Empire State Fellows Program

Applications for the 2023-2025 Empire State Fellows Class will open after January 1, 2023.

The Empire State Fellows Program is a full-time leadership training program that prepares the next generation of talented professionals for careers as New York State policymakers. The incoming class of Empire State Fellows will serve from September 2023 to September 2025, and receive an annual salary of $85,000, plus a generous benefits package. At the end of the fellowship, a performance review process will identify Empire State Fellows that will be given the opportunity to continue to serve as leaders in New York State government after completing the program.

Engagement in the work of New York State government lies at the heart of the Empire State Fellows Program. The Governor’s Office will appoint each Empire State Fellow to work directly with a Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, or other high-level policy maker at a New York State agency or authority, or in the Executive Chamber. Work assignments offer Fellows unparalleled experience collaborating with senior officials and participating in the policy-making process.

While taking part in the work of government, Empire Fellows will participate in educational and professional development programs that will help them to serve as effective and ethical government leaders. The educational component of the Empire State Fellows Program kicks-off with an orientation course in September 2023. Educational coursework will continue on a semi-monthly basis. Meanwhile, professional development activities, including a mentoring program and regular meetings with Cabinet members and other government leaders, will enhance Empire Fellows’ collaboration with policymakers.

Applications for the 2023-2025 Empire State Fellows Class will open after January 1, 2023. The Empire State Fellows Program is designed to attract talented professionals from outside of State government with demonstrated leadership potential who want to refocus their careers on public service. Candidates will be selected on the basis of their academic and professional experience, demonstrated leadership potential, and commitment to public service.

To Apply:

Applicants must use the online application form to apply. A complete application will include:

1. Professional Resume or CV
2. Personal statement explaining your interest in the Empire State Fellows Program and why you should be selected (no more than two pages)
3. Two letters of recommendation which speak directly to your leadership capabilities and professional preparation for the program (a link will be provided to you to share with your recommenders once you submit your online application. The letters of recommendation must be submitted by April 11 or within one week of submission of your online application).

Resume and personal statement must be uploaded into the online application before submission. All application materials must be received before 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2023. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should possess the following qualifications:

Professionalism:

• Creativity and strong leadership potential 
• Excellent analytical and evaluative skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills, efficiency and flexibility
• Ability to establish priorities, plan, coordinate and monitor work
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating with a team
• Ability to identify issues, recognize best practices, formulate options and make recommendations

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of full-time professional experience 
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Managerial experience is a plus
• Applicants may come from all professional backgrounds

Education:

• An advanced university degree (master's degree, JD, PhD or equivalent) is desirable, but a candidate with only a Bachelor’s degree may be considered if he/she has substantial professional experience
• Applicants may come from all academic disciplines

Additional requirements:

• Candidates must be eligible to work for New York State without employer sponsorship 
• Candidates must be available to work in Albany, New York throughout the two-year program
• Current New York State executive and legislative branch employees are ineligible for the Empire State Fellows Program

What qualities are the Empire State Fellows Program looking for in applicants?

The Empire State Fellows Program is designed to attract talented professionals with demonstrated leadership potential who want to refocus their careers on public service. Applicants who are members of groups underrepresented in policy-making roles in New York State government, which include but are not limited to Black, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander persons; women; persons with disabilities; and members of the LGBTQIA community, are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants should have an advanced degree and at least five years of professional work experience. An applicant with only a Bachelors degree may be considered if they have substantial professional achievements.

Fellows may have a variety of educational and professional experience. For example, a social justice advocate working at a nonprofit organization, a lawyer with experience at a large law firm, and an environmental scientist with experience working on climate policy, could all be strong candidates if they demonstrate superior academic and professional credentials and a strong interest in public service. Of course, applicants who have studied public administration, political science, or public policy would also be competitive. All competitive applicants will demonstrate a strong interest in a career in public policy, substantial accomplishments in a professional environment, and notable academic achievement.

The diversity of applicant qualifications reflects the needs of our state government, which seeks talented leadership for agencies as varied as the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Labor, the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Children and Family Services. Once Fellows are selected, their skills, interests and experiences will inform their assigned role in New York State government.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Empire State Fellows Program?

Individuals who are eligible to work for New York State without employer sponsorship, residing anywhere in the world, are eligible to serve as Empire Fellows, so long as they can work in Albany, New York throughout the two-year Fellowship. Individuals currently employed in the legislative or executive branches of the New York State government are not eligible to apply. Empire State Fellows must have a minimum of five (5) years of full time professional experience. The most competitive applicants will have an advanced university degree (master's degree, JD, PhD or equivalent); however, a Bachelor's degree in combination with other relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Is a candidate’s political affiliation a consideration in selecting Empire State Fellows?

No. Empire State Fellows are selected on a non-partisan basis.

How do I apply for the Empire State Fellows Program?

Applications for the 2023-2025 Empire State Fellows Class will open after January 1, 2023. Applicants must use the online application form to apply. A complete application will include:

1. Professional Resume or CV
2. Personal statement explaining your interest in the Empire State Fellows Program and why you should be selected (no more than two pages)
3. Two letters of recommendation which speak directly to your leadership capabilities and professional preparation for the program (a link will be provided to you to share with your recommenders once you submit your online application. The letters of recommendation must be submitted by April 3 or within one week of submission of your online application).

Resume and personal statement must be uploaded into the online application before submission. All application materials must be received before 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2023. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

What is the best approach for handling recommendation letters?

Applicants are required to submit two recommendation letters from individuals they know well who can describe their background and achievements

• At least one recommendation should come from an individual who has supervised you in a professional environment and can speak to your work experience and accomplishments
• All recommendation letters should address the question of why the applicant would be a strong addition to the Empire State Fellows Program and how the applicant’s personal, educational and/or professional experience prepares him or her to confront the increasingly complex policy challenges facing the New York State government
• Recommenders should be identified in the online application; once you submit your application, a link will be provided to you to share with your recommenders. They will use that link to submit their letter of recommendation electronically.

Who will review applications and select Empire State Fellows?

All applications will be reviewed by the New York State Center for Recruitment and Public Service. A panel of judges will interview the most promising applicants, and finalists will have a second interview with selected senior members of the Governor’s administration.

What is the Empire State Fellows Program schedule and selection timeline?

Applications for the 2023-2025 Empire State Fellows Class will open after January 1, 2023. Applications will be reviewed in April and preliminary interviews will be conducted in late April and May. Finalist interviews will be conducted in June. Candidates selected for placement in the Empire State Fellows program will receive offer letters in July, which will be contingent on the applicant completing a full background check.

Applicants will have one week to confirm their participation in the program and to complete the paperwork required for the background check. Background checks should be completed by the start of the program.

Empire State Fellows will begin work in Albany, New York in September 2023. The first full week of work will consist of an intensive orientation seminar, which will introduce Fellows to state government operations and current policy issues. After the one-week seminar, Fellows will resume full-time work in their assigned roles.

Empire State Fellows commit to serving in their roles for the duration of the two-year Fellowship program. Empire State Fellows will participate in the educational program throughout the first year of the Fellowship. Fellows will participate in professional development events throughout the two-year Fellowship.

What is the Empire State Fellows Educational Program?

The educational component of the Empire State Fellows program opens with a week-long session that introduces Fellows to New York State government. Some topics to be covered may include:

• Constitutional and Legal Context of New York State Government
• State Agency Operations and Intergovernmental Relations
• Budget Policy and Budget Process
• State-Local Relationship
• Communications and Press
• Ethics

After completing the week-long seminar, Fellows will begin full-time work. Throughout the first year of the Empire State Fellows Program, Fellows will attend semi-monthly seminars on weekday evenings. In between class sessions, Fellows will dedicate between one and two hours per week to academic reading and exercises. The semi-monthly classes cover topics relevant to the policy process and State operations.

How are Empire Fellows assigned to state agencies and can I pick the department or agency to which I am assigned?

Upon reviewing applicant skills and agency needs, the panel of judges will recommend that each fellow be appointed to work closely with a particular policymaker within the New York State executive branch. Final placement decisions will be determined by senior staff in the Governor’s Office. If the applicant accepts the recommended placement, the Governor will appoint the applicant as an Empire State Fellow serving in that role. Although agency needs will ultimately determine fellow placement, the panel of judges will duly consider each applicant’s preferences, experience, and skills in determining how they could best serve our state.

Are Empire Fellows provided compensation and benefits during the Fellowship?

Yes. Empire State Fellows are full-time, non-competitive, New York State employees. Fellows will receive an annual salary of $85,000, plus a generous benefits package.

Does the Empire State Fellows Program provide housing during the Fellowship?

No. Fellows are responsible for their housing arrangements.

Are applicants required to undergo a security and background investigation?

All accepted Empire State Fellows must submit to a prospective employee background investigation conducted by the New York State Police and the NYS Center for Recruitment and Public Service. All Fellows' appointment and continued employment in the Fellowship is contingent upon this background investigation.

Can an Empire Fellow remain in their placement after the Fellowship?

The role of Empire Fellow lasts only two years. However, upon completion of the two-year Fellowship, each Empire State Fellow’s performance will be evaluated with the expectation that successful Fellows will continue to serve in a full-time role within New York State government.

Where can I direct additional questions?

If you have additional questions, please email us at [email protected].
 

Carey Gabay Fellowship Program

The Carey Gabay Fellowship is a paid two-year, full-time legal Fellowship program created in honor of Carey Gabay, a former assistant counsel in the Governor's Office who was killed in 2015 by an act of gun violence.

The Carey Gabay Fellow is appointed every two years to work in the Governor’s Counsel’s Office. The selected Fellow works directly with the Counsel to the Governor and their staff on issues such as violence prevention, economic equality, and community development – policy areas that Gabay championed throughout his career.

The Carey Gabay Fellow earns a salary of $76,500 per year plus a generous benefits package. The Fellow also participates in an educational program along with participants in the Empire State Fellows program throughout the first year of their Fellowship, including bi-weekly evening classes and other career development sessions.

The successful applicant should be a bar-admitted attorney who, like Gabay, is committed to public service, hails from an economically disadvantaged background, and most importantly, embodies the integrity and kind-heartedness that distinguished Gabay personally.

The next application cycle for the Carey Gabay Fellowship is expected to occur in 2024.

Edie Windsor, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera LGBTQ Fellowship

The New York State LGBTQ Fellowship was established to support the ongoing efforts in the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer. The LGBTQ Fellow is awarded every two years to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to social justice, a track record of working on LGBTQ equality, civil rights and diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and a strong interest in a career in public service.

The Fellow serves in the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer in the Governor’s Executive Chamber and assists the Chief Diversity Officer in optimizing New York State agency diversity and inclusion goals, increasing BIPOC representation across New York State agencies, and continuing to build the State's leadership as a model employer for New Yorkers of all gender identities and sexual orientations. In collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, the Fellow also works to advance LGBTQ equity across New York State government, including providing policy and content expertise, project management, community engagement, event planning, strategic communications, and legislative tracking.

The fellowship is named after LGBTQ leaders who have—with their courage, tenacity and perseverance—raised awareness of LGBTQ issues and made a lasting difference in the LGBTQ community. The fellowship lasts for two years and is named in recognition of three New York leaders: Edie Windsor for her advocacy and groundbreaking work in successfully challenging the federal defense of marriage act and Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera for their movement leading advocacy on behalf of the transgender community in New York.

The Fellow has the opportunity to network across New York State agencies, with elected officials and industry partners and to participate as an Empire State Fellow in educational and professional development programs, including a week-long orientation session and biweekly evening classes that will help them to serve as an effective government leader and strengthen the network of LGBTQ policymakers and leaders in New York State. The salary from the LGBTQ Fellowship is $76,500 plus a generous benefits package.

The next application cycle for the Edie Windsor, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera LGBTQ Fellowship is expected to occur in 2024.

Chelsea De Jesus

Chelsea De Jesus is placed in the Executive Chamber, on the Constituency Team, specifically in Women Affairs. Chelsea’s work is driven by her spirituality first and as a public servant, she utilizes mindfulness to have impactful change. She is also a coach and mentor for women, empowering them to live their most authentic truth. As a first-generation Latina, it is important to her to be a driving force in increasing the number of women placed in government positions and elected into political office, especially women of color. Chelsea holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Long Island University, with a specific focus on gender studies, and women in government. She has dedicated ten years of her career towards community and advocacy work mostly in the non-profit sector.

Dr. Leo Matteo Bachinger

Dr. Leo Matteo Bachinger will support projects in the Office of Climate Change within the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  Prior to joining the Empire State Fellows program, Dr. Bachinger acted as Founder and Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs for an Indigenous Rights, Environmental Justice, and Land-use organization. His interest in public policy is driven by the urgent need to advance equitable, robust and sustainable climate solutions that work for all people in New York State and beyond. Dr. Bachinger holds a BA in Sociology and a MA in Science, Technology and Society from University of Vienna (Austria) as well as a PhD in Science and Technology Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Jenna Frasier 

Jenna Frasier (they/she) is a yogi and social worker who is passionate about co-creating spaces of healing and liberation. They helped lead fundraising and digital strategy at I Challenge Myself, an organization that nurtures mind, body, and spirit by introducing NYC public school students to endurance cycling, and coach an LGBTQ+ youth cycling club, the Fearless Flyers. Prior to that, they taught yoga in elementary schools in the South Bronx and Harlem and facilitated community organizing groups with teens across NYC grounded in an anti-racist framework. Jenna received their MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University. They are very excited to accept the appointment of the Edie Windsor, Marsha P. Johnson, and Sylvia Rivera LGBTQ Fellowship and hopes to honor the legacy of the 3 incredible New Yorkers after whom the fellowship is named.

Dr. Shanleigh Corrallo

Dr. Shanleigh Corrallo works with leadership within the Division of Criminal Justice Services. She has professional experience in the government, non-profit and academic sectors. She is most proud of—and was most profoundly changed by—her experience teaching American History to refugee students and individuals on parole. This has led her to pursue a career working on criminal justice reform policies that recognize the humanity and restore the dignity of justice-involved individuals. As a first-generation college student, Dr. Corrallo is elated to have completed her PhD in History from the University at Buffalo in 2020.

Shaquan Huntt

Shaquan Huntt has been named the Carey Gabay Fellow. Shaquan will work directly with the Counsel to the Governor and their staff on issues such as violence prevention, economic equality, and community development—policy areas that Carey Gabay championed throughout his career. After graduating from college, Shaquan worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Harlem, an opportunity that underscored for him the challenges disadvantaged communities, especially children, too often face. Shaquan now hopes to use his legal skills to make a difference in those communities. Shaquan served as an associate at Wilson & Chan LLP and Harris Beach PLLC as well as an Intern with the Federal Defenders of New York and New York City Council Legislative Division. He received a B.A. in Philosophy and Psychology from Colby College and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.

Nicole Jean Christian

Nicole Jean Christian has a 20+ year career in economic development in the related disciplines of downtown revitalization, affordable housing, disaster recovery, business attraction and retention, entrepreneurship, historic preservation and waterfront revitalization. Nicole Jean is placed in the Department of State Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure (DOS/OPD&CI). Her interests are downtown revitalization, environmental justice and climate change. Nicole Jean holds a BBA from Marymount University; an MPA from George Mason University with a graduate certificate in nonprofit management and is a doctoral student at Wilmington University. Nicole Jean has been teaching at the adjunct level for over 10 years at Long Island University in the MPA and MBA programs.

2019 - 2021 Empire State Fellows Class

Omotolani Elumade

Tolani holds a BA in history from Fisk University, master of professional studies in criminal justice from St. John’s University, and she is completing an executive master in public administration from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. Prior to the Empire State Fellows, Tolani worked as a special projects manager for the NYC Department of Correction where she worked on various initiatives. These included EEO compliance, diversity, inclusion, equity, recruitment and leadership development, security response, and other projects under the Anti-Violence Reform Agenda, a landmark criminal justice reform strategy aimed at reducing violence and improving the quality of life for incarcerated individuals and officers. Tolani’s interest in public policy is rooted in strategizing around how to translate large, complicated legislation and policy into seamless operations for agency implementation. She is also interested in bottom-up approaches to policymaking. Tolani is excited to continue to learn about policymaking and implementation on a state level. Tolani is placed at the Workers’ Compensation Board.

Paula Granger

Paula holds dual BA degrees in philosophy and women’s studies from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis. She recently graduated with an MA degree in nonproliferation and terrorism studies and a specialization in financial crime management from Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Paula also studied Persian at the Defense Language Institute and earned a congressionally approved AA degree in Persian-Farsi studies. Paula has been a member of the Army National Guard for nine years and received a Joint Service Commendation Medal for her work at United States Cyber Command. Here, she briefed high-level civilian and military decision makers on the current cyberthreat landscape, which included authoring cyber intelligence products with readership from the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. Previously, Paula worked at The Julian Center, a nonprofit organization that focuses on assisting domestic and sexual violence survivors. Here, she held several different positions over eight years, including working directly with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department as a victim advocate. She and her team received the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department North District Baker One Award, which recognized their efforts to educate the community about domestic and sexual violence while assisting those most affected. Paula is placed at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Nathaniel Gray

Nathaniel Gray holds a BFA in musical theater from Pace University and his MSW from Fordham University, where he received the Claver Award for excellence and graduated with honors. Prior to the Empire State Fellows, Nathaniel’s focus has been on homeless LGBTQ youth in New York City, working for the Hetrick-Martin Institute and the Ali Forney Center in direct practice, policy design, and grant writing. Nathaniel was the founder of The Proud Path, an educational tool for parents of queer youth, and provided queer-competency training for teachers and social workers at nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City as well as at several public and private schools. For that work, Nathaniel was honored to receive the 2018 New York Nonprofit Media 40 Under 40 Award. Nathaniel is also a part of the Anti-Defamation League’s cadre of antibias trainers and has delivered the Anti-Defamation League’s peer training program to students across the state of New York. Nathaniel’s dedication is to address the disproportionate rates of homelessness and suicide in queer youth through inclusive and affirming policy design. One of the inaugural LGBTQ fellows, Nathaniel is placed with the Office of Children and Family Services.

Chloe Hanna

Chloe has nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit management and program development, with expertise in conservation and education. She holds a BA in Middle Eastern studies from Barnard College, and recently obtained a master of environmental management degree from the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. While attending graduate school, Chloe managed an urban forestry program for high-school-aged youth and developed a carbon budget for New York City’s forests. Prior to graduate school, she served as business operations manager for the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, where she led a team in developing a green career pathways program that placed 72 at-risk youth in jobs in its first year. Chloe has also coordinated scholarship and exchange programs in Egypt, administered social services for low-income families in Los Angeles, and served as a founding board member for a survivor-led organization committed to ending human trafficking. She is dedicated to empowering underserved communities through environmental stewardship. Chloe is placed at the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

Thomas Hisgen

Thomas holds a BA in music with a minor in East Asian studies from the University of Wisconsin –Whitewater and an MBA in global impact management, as well as an MA in international environmental policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. As a recent graduate student, he served as president of the Veterans Organization. He also served in the United States Marine Corps as an Arabic linguist and intelligence analyst, functioning as a Middle East subject matter expert, providing vital insight to strategic decision makers and combatant commanders. He holds an AA in Arabic from the Defense Language Institute. Thomas is committed to environmental sustentation through the intersection of sustainable development. Thomas is placed at the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Zachary Hobbs

Zach is a civic and community education professional, developing effective partnerships between educational institutions and social change organizations, and developing students as effective and engaged leaders and citizens. He has worked in civic education in Andover and Lawrence, MA, at Phillips Academy – Andover; in New Orleans at Tulane University; and, most recently, he served as director of community service at Boston University. A native of upstate New York, Zach earned a master of education at Harvard University, focusing on lifespan civic identity development, and a bachelor of arts in history at Boston University. Zach is placed in the Executive Chamber.

Belia E. Jimenez

Belia holds a BS in telecommunications management from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and a bachelor of arts in English textual studies from Syracuse University. She has more than two decades of experience working with top media organizations including Viacom, Turner, iHeart Media, ABC, and Univision. She brings a range of experience as a researcher and strategist helping Fortune 500 companies market products to target populations and has extensive experience in TV, digital, social, and radio. She recently worked with Univision’s community empowerment initiatives, the company’s prosocial campaigns that provide the Hispanic community with access to information, resources, and tools. In this role, she contributed to the development and launch of education-focused programs that empower parents to help their children succeed in school. She also participated in the company’s nonpartisan voter engagement efforts for the 2016 elections. As a professional, she focuses on understanding people, the behaviors that drive them, and figuring out how to solve problems. She is a native New Yorker who was born and raised in the area of Washington Heights. Belia is placed at the Department of State.

Douglas Priest

Doug holds a BS and an MA in history from the College at Brockport, State University of New York, and a PhD in history from Michigan State University. He has worked in the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors focusing on technology and digital media. Before joining the Empire State Fellows program, Doug was the department head for digital at Townsquare Media in Albany, New York. Prior to Townsquare, he worked at H-Net: Humanities and Social Sciences Online with a focus on digital transformation to make rigorous and open scholarship and discussion available to scholars around the globe. Doug is excited to bring his combination of experience in technology, management, analysis, and strategy to high-impact projects for New York State. Doug is placed in the Executive Chamber.

Alexandria Trujillo

Alexandria earned a BS in biological sciences and a PhD in pharmacology and toxicology from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. While in Buffalo, Alexandria worked for nonprofit organizations aimed at diversifying STEM fields and retaining underrepresented minorities in science. Alexandria advocates for evidenced-based policy and cofounded a nonprofit organization, Science Demands Action, to bring science-backed solutions to policy issues in western New York. As a lifelong New York state resident, Alexandria is dedicated to improving environmental, health, and social justice concerns in New York State. Alexandria is placed with the Department of Transportation.

2018 - 2020 Empire State Fellows Class

Griselle Baret

Griselle holds a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications and an M.A. in Educational Leadership, specializing in Politics and Advocacy, both from New York University. More recently, Griselle completed the Center for Bronx Non-profits Executive Management Certificate Program. Griselle co-founded the Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC) organization, in response to the poor educational outcomes of Hunts Point students. She has been the Deputy Director of HPAC since 2016, managing the daily operations of the organization, and also served as the organization’s Director of Evaluation and Program Development, and Program Director. As Program Director, Griselle developed and managed all HPAC youth development programs for children from birth to college, including the Hunts Point Children’s Shakespeare Ensemble, the Career and Education Mentoring Program in partnership with Fordham University, and HPAC's Education Counseling programs, among others.

Mikael Russell Cejtin

Mikael holds a B.S. in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont’s School of Environment and Natural Resources and a Master of Environmental Science from Yale University’s School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. Previously, Mikael worked as a Conservation Program Associate at the Lake Placid Land Conservancy and as Adjunct Professor at Paul Smith’s College, where he taught environmental policy and natural resource economics courses. As a field biologist, Mikael has studied wildlife species including bobcats, mountain lions, and wolves. Mikael has published in academic as well as non-academic journals and strives to advance social and environmental well-being through creativity, service, collaboration, and leadership.

Victoria Clingan

Victoria holds a B.A. in Philosophy with a Minor in Women’s Studies from Siena College and an M.S. in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee. For more than 10 years Victoria worked at the Brain Injury Association of New York State. She has held various positions within the organization, most recently serving as Director of Engagement and Advocacy. Victoria is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer, holds the NYS Public Librarian’s Professional Certification, and is also a Notary Public. Victoria also served as a member of the Shaker Heritage Society Board of Trustees, the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) Experiential Education Advisory Panel and the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Improving the Transition Experience (BRITE) Professional Stakeholder Committee.

Shevaun Culmer-Reid

Shevaun holds a B.A. in Spanish and International Studies from Spelman College and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Shevaun has worked as a Program Manager for Business Development and for Partner Engagement at the Center for Internet Security (CIS). Previously, she worked as Program Manager at the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), at the Organization of American States (OAS) where she collaborated with US Government agencies and other international, regional and sub-regional organizations to develop and implement capacity building projects in aviation security and tourism security for 34 OAS Member States. Shevaun also interned for Partners of the Americas in the Citizens Working for Justice Program in La Paz, Bolivia and in their head office in Washington, DC where she supported USAID-funded projects.

Peter Kiernan

Peter holds a B.A. in Political Science from Columbia University and an M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution from Trinity College Dublin. He worked as the Chief Operating Officer at With Honor, an organization that works to promote the election of veterans. Previously, Peter served as Legislative Assistant at the New York State Senate and interned at the Council for Foreign Relations of the Center for Geoeconomic Studies. Peter also served in the United States Marine Corps, as a MARSOC Raider, which involved leading over 40 complex special operations missions in Afghanistan as well as diplomatically engagine with village leaders. Peter was the youngest Marine to be selected to serve as a Raider in the Marine Special Operations Command. Peter is involved in veteran advocacy, is an avid traveler, and holds a Gold Parachutist Insignia, among other awards.

Christine Monte

Christine earned a BA from the University at Albany SUNY, an MPA from the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany, and a JD from The Pennsylvania State University, The Dickinson School of Law. She has extensive experience with federal, state, and local government and the private sector and has previously worked with New York State and local government in the emergency management and job training fields. As an attorney in private practice, she worked on extensive litigation and advisory matters for a range of private and government clients. Christine served approximately 11 years as a Deputy Attorney General in the Advisory Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General, where she advised elected and appointed state officials on numerous matters, drafted Advisory Opinions on behalf of the Attorney General, served as an Administrative Law Judge, drafted and approved state contracts and rules, and advised various state boards and commissions at public meetings. She also worked extensively with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center, and Indiana State Police on critical infrastructure protection, intelligence matters, state and nationwide suspicious activity reporting, privacy laws and policies, and continuity of government and operations. She represented the Indiana Attorney General’s Office in various capacities on interagency workgroups and task forces, including the Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana. She has presented at conferences for the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance and United States Department of Homeland Security, Office of Intelligence and Analysis on predictive policing, and critical operations and information collection and sharing considerations for fusion centers nationwide.

Priya Nair

Priya holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies from Vassar College and is a native New Yorker. Immediately before ESF, Priya was the LGBTQ Liaison for the New York City Council Speaker. In this position, Priya also covered criminal justice and HIV/AIDS issues for the Speaker’s Office and was on the emergency services team. In 2018, Priya was a participant in the NYC Unity Project campaign, a citywide commitment to supporting and empowering LGBTQ young people. Prior, Priya worked at the American Civil Liberties Union supporting advocacy and litigation on issues of reproductive justice, women, LGBTQ, HIV/AIDS, and religious freedom and belief. Priya is an experienced organizer and policy-maker with a commitment to intersectional social change.

Jessica Scott

Jessica holds a Master's degree in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, as well as a B.S. in Animal Behavior from Bucknell University. Immediately prior to ESF, Jessica produced massive online open courses (MOOCs) on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the SDG Academy, the global online education arm of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. While at Yale, Jessica developed substantive expertise at the intersection of climate and security, writing climate policy for the Department of Defense and the UN Development Programme. She also worked as a research consultant at the Edward Zigler Center in Child Development & Social Policy, where she developed a proposal to align the field of early childhood development with the SDGs, using methodology developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Formerly, Jessica co-directed a US State Department fellowship on US foreign policy for international scholars and directed a national sustainability leadership program for college students, both at Bard College.

Padma Seemangal

Padma holds a B.A. in English Literary Studies & Government from St. Lawrence University and an M.S. in Urban Policy Analysis & Management from the Milano School for International Affairs at The New School. She has worked as a consultant for the Public Advocate for the City of New York, for a New York City Council Member, and for the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Additionally, Padma worked as Program & Communications Manager at the Women’s City Club of New York, where she served as the lead staff person for strategic planning and was responsible for developing and implementing the organization's rich diverse policy program initiatives. She also served as Acting Executive Director and Program Director at the Indo-Caribbean Alliance, Inc. where she designed youth development programs, which she expanded to include immigration services. Padma interned at the League of Women Voters of the City of New York where she assisted in capacity-building efforts.

Brenda (Brent) Whitfield

Brent has over twenty-five years of experience as a social service worker working directly with families and vulnerable populations, as well as in public policy. Zie is committed to serving the needs of disadvantaged populations, including the foster care, homeless, and special-needs populations. Brent has worked as a Resident Manager at Hope for Youth, Inc., a residential group home for teenagers with behavioral and mental health issues. Zie has also worked as a case associate with the Jewish Board of Children & Family Services and as a therapeutic foster case worker with the Cardinal McCloskey Family & Children Services. Brent worked at the Children’s Law Center in the Bronx and for the past 10 years has volunteered in the hotline of the New York City Anti-Violence Project. Most recently Zie has worked as a community coordinator and project advisor in Program Development and Policy at the NYC Department of Homeless Services. Brent holds a B.A. in Government from St. Lawrence University