CitizensNYC LIVE

On this new episode of CitizensNYC Live, we talk with Rue Parkin, the Executive Director of HelpNYC about their experiences being queer and unhoused and how they bring that personal experience to their work of providing resources for unhoused, unsafe, unstable, or under-supported communities.Rue Parkin (he/they/them) was street and shelter homeless for several years in New York City. Struggling with mental health and substance use concerns they struggled, as did various service providers, to ...

On this new episode of CitizensNYC Live, we talk with Von Harris, a disability advocate, Advertising Coach, Podcaster, and D&I Specialist about how disability advocacy rests at the heart of our work to bring communities together and create a more inclusive world. In Von’s own words: “inclusion and diversity improve every workspace whether in-office or virtual. I believe in being an advocate and a voice for underrepresented communities. I use this passion to drive the strategic alignm...

On this new episode of CitizensNYC Live, we laugh along with Dr. Cheng Zhu, a Harvard lecturer and innovation consultant who studies and educates on the ways humor can improve professional development and success. Dr. Zhu has served as Research Associate at the Harvard Business School, Research Assistant at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Center for Public Leadership, Faculty at the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Senior Faculty and Researcher at the Center for Creativ...

Women’s History Month is in full swing, and we’re shining a light on a woman who is leading just by being her authentic self. In a time when things can be more of a façade for social media purposes, Lorenley Baez brings this modern approach to her leadership role as an Associate Provost, Academic Advising & Career Development at The New School. As a Latina woman from the Dominican Republic, she’s experienced what she refers to as “systems thinking.” That’s another way of saying that ...

We’re shinning a light on an individual who’s always working to bring together and improve his community: Christ Follower Rev. Raschaad Hoggard of Abyssinian Baptist Church. He’s a prime example of someone who does his life’s work by combatting social injustice, sees education as a central part of driving change, and encourages others to share the light within themselves. Episode Note: Our host CitizensNYC CEO Dr. Rahsaan Harris was inspired by our founder Osborn Elliot’s book Men ...

True leadership takes resilience. Just ask our guest, Jesse Leon. Now a Social Impact Consultant & author of the book, "I'm Not Broken", he had to overcome his experience being trafficked as a young sex worker. Jesse shares what it took for him to bounce back from that trauma, learn how to accept himself, and how finding and creating community in NYC played a key role in finding his voice as a leader. Episode Note: Our host CitizensNYC CEO Dr. Rahsaan Harris was inspired by our found...

Our guest is Council Member Joseph C. Borelli is the Minority Leader of the New York City Council. He represents the 51st Council District, which encompasses Staten Island’s South Shore. CM Borelli tells us his how profession allows him to be “the best kind of philanthropist.”Listen as Borelli extends what philanthropy means beyond his generosity in funding of environmental and autism initiatives in Staten island, to his generosity in spirit. Learn why developing real friendships with governm...

There’s nothing wrong with having a “fresh start” from time to time. Our guest, Paul H. Deutch (CitizensNYC Board Member & EVP of Omni Agent Solutions) specializes in just that! During the first half of this episode, you’ll hear all about Paul’s journey as a bankruptcy attorney and how that's evolved to more business development work these days. Toward the end of this episode, we’ll dive into our “Men At The Top” discussion. “Men At The Top: A Study of U.S. Men , Their Lives, Method...

When you have a big goal in mind, just getting started can be the most important part. CEO Rahsaan Harris & Podcast Producer Melaine Morgan reflect on the CitizensNYC podcast journey, while also shining a light on Imani Cruz (Co-Founder of Harlem Cares Collective). Hear about how she started motivating her community to keep the Harlem streets clean, while also balancing a 9-to-5 that is in a completely different line of work.They’ll also dive into a leadership discussion about “Men At The...

Welcome to season 3 of the CitizensNYC: LIVE podcast! We're back to continue bringing New Yorkers from all walks of life together to chat about the city we all know and love.In this episode, we'll be joined by Kelley A. Cornish (Senior Partner at Paul, Weiss) & Nitiya Walker (Executive Director and Founder of Seeds of Fortune Inc.). You'll hear them chat about the challenges of being a female leader and how they're empowering others in their community.October 17, 2022 - Join us at our new...