Urban Studies Professor Shirley Leyro and Sociology Professor Deborah Gambs, along with five BMCC students—Lily Shat, Samuel Alvarez, Tislon Johnakin-Richards, Taliyah Johnson, and Ethel Hinneh—were selected to attend the live recording of a WNYC radio conversation with Mayor Zohran Mamdani discussing his first 100 days in office. The event also featured a panel discussion on the continued influence of Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who served in office from 1934 to 1945, a moment of great challenge and change. BMCC graduate Alvarez, who is now at Lehman College, said he came away from the event with a better understanding of how complex city-level decision-making is, especially on issues surrounding housing, childcare, and community trust. “One thing that stood out to me was the emphasis on actually listening to communities when shaping policy,” said Alvarez. “That really connected to what I’ve learned in sociology and what I see in my work. It was definitely inspiring and reinforced the importance of combining community voices with leadership to create real change.” In addition to his studies, Alvarez works at The Fortune Society as an Administrative Property Manager, where he supports individuals transitioning back into the community through housing and reentry services.
The WNYC radio conversation with Mayor Zohran Mamdani featured a panel discussion on the continued influence of Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who served in office from 1934 to 1945, a moment of great challenge and change.