From left to right, back row: Eddie Cuesta, Angelina Ramírez, Armando Guareno,
Lesly Almanzar, Marci Maccall, Carlos Molina, Ydanis Rodríguez, Richard Espinal,
Seny Taveras, Angela Fernández, Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Malik Abdur-Razzaq,
Mino Lora, Marisol Alcantara, Carmen de la Rosa, Dr. Roa, Lillian Pyatt-Castro,
Tiffany Lee. Front row: Rud Morales, Maria Lizardo, Michelle Paige, Judy Sonett
Seny Taveras, the new Executive Director of CUNY in the Heights, understands that bringing leaders together is a sure way to inspire action. She stated this frankly as she expressed her appreciation to the guests who were at the center to meet Michelle Paige, the former First Lady of the State of New York who is now the Director of Community Relations, Programs and Corporate Events for Emblem Health.
Ms. Paige’s remarks were eloquent and to the point. Returning the attendees’ compliments, she said she had come to CUNY in the Heights to meet the leaders who have transformed Upper Manhattan, and in order to get to know them better, she opened a story circle and invited them all to speak about the roles they play in advancing the community.
“For me this was a great opportunity to reconnect with these leaders as well as to speak about the programs that CUNY in the Heights offers,” said Seny Taveras. “But I also wanted to remind the group that CUNY in the Heights is not only for the benefit of Northern Manhattan but also for the city as a whole. Having Michelle Paige as a guest and speaker was especially gratifying. Seeing the group interact and respond to her was very touching. CUNY in the Heights is a place where people want to come, and that is why it is important to offer events that maintain its vitality and relevance.”
About Hostos Community College
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. It serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College’s unique "Student Success Coaching Unit" provides students with individualized guidance and exemplifies its emphasis on student support services.
Recently named one of the top 10 finalists for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Hostos offers 27 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university, which serves more than 480,000 students at 24 colleges.