Student, Faculty, and Alumni Stories

  Kazi Tejwar Majors: Political Science and Government; Sociology  Minor: Legal Studies  Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?    I was born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and I’m a proud son of two Bengali immigrants. My story always starts with my parents. They’ve sacrificed their entire lives to come to America to give their three children the best possible lives they can lead. I will never forget their sacrifice.  Growing up, I’ve seen the devastating effects our economic and political… Read More »


    Alivya Barry, BA/MA program in Research Psychology with a minor in anthropology. Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?  I grew up in a mission-oriented family. When I was 7, we started fostering kids out of the fostercare system, which exposed me to many levels of trauma, I saw the impacts of poverty, cognitive disabilities, and physical/emotional/sexual abuse. My parents dedicated most of my childhood years to their non-profit which aimed to create safe homes and spaces, as well as fill other gaps within the… Read More »


  Dr. Diana Punales Morejon, Director of The Psychological Center, migrated to the US with her family from Cuba to escape communism. Now, she is shaping the next generation of psychologists. With a focus on overseeing clinical teams and ensuring the competency of doctoral students, Dr. Morejon navigates the challenges of staying updated on evolving training competencies while finding deep fulfillment in nurturing socially conscious professionals. She also addresses socio-economic and systemic hurdles in accessing mental health, including implementing a… Read More »


    Aravdeep Kaur, a senior majoring in Economics, was raised by Punjabi immigrant parents in Queens and discovered her passion for Finance and Analytics while attending CCNY. Kaur underscores the pivotal role of the Colin Powell School in providing opportunities for professional growth, including fellowships and internships. Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?   I was born and raised in a vibrant neighborhood in Queens, to Punjabi immigrant parents. I attended P.S. 108, M.S. 137, and then Brooklyn Technical… Read More »


  Introduction Angela Vasovic '22 was born to parents who immigrated to America from Yugoslavia. Growing up, Vasovic developed a profound interest in global perspectives during family visits to Serbia and decided to begin her journey in diplomacy at the City College of New York. Her commitment to international affairs and human rights led her to an early internship with International IDEA, and her participation in the Colin Powell and S Jay Levy fellowships at CCNY paved the way for an internship with the Department of State during the pandemic, and… Read More »


    Cultivating Leaders: Bobby Derival’s Impact at the Colin Powell School Bobby Derival, Executive Director of the MPA Program at the Colin Powell School, is passionate about creating positive social change through education and mentorship.  Derival’s background as a public health practitioner and entrepreneur brings a unique perspective to the MPA Program, emphasizing the importance of leadership development and challenging the status quo for a more equitable society.     What strategies do you employ for student recruitment… Read More »


  Bridging Dreams and Determination: Jesus Villegas' Journey from East Harlem to Economic Impact Jesus Villegas, a first-generation college student from East Harlem, is pursuing a BA in Economics with a concentration in Finance. Villegas’ motivation stems from his family's sacrifices and his own experiences, including a transformative period of injury and recovery during the pandemic. Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?   My name is Jesus Villegas (He/Him), born and raised in East Harlem, New York. Growing up in this… Read More »


    Alum Carlos Pazmino’s Journey to a Career in Urban Planning  Carlos Pazmino ‘15, a Transportation Planner/Urban Planner II at The District Department of Transportation, immigrated with his mother from Quito, Ecuador, at the age of 10, during a very turbulent era in that country. City College provided a platform for Pazmino to blend personal experiences with academic pursuits, fueling his passion for urban planning.  What brought you to CCNY and to the Colin Powell School? My stepfamily has a longstanding history with CUNY, as my… Read More »


  Bruce Cronin: “The Diversity of This Community Reflects the Diversity of N.Y. Itself” Influenced by his parents' activism as opponents of the war in Vietnam and supporters of civil rights, Political Science professor Bruce Cronin developed a passion for international politics, particularly human rights. After earning a degree in Political Science and Urban Studies at SUNY Albany, he pursued a career as a community organizer and later earned a PhD from Columbia University. Cronin’s scholarly work delves into human rights and international law, with a… Read More »


  Student Leila Cole '25: “Never Be Ashamed to Ask for Help” Leila Cole, born in Sierra Leone and raised in the U.S., originally aspired to be a computer animator before shifting to the fashion industry. Feeling unfulfilled, she resigned from a strategic role in a luxury jewelry company and enrolled at CCNY. The passion for addressing global issues, especially injustices against women and children, led her to pursue International Studies at the Colin Powell School.  Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?   I was… Read More »


Last Updated: 01/15/2020 15:46