NYC Gazette

The City University of New York (CUNY) has unveiled its inaugural 50 Under 50 alumni list, recognizing distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields over the past year. This new initiative highlights the diverse talents and achievements within CUNY's expansive community, featuring individuals from various disciplines such as activism, law, journalism, and entrepreneurship.

“CUNY’s story is best told by the over one million alumni who have been uplifted by the University’s mission, many of whom pay it forward by making an impact in their industries,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “We congratulate these 50 CUNY alumni for standing out in how their careers have progressed since their graduation.”

Among the honorees is Ischia Bravo, the first Latina to serve as Bronx County’s clerk and commissioner of jurors. A lifelong resident of the Bronx with degrees from Hostos Community College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Bravo has dedicated her two-decade-long public service career to increasing civic engagement among her borough's diverse communities.

Another notable recipient is disability advocate Andrea Dalzell, chief operating officer for Access Initiatives. A graduate of the College of Staten Island, Dalzell is recognized as New York's first registered nurse to graduate nursing school while using a wheelchair.

Jerome Bishop Lane Jr., a community ministry organizer for the Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey and executive director of The Transformation Family, Inc., also received recognition. Lane graduated from Lehman College after beginning his higher education at Hostos Community College.

Chris Mossiah, a City College of New York graduate and former U.S. Navy electronic technician with extensive experience in technology, currently works as a product director at JPMorgan Chase. Mossiah also leads the firm’s resource group for transgender and gender-nonconforming employees.

George D. Adames served as Richmond County District Attorney’s Office's first LGBTQI+ community liaison before becoming deputy general counsel for the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Adames holds degrees from both the College of Staten Island and CUNY School of Law.

“CUNY alumni are making a difference in New York and around the world every day,” said CUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing Maite Junco. “We’re particularly proud to shout out these 50 changemakers who have done so impressively soon after their time at the University.”

The Office of Communications and Marketing accepted nominations for this recognition, selecting recipients from each CUNY college based on their industry impact over the past year. Alumni can be nominated through an online form for future awards.

Earlier this year, CUNY launched its Alumni Network initiative to engage graduates from its 25 colleges under one central group. This includes LinkedIn and Facebook groups for networking, a quarterly newsletter, an Instagram page for updates, professional development events like resume reviews and personal branding workshops, monthly professional headshot sessions, and specially designed merchandise available online.

For more information about staying connected with CUNY or accessing resources and updates related to alumni activities, visit the CUNY Alumni webpage.

The City University of New York remains committed to providing quality public education regardless of students' means or backgrounds since its founding in 1847 as America's first free public institution of higher education.