Join us for the final hoorah of our series, episode 10 and series finale delves into the inspiring story of Vanessa L. Gibson, a true star lighting up the Bronx. From New York’s non-stop pace, Vanessa started as an intern, slowly but surely climbing her way up in the world of public service.

Wrapped up in a tale of true grit, she became a powerhouse in politics, moving from District Manager to a big player in the New York State Assembly in 2009, always putting her heart into the Bronx. Her adventure led her to two meaningful terms in the Assembly, then upping the ante as a New York City Council Member in 2013. In the hustle and bustle of political talks, Vanessa led with care and skill, pushing for better education, affordable housing, public safety, and important changes in criminal justice. And let’s not forget - she made history as the first African-American woman to lead the Public Safety Committee!

In 2021, Vanessa didn’t just break the mold, she remade it, becoming the 14th Bronx Borough President and the first woman and African-American to take the spot. Throughout her career, she’s stood firm for tenant protections and fought for equal access to food, among so many other important battles. Making a real difference in her community, she looks ahead, eager to continue making waves as Bronx Borough President.

As we wrap things up, soak in the story of a woman whose impact is felt through every street in the Bronx, creating a future as bright and energetic as the community she so lovingly serves.

Episode 9’s guest is NY State Senator, Zellnor Y. Myrie. Senator Zellnor Myrie is a dedicated Brooklyn native and affordable housing advocate who has represented the 20th Senate District since 2019. During his time in the Senate, he has achieved significant legislative victories, including landmark affordable housing and tenant protection laws, criminal justice reforms, and the creation of the nation’s first state gun industry liability law to combat gun violence. As Chair of the Elections Committee, he oversaw historic election reforms and authored the John R. Lewis New York Voting Rights Act, recognized as one of the strongest voting rights laws in the country. Senator Myrie’s commitment to public service is rooted in his mother’s journey from Costa Rica to Brooklyn, and he holds degrees from Brooklyn Technical High School, Fordham University, and Cornell Law School. He is also a recipient of the “20 Under 40 Leadership Award” from the Council of State Governments.

Episode 8’s guest is Vincent Boudreau, President of The City College of New York (CCNY). Vincent Boudreau became the President of CCNY in 2017, appointed by the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York. Prior to this role, he spent three years as the inaugural dean of CCNY’s Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. Spanning from 2002 to 2013, Boudreau held the position of founding director for the same school. His expertise in political science, with a focus on social movements in Southeast Asia, has culminated in his recent book “Resisting Dictatorship: Repression and Protest in Southeast Asia,” published by Cambridge University Press. Boudreau’s research extends to government transitions to democracy, collective violence, and the nexus between civil society, social movements, and democratization in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Throughout his tenure at City College, Boudreau has actively contributed to its academic landscape. He has led diverse roles, including directorship of the M.A. Program in International Relations, chairmanship of the Political Science Department, directorship of the International Studies Program, and deputy dean of the Division of Social Science. In academia, he holds a professorship in political science at City College and is a member of the graduate faculty of the City University of New York.

Boudreau’s commitment to scholarly endeavors is reflected in his involvement with prominent organizations and initiatives. He is part of the editorial committee for “Comparative Politics” and has engaged with ActionAid Asia, Jubilee South Asia, The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, and Freedom House in various capacities.

With a career deeply rooted in education, Boudreau’s presidency at The City College of New York is marked by his dedication to advancing education’s role in promoting social justice and equality. His extensive background in political science, coupled with his research and leadership achievements, positions him as an influential figure within both the academic and civic spheres.