News & Events

For Immediate Release

May 8, 2024

New York, NY – The Moynihan Center at The City College of New York is pleased to announce the 2024 cohort of Moynihan Public Service Fellows. This year, 22 outstanding students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines have been selected from more than 100 applicants to receive intensive mentorship, professional development, instruction, and up to $10,000 each in financial support, including a paid summer internship.

Andrew Rich, Dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, praised the new cohort: "The Moynihan Fellows are at the heart of our commitment to developing the next generation of public service leaders. These students exemplify the vibrant intellectual curiosity and dedication to service that are at the heart of the mission of CCNY and the Colin Powell School, and that Senator Moynihan championed throughout his career."

Carlo Invernizzi Accetti, Executive Director of the Moynihan Center, expressed excitement about the potential impact of the fellowship: "The Moynihan Public Service Fellowship is a distinctive program that prepares students to make meaningful contributions to civic life. We are eager to see how these fellows will use their diverse backgrounds and expertise to shape the future of New York City and beyond."

Michael Miller, Managing Director of the Moynihan Center, commented on the selection process: "Choosing this cohort was a challenge given the incredible talent within this applicant pool. These students stood out for their academic excellence, their commitment to public service and civic dialogue, and the diverse perspectives they bring to the table."

Layana Abu Touq, Senior Program Manager of the Moynihan Center, shared her enthusiasm: "Our fellows are not just scholars—they are changemakers. Their drive and passion for improving society are what make this program so impactful."

Asked why they were excited to become Moynihan Public Service Fellows, several students commented:

Kayla Bellin, Sophomore, Political Science: "I am excited to join a group of diverse, intelligent, and similarly motivated people!"

Shamal Fleming, Junior, Economics: "I am excited to merge my passion for economic development with a commitment to public scholarship and service."

Alexa Francois, Sophomore, Biomedical Sciences: "I am excited to be part of a community that motivates each other to contribute positively to our communities."

Kathryn Gioiosa, Sophomore, Political Science: "I am committed to making New York City a safe, healthy, and flourishing city for all!"

Mohammed Hasan, Junior, Political Science: "I am excited to channel my expertise into a career that puts people first."

Naiar Islam, Junior, Political Science: "I'm excited to gain hands-on experience working in government, contributing to the city I call home."

Sun Wo Kim, Junior, Economics: "I am excited to work on public policy initiatives to help residents of the greatest city in the world!"

Victoria Lu, Sophomore, Sociology: "I want to give back a fraction of what New York City has given to me."

Pop Joslaine Manos, Junior, Architecture: "I am excited to ignite change and empower communities through design!"

Jennifer Zingone, Junior, Political Science: "I am excited to be part of a fellowship where diversity of thought is not only welcomed but sought out."

The 2024 cohort represents the vibrant diversity of New York City, hailing from four boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester. Each Fellow is prepared to leave a significant mark on the city that never sleeps and to use their skills in service of a better future for our democracy.

About the Moynihan Public Service Fellowship

The Moynihan Public Service Fellowship supports promising undergraduate students pursuing innovative careers in public service via two dynamic fellowship tracks. Moynihan Public Service Fellows receive awards totaling $10,000, take two elective courses dedicated to professional development and public service, and participate in a paid summer internship in city government or in another public service institution.

About the Moynihan Center

The Moynihan Center fosters innovative thinking, open dialogue, and robust debate, offering a forum for new voices and a crucible for novel approaches to the most pressing challenges of our day. Through two unique fellowships and a variety of public events, the Center connects today’s leading intellectuals to tomorrow’s civic leaders, ensuring that future leaders bridge the world of ideas and politics.

About the Colin Powell School

The Moynihan Center is based in the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at The City College of New York (CCNY). With 4,000 students, the Colin Powell School is the largest student division of CCNY. It has a very special mission within the CUNY system and one that is distinctive nationally: a commitment to transforming one of the nation’s most diverse student populations into tomorrow’s global leaders. The Colin Powell School combines the social sciences with a commitment to leadership development and civic engagement, all in service to a student body that is 85 percent people of color, half immigrants, nearly two-thirds first in their families to go to college, and mostly from low-income neighborhoods. Read more about the Colin Powell School.

About The City College of New York

Founded in 1847, CCNY is the flagship of The City University of New York (CUNY) system. City College was created as a radical effort by the people of New York to make higher education available to all, regardless of income, religion, ethnicity or background. As the first free public institution in the United States, CCNY was a big idea and a dramatic achievement that contributed to the creation of “free academies” across the United States. From its earliest moments, CCNY has been a political project, one that places a commitment to equity and opportunity through affordable education at its core. View CCNY Media Kit.

Press Contact:
Michael Miller, Managing Director
The Moynihan Center
Email: moynihancenter@ccny.cuny.edu
Website: https://moynihancenter.ccny.cuny.edu/