Genevieve “Evie” Bombard is majoring in political science and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies at the University at Albany. Bombard is a member of the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Teaching Collective, through which she is conducting research and developing lesson plans based in feminist pedagogical principles. Bombard has worked in food and customer service, where she has developed skills to navigate sensitive situations with empathy and a focus on resolution. Prior to her studies, Bombard was an active member of her hometown community as a member of the Gay Straight Alliance, an organizer for events on gun violence, and an intern at the Schodack Town Hall.

Joshua Kapczynski is majoring in community and human services at Empire State College, with a concentration in emergency services. He has spent over 15 years serving in the Albany Fire Department, where he has been a lieutenant for the last five years. Prior to his public service, Kapczynski earned an associate’s degree from Hudson Valley Community College and a Jewish studies certificate from Philadelphia Biblical University. He is an active member of his community, volunteering for food distribution and fundraising for local organizations with Christ’s Church in Albany and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Delmar.

Azania “Sammie” Maitland is majoring in political science and business, management, and economics at Empire State College (ESC) and Hunter College. At ESC, Maitland co-founded the college’s student government association and has acted as its interim president. Currently, she is an intern in Congressman Hakeem Jeffries’ office, where she has been working to support the district office and constituents through the pandemic. Previously, Maitland worked as a yoga instructor, volunteering with local hospitals to provide classes for staff members.

Catherine Reed is majoring in political science at the University at Albany. Reed is a member of the Presidential Honors Society and the Students for Sustainability Club. Most recently, Reed interned in Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Albany district office supporting constituent services and public events leading up to the pandemic. While at the University at Albany, Reed also worked for the Mancabelli Law office near Buffalo, where she has conducted legal research and assisted in various projects to increase practice efficiency, including those related Women’s Business Enterprise certification.

Imari Roque is majoring in political science and minoring in Latin American and Caribbean studies at the University at Albany. Through her studies, she has contributed to research on the impacts of immigration policy on second generation children. Roque previously interned for the New York City Department of Education working in school counseling and guidance at the Bronx Academy for Software Engineering. In addition to her studies, Roque is a member of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, the Student Association Elections Commission, and the Serendipity Women’s Acapella Group. Roque has been awarded scholarships by Comité Noviembre and the New York League of Puerto Rican Women, Inc.

Hoshi Salcedo is majoring in public policy at Empire State College. Both prior to and throughout her studies, Salcedo has worked with Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Guardian Services helping unaccompanied minors navigate refugee resettlement programs in the Bronx. In addition to this work, she also assists young adults in residential group home settings. Salcedo’s interest in public policy was spurred by her experiences working with young people and children in the immigration system. After completing her degree Salcedo’s goal is to attend an MPA/JD program so that she can effect change through public policy.

Erin Vallely is in the final year of earning her master’s degree in social and public policy with an advanced certification in healthcare management from Empire State College. She graduated summa cum laude from Wells College with her BA in sociology and anthropology and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Most recently, Vallely worked as a political writer and special projects assistant at the Center for Disability Rights and served on the board of directors at the Finger Lakes Independence Center. Vallely’s experiences as a wheelchair user have led her to pursue a career in political advocacy with an emphasis on disability rights and healthcare disparities.