Ouafaa Hmaddi, assistant professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at CCNY’s Colin Powell School, is on a mission to level the playing field for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Born and raised in Morocco, Hmaddi’s career journey spans engineering, policy, and entrepreneurship research, weaving a narrative of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to equity.
A Path Shaped by Experience
Hmaddi’s journey began in Morocco, where she grew up in a family of entrepreneurs navigating systemic barriers. These early experiences planted the seeds for her… Read More »
Erick Martinez, a senior at the Colin Powell School, is a testament to resilience and ambition. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City’s vibrant Dyckman neighborhood, Erick’s journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of his parents. His mother, an entrepreneur running a daycare business, instilled in him the value of perseverance, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. Meanwhile, his father nurtured his love for motorsports, sparking Erick’s dream of one day working in prestigious series such as NASCAR,… Read More »
Wanda Luis: Resilience, Dreams, and the Power of Belonging at CCNY
Wanda Luis, a proud first-generation Dominican-American and lifelong New Yorker, embodies resilience and determination. After earning her associate degree at Bronx Community College, she transferred to CCNY in 2016. Life’s demands led her to pause her studies in 2017 to work full-time and support her family. But Wanda’s dream of becoming a licensed mental health therapist called her back to CCNY, where she’s reclaiming her story and redefining what’s possible.
Growing Up with… Read More »
From Migration to Mentorship: Dr. Maritsa Poros on Sociology, Teaching, and Advancing Equity
Dr. Maritsa Poros, Professor of Sociology at CCNY, brings a unique perspective to her work, blending personal experiences with an interdisciplinary approach to migration, urban sociology, and social networks. Born to Greek immigrant parents, Dr. Poros’s academic journey began with a pursuit of clinical psychology before a life-changing sociology class shifted her focus. Today, she stands as a mentor, researcher, and advocate for equity in higher education.
A… Read More »
From High School Dreams to The New York Times: Fairuz Omar Raya’s Journalism Journey
Meet Fairuz Omar Raya, a sophomore at City College of New York (CCNY), who is turning her passion for storytelling into a promising journalism career. Majoring in Political Science and minoring in Journalism, Fairuz has already secured remarkable accomplishments, including her acceptance into the New York Times Corps program and the NBCU Academy and Inner Circle Journalism Fellowship.
From Early Inspiration to a Journalism Calling
As a Bangladeshi-American… Read More »
Professor Sherrie Baver: Championing Environmental Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean
Professor Sherrie Baver has dedicated her career to exploring the complex relationship between environmental justice and democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean. Her current research focuses on the implementation of “Environmental Democracy” in Mexico and Chile, with a passion fueled by years of fieldwork and a lifelong commitment to understanding the intersection of politics, culture, and the environment.
A Passion for Latin America and Political… Read More »
Leading with Purpose: Hannah-Sophie Wahle’s Journey in Global Humanitarian Efforts
Hannah-Sophie Wahle, a City College alumna with a degree in political science, has built a remarkable career in humanitarian work and global change. Her passion for international affairs was first sparked by her parents, whose careers in peacekeeping and pastoral care offered her a unique view of the world. Originally from Germany, Hannah-Sophie’s curiosity led her to study abroad in Texas, where she fell in love with the U.S. education system, eventually choosing City… Read More »
Katherine Chen and Her Path to the Colin Powell School
Dr. Katherine Chen, Chair of Sociology at the Colin Powell School, is making waves in the field of organizational ethnography. With a keen focus on how organizations can empower individuals through collective decision-making, she draws inspiration from her diverse and motivated students at CCNY. Many of her students come from working-class and immigrant backgrounds, and Dr. Chen is dedicated to helping them connect their unique skills to broader societal issues.
Discovering a Passion for… Read More »
Carolina Fernandez: Building a Future in Finance Rooted in Family and Resilience
Carolina Fernandez (she/her) is a third-year economics student at CCNY with a passion for finance and a strong drive to pave the way for her family's legacy. Born and raised in New York's Kingsbridge neighborhood, Carolina is the youngest of three and the first in her family to pursue a degree in the U.S. Her Dominican American roots and the resilience of her parents have deeply influenced her journey.
A Journey Shaped by Family and Ambition
Growing up across from the… Read More »
Building Community and Business: Diana Perez Paves the Way for Social Justice through Entrepreneurship
Diana Perez ‘18, a first-generation Mexican immigrant and proud Latina alumna of the Colin Powell School at CCNY, embodies resilience, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Through her studies in Economics and Mathematics, she sought to address economic inequalities and empower marginalized communities. Today, as a co-founder of Radiate Consulting NY, a worker-owned cooperative, she continues to champion social justice through culturally sensitive… Read More »
Last Updated: 01/15/2020 15:46