny a multifaceted force for change.
Today, Ny Whitaker's focus is on uplifting our diverse communities and promoting economic empowerment for the people of NYC/NYS. Her journey is not just a biography; it's a testament to the transformative power of dedication, education, and unwavering commitment.
John is developing next generation network and communication systems as a PhD student at Columbia's WiMNet laboratory led by Dr. Zussman. His primary research focus is applying novel technologies (quantum networks, millimeter wave links, adaptive network scheduling algorithms) to improve the performance, security, and accessibility of critical infrastructure. Prior to Columbia he worked as a software tech-lead in Google Cloud Security and as a radar engineer in the defense sector for SRC Inc. These experiences underscored the need and value of reliable network links especially in extreme conditions. John is a strong proponent of STEM education and frequently works with local schools to help introduce concepts of networking, math, and programming to students as part of outreach events.
Andrew Smyth is the Robert A.W. and Christine S. Carleton Professor of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at Columbia University. He is the PI and Director NSF Engineering Research Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3) and is the Co-Chair of the Smart Cities Center at the Columbia Data Science Institute. He specializes in structural health monitoring, using sensor information to determine the condition of critical infrastructure. His research in sensor network monitoring extends to large fleets of vehicles in urban environments including work on road safety with NYCDOT and EMS operations with the FDNY. Smyth has been involved with the sensor instrumentation and vibration analysis and remote monitoring of a large number of iconic long-span bridges and landmark buildings and museums.
He has been a Visiting Professor at the Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chausées, Paris, at KU Leuven in Belgium, and at Trinity College, Dublin. In 2018- 2019 he served on NY State Governor’s 6 member L-Train Tunnel Review Panel which proposed a rehabilitation redesign obviating the need for a 15- month shutdown. He is the founding co-Editor in Chief of the Journal of Intelligent Infrastructure and Resilience. He is the President of the International Association of Structural Control and Monitoring.
Prof. Smyth received his Sc.B. and A.B. degrees at Brown University in Civil Engineering and Architectural Studies respectively, his M.S. in Civil Engineering at Rice and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the University of Southern California.
Welcome to Archatech Labs, where we turn visionary ideas into reality. As pioneers in software engineering, we specialize in software development, app creation, game development, and back-end logic. Our expertise extends to crafting intelligent social media bots, producing high-quality 3D assets, and designing immersive open-world environments and metaverse experiences. At Archatech Labs, innovation meets excellence, and we are dedicated to shaping the future of technology. Join us on our journey to create cutting-edge solutions for a dynamic world.
Jumaane D. Williams is the Public Advocate of the City of New York. Previously, he served on the NYC Council representing the 45th District from 2010-2019.
Public Advocate Williams is a first-generation Brooklynite of Grenadian heritage. He graduated from the public school system, overcoming the difficulties of Tourette's and ADHD to earn a Master's Degree from Brooklyn College. He began his career as a community organizer at the Greater Flatbush Beacon School and later served as the Executive Director of NYS Tenants & Neighbors. There, he fought for truly affordable, income-targeted housing across New York City and State.
In the NYC Council, then-Councilman Williams championed landmark legislation that fundamentally transformed public safety in NYC. Jumaane sponsored the Community Safety Act, reforming the City's Police Department by addressing the abuse of Stop, Question, & Frisk. As former Co-Chair of the Council’s Task Force to Combat Gun Violence, he helped create New York’s Crisis Management System, which funds Cure Violence Groups that work to reduce shootings through a multi-pronged approach. He also served as Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings, where he helped to pass dozens of bills.
As Public Advocate, he has continued the fight to advance equity and combat injustices, while redefining the office’s role as legislator, community organizer, and voice of the people. In his first three years in office, he has passed more legislation than any previous Public Advocate, and nearly as many as all predecessors combined.
He has led the fight for true public safety, deeply affordable housing, and transparency and accountability in City government as an activist-elected official who brings the voices of everyday New Yorkers to City government and makes New York a truly progressive beacon for all.
Marjorie Velázquez is Vice President of Policy for Tech:NYC, where she works to bridge the gap between City Hall, Albany, and New York's fast-growing tech sector.
Prior to her current role, Marjorie served on the New York City Council representing District 13 in the Northeast Bronx from 2022 to 2023. During her tenure, she chaired the Consumer and Worker Protection Committee. In this role, she championed several key initiatives, including a landmark ruling mandating a minimum wage for gig economy workers, securing funding for public transit and safety improvements, and passing bills to strengthen tenant rights.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Center for Multicultural & Community Affairs, New York
Banks is an experienced Operations Manager and Diversity and Inclusion Specialist with over 20 years of expertise in driving operational excellence and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. She managed NYC Workforce, serving under two NYC mayor administrations. Currently Banks manages multiple client sites, ensuring efficient service delivery while championing initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Banks’ extensive background has equipped her with the skills to lead teams, streamline processes, and create environments where all individuals can thrive."
