York student leaders from CCSD@York and the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) were invited to participate in Leaders Who Inspire, a program featuring Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and hosted by Queens College Professor James Vacca, with Queens College President Dr. Frank H. Wu and Kean University President Dr. Lamont O. Repollet also in attendance.
York student leaders connected and networked with peers from the University Student Senate (USS), the Queens College Student Association (SA), and the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD), a university wide student group representing more than 14,000 students with disabilities across CUNY and led by York’s own Luis “Junior” Alvarez.
Borough President Richards spoke of his proud work on ADA accessibility, housing, transportation, and jobs in the most diverse borough in the world, while acknowledging there is more work to be done. He also highlighted York’s fully funded Master’s in Aviation Scholarship. He invited CCSD@York to partner with him and his team to advance accessibility across Queens and stayed after to continue the conversation over pizza with students.
“I truly appreciate being invited into this space,” said Charmaine Townsell, senior director of Student Wellness and Resources at York College. “This reflects the work we do every day. The opportunity to partner with leaders like Professor Vacca and the Borough President means a lot, and our students showed up ready to listen, engage, and drive meaningful change in our community.”
Mar 26, 2026 11:41 AM