Chloe Chik currently serves as press secretary for New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Prior to this position, Chloe worked for Pythia Public as a senior associate where she managed multiple clients ranging from non-profit organizations to political candidates. Chloe began her political career in high school, canvassing for the “No On Prop 8” campaign and fighting for marriage equality in California. Chloe received her bachelor’s degree in politics, public policy, and communications from New York University.
Amaris Cockfield
Deputy Press Secretary, Office of New York City Mayor Eric Adams
Amaris Cockfield serves as deputy press secretary for NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Prior to City Hall, Cockfield focused on coalition building, third-party engagement, and strategic media relations at Mercury Public Affairs. Prior to Mercury, Cockfield was a director of communications in the NY State Assembly. Cockfield was a senior advisor and media coordinator for historic social justice cases, including the George Floyd case where she orchestrated media coverage for his funeral and the National Action Network’s March on Washington. Cockfield attended the University at Albany for her B.A. in communications.
What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
Working as the press event lead for a number of this administration’s wins including the launch of dyslexia screenings in New York City schools, the expansion of our Summer Rising program, the expansion of the Summer Youth Employment Program, the expansion of Gifted and Talented programs and all of our work at the DOE. As a mom to a five-year-old public school student, these programs matter to me and families in my community.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?
Starting your career in New York is tough. Be confident, trust your gut, don’t be afraid to ask for help, protect your integrity, and challenge yourself.
Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
Black women. Thankfully, I’ve had strong Black women — legislators and communication aficionados — who have been my support system and mentors since I began my career and helped position me to advance in my career path.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Continuing to serve New Yorkers, shattering glass ceilings, and building bridges for more women of color to follow.
New York City Council Members
Tiffany Cabán, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Sandy Nurse and Pierina Ana Sanchez
These 2022 freshman council members made waves of change during their first year in office. With a focus on affordable housing, improving mental and physical health and expanding opportunity, the New York City Council made crucial steps in the right direction to better the lives of all New Yorkers. Initiatives included adding $4billion for affordable housing in the Fiscal 2023 budget, prioritizing supportive housing, and including affordable homeownership in the Housing Plan. Steps were also taken for the improvement of mental and physical health by putting plans into place to tackle medical care disparities, reduce violence through community-based public safety and improve mental health services.
Hazel Crampton-Hays
Press Secretary, Governor Kathy Hochul
Hazel Crampton-Hays has served as press secretary to Governor Kathy Hochul since the governor was sworn in in August 2021. Ms. Crampton-Hays previously served as press secretary to the New York City Comptroller. Prior, she served in the Governor’s Press Office, including as first deputy press secretary. She holds a bachelor’s degree in politics and religion from Oberlin College.
Therese Daly
Vice President, Mercury Public Affairs
Therese Daly is a vice president in Mercury’s Albany and New York City offices and brings a track record of accomplishments in the political, transportation, and financial sectors. Therese’s background includes a decade of experience with strategy development, business development, sales, communication, public relations, and government relations. Therese serves as a board member of Friends of Recovery New York which is focused on helping not only those in recovery but also loved ones affected by addiction. Therese is a true ally to those affected by addiction.
What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
It’s often daunting to make connections in government, particularly at the state capital, if you don’t have the right connections. In 2022, I’ve made it my mission to help ease those barriers and obstacles for several of my clients and that’s helped better the lives of New Yorkers. I truly feel the most proud of my work on connecting the dots and helping others learn about government and all the surrounding aspects.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?
Never box yourself into a career path, be open to opportunities you might not always have considered. Be KIND to everyone- you never know what someone is going through around you. Keep track of everyone and everything! Take notes. I keep a notebook with me, and write everything down. It has helped me immensely. Also-before judging others, they have not have had the opportunities you have.
Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
I have been very fortunate in my career thus far to interact and learn from some of the very best. From Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to Jan Feuerstadt to Governor Kathy Hochul to Representative Paul Tonko I have learned and watched them interact and lead. New York has some of the best leadership in the country. My personal idol is Amal Clooney, whom I adore and work hard to emulate.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to continue to be in a position where I can help, mentor, advise, and lead. We are in a critical time, where there needs to be a focus on the planet’s future, environmentally and fiscally. I hope to be in a position where I can help lead effectively the necessary changes to make sure our planet is safe, viable, and secure.
Alexandro Damiron
Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff, SOMOS Community Care
Alexandro Damiron leads SOMOS’ business development and organizational plans. His work has been recognized by New York State and the minority healthcare community, as an emerging leader in the field. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Damiron was one of the SOMOS leaders at the front creating partnerships with city and state entities to establish over 120 trilingual testing sites and distribute over 2 million meals in hardest-hit communities. Prior to SOMOS, Damiron was manager of health system development at Mount Sinai and business development for Corinthian IPA.
What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
One of my most significant accomplishments in 2022 has been to be able to lead a team and organization to the greatest level and to provide those individuals from underserved communities the care they need, deserve, and often do not receive.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?
Make every day count. Each day we have a new opportunity to make a difference, even with small actions. This world needs good initiatives and we need to lead by example.
Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
My mentor, Dr. Ramon Tallaj, inspires me. His vision, leadership, and commitment to underserved communities inspire me to work hard to advocate for those who need it the most.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself continuing to lead a team focusing on the improvement of healthcare for underserved communities beyond the state level to ensure everyone across the nation has access to the care they deserve.
Isabella Di Pietro
Co-Founder, Feed the Frontlines
Isabella Di Pietro is co-founder and executive director of Feed the Frontlines. Feed the Frontlines was founded in 2020 at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to keep restaurants in business and help health care workers as well as New Yorkers facing food insecurity. Throughout this time, Isabella and her team provided nearly 200,000 meals to individuals throughout NYC and are still continuing this work today. Isabella graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor’s of arts in history and literature.
Amrita Doshi
Co-Founder and Executive Director, South Asian SOAR
Amrita Doshi is a co-founder and the executive director of South Asian SOAR, a national organization dedicated to ending gender-based violence in the South Asian diaspora. She is deeply committed to advancing survivor healing and justice for South Asian survivors and communities. Amrita comes to this work with her experiences of survivorship as well as several years of work across public health, technology, and art.
What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
Earlier this year, SOAR published its inaugural report, Together We Rise: Voices from the Frontline of South Asian Gender-Based Violence Work. When I first started my role as SOAR’s executive director, I couldn’t find a single piece of recent literature that comprehensively focused on the needs of South Asian survivors, organizations, and communities. We took it upon ourselves to create it, and I am so proud that we’ve now published this groundbreaking report and roadmap.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?
My own career journey has been a constant cycle of reflecting, exploring, and building community. To anyone just starting out, I’d say — dig deep into what you care about, get comfortable with adapting, and most of all, be gentle with yourself. Throughout the uncertainty, remember to trust yourself and trust your process.
Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
One of the people that inspires me most is my sister — she is one of the first South Asians to dance professionally for an NFL team. What one wouldn’t know immediately is the countless practices, auditions, and even rejections that went into the making of this milestone. Her persistence inspires me to keep pursuing joy and justice for survivors and for myself, through each setback and failure.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Without a doubt, I want to be fighting for South Asians to break our silence on the violence we experience. I see myself relentlessly advocating to make sure that our stories are told and heard locally and nationally in media, policy spaces, or in the streets. Most importantly, I envision myself doing this work alongside a community of fierce and fearless South Asian survivors.
Brianna Durkee
New York Government Relations Director, American Heart Association
Brianna Durkee is the government relations director for the American Heart Association in New York State with a background working as a legislative analyst and lobbyist in Albany lobbying firms. Durkee grew up in the Capital Region and has been drawn to politics and government after watching her grandfather serve as a county legislator when she was a child. She holds a bachelor’s of arts degree in political science from Marist College. Durkee was featured on the 2022 Albany 40 Under 40 list.
What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
Successfully advocating for state funding to support the Double Up Food Bucks program; a snap incentives program that previously had never received New York state funding. These funds will work to help fight food insecurity by doubling snap recipients buying power to be used on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?
Do not let your age, background, personal situation or anything else hold you back from taking an opportunity. Put yourself out there, work hard, chase your dreams and know you deserve a seat at the table. Personally, I am often the youngest person in the room; which can be intimidating but I remind myself of all the work I have done to get where I am and that I deserve to be there.
Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
I have a three year old daughter who is my inspiration and motivation. I credit all my career success to her. I got pregnant unexpectedly when I was a senior in college. From that moment forward I vowed I would not give up and I would continue working toward my goals. Everything I do is for my daughter and to show her she can achieve anything in life, no matter the obstacles she may face.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In the future, I see myself continuing to work hard in advocacy and driving meaningful policy change. There is a lot of work to be done in New York and change does not happen overnight. To me, being able to help people, give a voice to big issues that New York residents are facing, and offer policy solutions that save and better lives is beyond rewarding.
Khari Edwards
Head of Corporate and Social Responsibility, Ayr Wellness
Khari is responsible for providing strategic leadership and advancing Ayr’s commitment to a culture of inclusion and providing avenues of opportunity in the cannabis industry. Khari Edwards is an experienced leader in health care and government. During his 25 years of public service, Khari maintained a dedicated focus on strengthening communities by advocating and addressing racial, health and civic disparities. Khari is married to Jahmila Edwards and has three wonderful children Ethan, Niah and Myles.
What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
This past April we organized an event called the Pieces of Mind, an evening supporting autism. Many employees of Ayr are caretakers of individuals with autism. We organized a virtual event to support and advocate for those employees and caretakers. We had over 300 participants and the evening was highlighted by an emotional and in depth interview with Grammy award winning singer Faith Evans, whose son Ryder is autistic.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?
Be sincere in why you are entering this industry. There is a rich culture and legacy in cannabis. There is also a negative history as it pertains to the treatment of communities of color. Educate yourself on what role you want to play. As in any field or career you get out what you put in.
Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
There are two people who have inspired me on this journey. My wife Jahmila who introduced me to the culture and educates me on the relationship to community and the culture Jonathan Sandelman, the CEO of Ayr Wellness, who wanted his company to be different, who wanted his company to be a force for good and to be inclusive and wanted it to be about people.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself continuing to serve. Whether it is expanding my role in cannabis, running for office again, going back to public sector work or philanthropy. I want to take care of my community and serve. I have been fortunate to continue to find opportunities in that mission.
