The Housing Authority and The City University of New York NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program CITY OF NEW YORK

Bill de Blasio Mayor Alicia Glen Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development

Shola Olatoye Chair & Chief Executive Officer

Opportunity NYCHA - Connecting NYCHA residents to economic opportunities www.opportunitynycha.org Awards Ceremony

September 22, 2015

James B. Milliken Chancellor ______About the NYCHA-CUNY ______Resident Scholarship Program ______The NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program was ______established in 2005 by the New York City Housing Authority ______(NYCHA) to support the efforts of NYCHA residents in their pursuit of higher education. Annually, the Resident Scholarship ______Program awards $1,000 scholarships to eligible residents who ______are enrolled at colleges of The City University of New York (CUNY). Scholarship recipients can use the money to pay for ______tuition, books or other education-related expenses. ______

In 2011, NYCHA established the Regina A. Figueroa ______Memorial Scholarship to recognize the academic and civic achievements of disabled NYCHA residents who are enrolled ______at CUNY co11eges. ______

NYCHA is proud to partner with CUNY on this and many ______other enrichment and vocational training programs that support residents in achieving their professional goals. ______

1 14 The NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program Program is funded in part by a generous grant from LUNCH

WELCOME New York City Council Member Tischelle George Stephen Levin, District 33 Assistant Director and Scholarship Program Manager Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability New York City Housing Authority New York City Council Member Mark Levine, District 7 REMARKS

Cheryl N. Williams New York City Council Member Associate Dean for Special Programs Helen Rosenthal, District 6 The City University of New York

and Michael Kelly New York City Council Member General Manager New York City Housing Authority Ritchie Torres, District 15

Ebony S. Johnson Thank you for your continuing support of 2012 NYCHA-CUNY Scholar Alum NYCHA residents. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

13 2 Meet the 2015 NYCHA - CUNY and Regina A. Figueroa Memorial Scholars

Grace Theresa Agalo-os John Jay College of Criminal Justice Todt Hill Houses Regina A. Figueroa was an employee of the New York City Housing Grace Theresa Agalo-os immigrated to the Authority’s Department of Communications for ten years. Regina was United States from the Philippines with her also a resident of Throggs Neck Houses in the Bronx, and attended parents when she was nine years old. Her John Jay College where she was studying to pursue a career in law. parents were in search of the best medical Although Regina spent most of her life in a wheelchair that did treatment for Grace Theresa’s spina bifida and the prospect of a quality higher education for not stop her from doing whatever she set her mind to! She was an her. When her father passed away, NYCHA advocate who fought for the rights of disabled citizens. Additionally became home, enabling her mother to focus on being a caregiver. Grace Regina was extremely resourceful, generous, and a huge asset to the worked hard to realize her parents’ dreams for her. After graduating from Housing Authority and to her community. high school with honors, she enrolled in John Jay College, which has fostered her ambitions to become a “fierce advocate for justice.” In the After a valiant fight with cancer, Regina passed away on August 10, past three years, Grace Theresa has demonstrated considerable talents as a leader: working with dozens of student organizations as a Peer 2010, at the age of 32. In honor of her memory and contributions Ambassador at John Jay’s Center for Student Leadership and Involvement; to society, NYCHA established the Regina A. Figueroa Memorial advocating for capital funding for accessibility measures while serving Scholarship to recognize the academic and civic achievements of as the Executive Secretary in the Student Council; and organizing disabled NYCHA residents who are enrolled at colleges of The City conferences, a film festival, and other activities as Sponsorship Chair of University of New York. the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities.

3 12 David Ventura Carla Hernandez Lehman College Brooklyn College Douglass Houses Fulton Houses

David says he wouldn’t be able to live in New Since she was a child, Carla Hernandez has York City and be a full-time college student dreamed of becoming an activist for human without the affordability of his CUNY education rights. As part of this journey, she’s honed and NYCHA housing. After the untimely her skills as an advocate for the environment passing of his mother, David became a young as a Recycling Outreach Coordinator head of household and caregiver to his 28-year- with the NYC Department of Education’s old disabled brother. David values being able to stay close to his brother by taking classes at other CUNY schools near Sustainability Initiative, and as a member of home through the e-Permit program. He knows his mother would be Green City Force’s Clean Energy Corps. She’s also committed herself proud of seeing him on the Dean’s List at Lehman College, where he’s to academic success, making the Dean’s List four semesters in a row at majoring in dietetics, foods, and nutrition and minoring in theater. Taking Borough of Community College and earning an overall GPA his mother’s advice to do what you love, David volunteers at his church of 3.8. Carla plans to study sociology and women and gender studies at (helping produce plays and musicals), has interned at the 1199 United Brooklyn College this fall to launch a career in public policy and advocacy Healthcare Workers union’s Youth Mentoring Program (where he received on behalf of marginalized people. NYCHA has provided a firm foundation the 1199 Youth Mentoring Award), and was a group leader for the Oasis for Carla’s goals, providing not only a home but an opportunity for her Summer Camp in Central Park. family to advance in ways that were once unimaginable.

Joseph Kemp John Jay College of Criminal Justice Nancy Villavicencio Queensbridge Houses Baruch College Strauss/344 East 28th Street Joseph Kemp lives by this quote from renowned attorney Mark Levin: “If there’s an opportunity to Nancy Villavicencio says having an affordable pursue your goal, recognize and seize it.” Joseph place to live has dramatically improved her has seized the opportunities available at John Jay academic life. Now she can focus on school and College to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. maintain her 3.7 GPA by going to tutoring and In addition to eye-opening classes on philosophy, study sessions and meeting with her professors. law, criminal justice, and writing, Joseph is Instead of working to help her family pay a high benefitting from his participation in the school’s Pre-Law Institute, Law Society, monthly rent, she has time to get vital hands-on work experience through Mock Trial Association, and Debate Society. John Jay is also helping him apply accounting internships at Trepp, LLC and Oscar de la Renta. She also makes for an internship at an international law firm. As a member of CUNY Service time to help others: She’s a member of the Beta Alpha Psi National Honors Corps, Joseph is paying forward the opportunities he has received. Thanks Society for business students, through which she does community service to NYCHA, Joseph was connected to the non-profit Urban Upbound, which regularly, and helps people prepare and file their taxes as a volunteer with helped him prepare for the SATs and apply for college and financial aid. Joseph the New York Cares organization. After getting her bachelor’s degree in says, this assistance was especially valuable, since he and his immigrant parents accounting (with a minor in Spanish) at Baruch College, Nancy hopes to were unfamiliar with the college application process. By working toward his earn her master’s in taxation and become a Certified Public Accountant. goals, Joseph says he is now “on my feet and standing tall.”

11 4 Evette Khalil Nusrat Sultana College of Staten Island Hunter College Mariner’s Harbor Houses Mitchel Houses The day Evette Khalil and her family were Nusrat Sultana is already a published author accepted into NYCHA housing marked a new and is well on her way to making her mark on beginning for them. That same day, they had been the world through storytelling. The young adult asked to move out from where they were living fantasy novel she wrote, “Bleed” is available for due to its substandard conditions. In addition to purchase online, where there are also interviews the safety and security of a decent home, NYCHA of her sharing her inspiration for the book. While, provided the critical services and resources she knows making a living as a writer is a difficult Evette and her family needed to start their new career path, she says, her Mitchel Houses community has modeled for her life in America. By providing an affordable quality education, CUNY is the work ethic, perseverance, and sense of adventure she needs to succeed. also helping Evette lead a successful life. She’s excelling in her studies The community also taught her the importance of helping others. To at the College of Staten Island, thanks in part to the free tutoring for the share her passion for books, Nusrat has discussed the publishing process subjects she initially found challenging, and is now gaining valuable work with high school students. She also participated in the Bridge-Building experience as an on-campus math tutor. After earning her bachelor’s degree Initiative, which helps prepare middle school students for high school. in computer science and mathematics, she plans to help organizations keep Nusrat credits Hunter College’s flexibility in enabling her the time to their systems running efficiently and safely as an information technology get valuable internship experience in the industry, at Harper Collins and professional. In addition to her busy academic and tutoring schedule, Evette Gotham Writers Workshop, to augment her studies in English and creative works on the weekends and volunteers her time to feed the needy. writing, where she maintains a 3.9 GPA..

Ayesha Khan Tatiana Sangare City College of New York Brooklyn College Mariner’s Harbor Houses Park Rock Rehab Houses

As a first-generation college student, Ayesha Tatiana Sangare is majoring in accounting and Khan wants to make her family proud by political science at Brooklyn College, acquiring becoming a pediatrician. She’s well on her the tools she needs to help others. She aspires to way to fulfilling her dream, studying biology become an attorney to fight injustice, promote in the Honors Program at the City College of human rights, and give a voice to those without New York, where she received an Outstanding power. Believing that financial literacy is one of Academic Achievement Award this spring. By the most important ways to help reduce poverty, volunteering at Staten Island University Hospital Tatiana also wants to become an accountant to and at a pediatric and adolescent medical clinic, Ayesha is immersing show people the importance of budgeting, saving, and building assets. A herself in the medical field. She also participates in a range of student love of politics inspired her to volunteer for both local and national political clubs and organizations, from the National Society of Leadership and campaigns. While mentoring students at a charter school, she organized a Success to the Muslim Student Organization and the Medical Club. Ayesha political action day to raise awareness of the political process. Tatiana has also is thankful for all the support and resources that enable her to pursue her tutored students in U.S. and world history and organized archival materials ambitions. That includes CUNY’s affordable, high-quality education with as an intern at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. When she’s not playing its top-notch advisors and free tutors. NYCHA inspires her with the job saxophone in the Brooklyn United Marching Band, you can find Tatiana placement and education fairs it hosts, and NYCHA’s low-cost housing teaching karate to youth at Boys & Girls Harbor. Tatiana is grateful for being helped her parents manage living expenses and save money for college. the first in her family to attend college, and to graduate with little to no debt.

5 10 Marilyn Owusu-Sekyere Rose Middleton College of Staten Island Queens College Richmond Terrace Houses Astoria Houses According to Marilyn Owusu-Sekyere, moving As a young mother of three, who juggled work, into NYCHA housing after emigrating from child rearing and pursuit of a higher education, Ghana was one of the best decisions her parents Rose Middleton found herself temporarily putting ever made. It offered a firm foundation for their her education on hold in order to provide for her family of six as well as access to vital services family. In 2000 Rose eventually achieved more that helped them succeed as new Americans. balance when she traded in long hours and high Marilyn believes that CUNY is providing her a rent for an affordable apartment in NYCHA’s similar platform for success – the tools and skills Astoria Houses that was based on her income. Fast forward to 2013, Rose required to achieve her goals. After she earns her bachelors in psychology made her way back to college and earned an associate degree in business and English at the College of Staten Island, Marilyn intends to do public administration from Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) relations and marketing work for large corporations. To Marilyn, giving in two years. BMCC provided the flexible schedule and financial aid that back is as important as being successful. She co-founded The Bethesda made it possible for her to attend school. She’s currently working on her Project, a charitable organization that assists orphaned girls in the Dominican bachelor’s degree at Queens College so that she can accomplish her lifelong Republic. She’s also the Vice President of her campus chapter of P.A.C.E. goal of becoming an accountant. Rose strives to create a better life for her (Planning to Achieve Collegiate Excellence), a college mentoring program. family by taking advantage of the opportunities available to Astoria Houses As a member of the Ghanaian Association of Staten Island, she connects residents through the non-profit Urban Upbound, such as financial education with young adults in the community and helps plan events. programs. She also helps make her neighborhood a better place as a member of Astoria Houses’ Resident Association.

Maria Santana Shirley Orellana Hunter College Hunter College Bronxchester Houses Betances Houses

The events that brought her neighbors together Shirley Orellana says it’s a myth that students at Bronxchester Houses – the youth basketball from a lower socioeconomic level cannot tournaments and annual summer barbecues get a quality education. She’s thriving as a – inspired Maria Santana to work to improve psychology student at Hunter College, currently the lives of people in disadvantaged, inner-city boasting a 3.7 GPA. Shirley credits her diverse communities. Drawn by CUNY’s affordability communities in the Bronx and at Hunter College and reputation for quality, she’s studying history for shaping her into the motivated, passionate, and human rights at Hunter College. As a Junior and idealistic person she is today. She believes Officer for the Historical Society of Hunter College, she highlights career it is now her turn to make the most of what she’s been given, just as her paths for fellow history majors. Maria was President of the History Student parents did after they immigrated to the United States from Honduras Association at Borough of Manhattan Community College, where she seeking greater opportunities. They wanted her to attend college and earned an associates degree. Maria thrives when helping others; she interns learn about new ideas and worlds, since they were not able to do so. Her at Globe Aware, a non-governmental organization that deploys volunteers desire is to give back to the New York community that has contributed for service around the world, and volunteers her time to teach elementary so much to her own development. school students how to read through the community organization Masa.

9 6 Alismari Read Stella Tse City College of New York Hunter College Polo Grounds Houses Vladeck Houses

Alismari Read decided to major in chemical engineering at City College Aspiring math teacher Stella Tse says that NYCHA and CUNY have helped because she’s fascinated by the prospect of turning nature’s raw materials her realize her potential as a student and set her on a path to achieving her into something useful and valuable for society. As a member of the career goals. With an affordable home and affordable tuition, she can get chemical engineering honor society, Omega Chi Epsilon, she leads a her bachelor’s degree without going into debt and save for graduate school. project that inspires minority high school students to pursue higher Living at Vladeck Houses has exposed her to different cultures, which is education in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and instrumental for an educator. At Hunter College, where she’s majoring in math. When she’s not busy maintaining her 3.9 GPA, Alismari distributes math and has a 3.9 GPA, she’s benefitting from limitless job opportunities fresh produce with the volunteer organization City Harvest. As President and advice, including assistance with her resume and job applications. She of City College’s Middle Eastern Music and Dance Club, Alismari has extensive experience as a tutor, in both paid and volunteer settings, encourages other students to build self-esteem and confidence through including with the advocacy groups Settlement and Educational artistic expression. In addition to winning multiple scholarships and an Alliance. Beyond academic mentoring, Stella was a Peer Educator at academic achievement award, she helped build a system of gyroscopes Settlement, advocating for the LGBTQ community and that interact via springs at the University of Chicago’s Materials Research raising awareness on avoiding teen pregnancy, and is a Health Volunteer Center and interned in the Quality Control Department of a prescription at Educational Alliance. She’s also Vice President of the Project Rousseau drug manufacturer in the Dominican Republic. Alismari is thankful that Club, a mentoring and community service organization; an intern with Reach her NYCHA home is walking distance from school, which frees up time the World, which introduces students to cultures around the globe; and has for her own development and to give back to her community. earned two other academic scholarships.

7 8