Aïcha A. Bamba   is a highly sought-after Political Practitioner with a decade of experience in state and local government, as well as activism and advocacy. Aïcha has worked with a multitude of notable individuals such as  HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Congress Member Yvette D. Clarke, and Congress Member Ritchie Torres, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, and numerous other officials. Born and raised in The Bronx, New York, Aïcha combines her love for community, drive for justice and commitment to equity to her work in government and politics.



Alain Berrouet is the Queens Director for Intergovernmental Affairs at New York City Public Schools, where he represents over 246,000 students across 283 schools. A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Alain co-founded the Black Latino Employee Networking and Development (BLEND) group to create professional development opportunities for Black and Latino employees. He also serves as the Men's Chair for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) NYC Chapter and is a Union Delegate for Local 372 (DC-37). Alain helped launch the Breaking the Ice Mental Health Conference at Adelphi University, which has been running for three years, promoting mental health awareness in underserved communities. His advocacy focuses on empowering Black boys and men and fostering stronger communities. Alain is committed to bridging gaps between government and marginalized groups, driving transformative leadership, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout New York City.

Cecil Brooks joins this Bridges-NY cohort as an entrepreneur and global citizen who channels his faith into a philosophy of service. He launched Mott Haven Capital Partners as a

microfinancing investment fund to direct capital toward promising projects. Four years later, amidst unemployment and ethnic tensions, his firm transformed into a crowdfunding platform that underwrites cross-cultural partnerships meant to foster innovative ideas. Cecil also leads strategy at Open Plans as a driven advocate for ambitious investment into sustainable infrastructure. In this capacity, he leads engagement with commercial stakeholders to highlight the economic benefits of urbanism. Cecil previously served Congressman Ritchie Torres and the NYC Department of Small Business Services. A proud iTrek25 honoree and Downtown Minyan member, he is committed to speaking out against local anti-Semitism and instability abroad. His efforts have led to $250,000 in local investments and Citibike coverage in The Bronx as he leans on relationships in all five boroughs and both political parties. In his spare time, Cecil loves hosting events, reflecting on scenic bike rides, and jamming to hip-hop albums.

Justin B. Cortes is Chief of Staff to Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, and he plays a pivotal role in advancing the Borough's priorities and ensuring that the Borough's resources and needs are effectively addressed. A native of the West Bronx, Justin holds degrees from Borough of Manhattan Community College and CUNY City College of New York. He began his professional journey in the private sector, working for Norwegian Cruise Line and Citibank. In 2015, he transitioned into public service, volunteering for and subsequently joining the staff of Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. Over the years, Justin rose through the ranks, holding positions as Constituent Liaison, Director of Budget, and ultimately Chief of Staff. Leading a team of 70+, Justin works to secure critical resources and advocate for underrepresented communities, embodying a leadership style deeply rooted in integrity, efficacy, and dedication to equity and opportunity for all Bronx residents.

Budget, and ultimately Chief of Staff. Leading a team of 70+, Justin works to secure critical resources and advocate for underrepresented communities, embodying a leadership style deeply rooted in integrity, efficacy, and dedication to equity and opportunity for all Bronx residents.

Dr. Albert Gamarra is the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of the nation’s largest and most successful municipal identification card program, IDNYC. He is a career government operative and policy-maker who leads a broad range of functions to create pathways of access for the City’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations. He

earned both his Bachelor of Arts in International Criminal Justice and his Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College and his Doctoral Degree in Criminal Justice from the CUNY Graduate Center. He is a loving husband, father of two school-aged children, proud son and brother. His family lives in Woodhaven, Queens where he is an active member of his local community board and block association. In a post-pandemic New York, Dr. Gamarra has increased his civic involvement to uplift his community and be an integral, intentional part of the healing of this great city.



As  a Brooklyn-based community activist, Dr. Larry He serves as Chief of Staff to New York State Assembly Member William Colton and Democratic District Leader for New York State’s 47th Assembly District. Dr. He has an extensive community service record, including Member of Community Board 11 of Brooklyn, Board Member of United Chinese Americans, National Governing Board Member of Asian Pacific Islanders American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), Board Chair and President of the Chinese Community Center of the Capital District of New York, Founder of JoyLand Parenting Forum, and Student Senator at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dr. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecological Economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Master degree in International  Economics from McMaster University in Canada, and a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China. 

Darrell “Abdul Malik” Inniss is a dynamic leader with expertise in professional relationships, partnership development, motivational speaking, and staff management. As CEO of FUSED Consulting LLC, Abdul Malik drives organizational growth through strategic planning, operational excellence, and innovative marketing. His tenure as Adjunct Faculty at Hunter College showcased his ability to engage diverse learners and foster critical thinking.

With over a decade of experience, including roles as Citywide Director of Mentor Coordinators and Project Coordinator at the Bronx Clergy Criminal Justice Roundtable, Abdul Malik has honed his skills in team leadership, program development, and policy enhancement. A graduate of CUNY's School of Labor and Urban Studies, Abdul Malik also holds certifications in Community Leadership and Public Administration. An active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, he remains dedicated to empowering communities and fostering transformative change.

Luisa Lopez is the Executive Director of the Latino Social Work Coalition and Scholarship Fund. With extensive experience in government relations, she has held key roles with the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, NYC Council, and former Congressman José E. Serrano’s Washington, DC office. A dedicated advocate for systemic change, Luisa has influenced policies addressing barriers within the social work profession and advanced impactful interventions at national and local levels. She champions the need for culturally and linguistically competent social workers, emphasizing their vital role in strengthening public life and civic participation. Luisa holds a B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross and an MSW from NYU’s Silver School of Social Work, blending political expertise with practical social work to drive transformative change for vulnerable communities across New York State.

Alex Malescio is the senior director of government relations at Urban Upbound, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty. He advocates for public housing and low-income communities, focusing on policy and funding for social services. Previously, Alex served as senior director of programs at Urban Upbound, managing six publicly-funded workforce development and financial counseling programs. He also worked at Kasirer, a NYC-based lobbying firm, where he coordinated advocacy campaigns for real estate developments undergoing public approval. Alex is a member of the Young Professionals Steering Committee at the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) and co-chairs its Engagement and Recruitment Sub-Committee, hosting events to promote the ABNY Young Professionals Network. A SUNY Geneseo graduate with a B.A. in History and Political Science, Alex interned with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, CMW Strategies, and Kasirer.

Nayemai-Isis McIntosh Green (Isis) is the Chief of Staff and Policy Director to a member of the New York State Assembly, with experience in legislative, administrative, and electoral processes. She previously served as Deputy Co-Executive Director of the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission. Passionate about public service, social justice, and equity, Isis founded McIntosh Consulting & Management, LLC, a political consulting firm that has helped elect officials across New York State, from governors to municipal leaders. A proud Brooklyn native, mom, and wife, Isis’s legislative work focuses on issues such as affordable homeownership, bail reform, access to the ballot, higher education equity, and women’s reproductive health rights.

Isabel Ortega-Romero is the Community Liaison for New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, representing District 26. She addresses constituent concerns by working closely with community organizations, government agencies, and local leaders, providing assistance with local issues, and ensuring the Senator’s active engagement with constituents. Previously, Isabel served as a Judicial Intern to the Honorable Andrew J. Cohen at the New York State Supreme Court, 12th Judicial District, Bronx Supreme Court (Civil Term). Isabel is passionate about advocating for immigrant rights and addressing the systemic challenges faced by immigrant communities, including access to justice, equitable labor practices, and inclusive policies. Isabel holds a BA in Political Science from Temple University and a Juris Doctor from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She was also the Annotations Editor and Submissions Editor for the Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights and Social Justice, Vol. 30, where she authored an essay titled “The Legal Implications of Anti-LGBTQ+ Curriculum Laws” and published a Note titled “Unconscionability & Involuntary Arbitration Agreements: The Systemic Exploitation of Immigrant Labor in the United States.” She is fluent in English, and Spanish, and advanced in Portuguese.

Pesach Osina is a dedicated public servant with a proven track record of leadership and community advocacy. Over the course of his career, he has held key government positions, including serving as a community liaison for members of the New York State Assembly and New York City Council, Queens Borough Director for the New York City Comptroller’s office, and most recently as a Senior Community Liaison for New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams. Osina also serves as a Commissioner on the New York City Commission of Racial Equity, where he works to promote fairness and inclusion across the city.Osina’s leadership has been most evident during times of crisis. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, he collaborated with Community Board 14 and local stakeholders to establish the area’s first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Ahead of Superstorm Sandy, he worked with government and community leaders to prepare residents for the storm’s impact. During and after the storm, he tirelessly coordinated relief efforts, ensuring the community’s needs were met. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was instrumental in organizing food distribution sites, securing equitable access to testing and vaccination sites, and distributing thousands of PPE items. With a career defined by service, advocacy, and action, Pesach Osina continues to dedicate himself to improving the lives of New Yorkers. Osina resides in Far Rockaway with his wife and six children.

Xavier A. Santiago is an award-winning producer based between New York City and London, United Kingdom. His company, Saint Productions has produced commercials, documentaries, and films, in addition to serving as a consultant for other projects. He also serves as the Festival Director for the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival. In addition to his work in entertainment, Xavier serves as the Chair of Community Board 11, representing East Harlem and parts of Carnegie Hill. For 15 years, his work played a central role in local hiring initiatives, affordable housing development, and environmental and health policies. Through Xavier's leadership, many of the board’s positions are policy positions of our City and State. He was a recent candidate for the 68th Assembly District. He's an alum of Bowdoin College, Columbia University, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Xavier lives in East Harlem with his wife, two sons, and two Alaskan Malamutes.

Iqra Shafiq is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and global education. Previously, as the Youth Representative of Girl Be Heard to the United Nations, she collaborated with civil society groups and UN officials to amplify youth voices on critical global issues. She played a key role in organizing youth-focused events and delivering reports on UN Security Council and General Assembly activities. Iqra also served as a Youth Representative for the American Pakistan Foundation and interned with Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez in Washington, DC, where she contributed to impactful research and constituent services. Beyond global advocacy, Iqra has extensive local government experience as a Senior Aide to the Brooklyn Deputy Borough President, managing special projects and supporting community engagement initiatives. A Political Science graduate from The City College of New York, Iqra brings academic expertise, multicultural fluency, and a vision to mentor young girls globally, fostering leadership for a more inclusive world.

Born and raised in the heart of Brooklyn, Bedford Stuyvesant, Ms. Kenesha Traynham-Cooper has been serving the community for over 25 years. She learned at a young age the importance of making resources accessible in urban communities. She obtained her Bachelors of Psychology and two Masters of Public Administration and Divinity in efforts to integrate business, outreach, and ministry. She founded a non- profit organization, 4 Future Generations Entrepreneurship and Leadership Foundation teaching children and their parents entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and civic engagement. Ms. Traynham- Cooper is currently the Mayor’s Action Plan Engagement Coordinator under the implementation partner, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. She implements programs and activations towards neighborhood safety. She is currently NYS 56th Assembly District Leader and NYS Democratic Party Vice Chair. Ms. Kenesha Traynham-Cooper looks to the future to find the needs in our community and bring the necessary assets to offer a better quality of life.