2022 Power Players Rising

Nick E. Smith is a policy advisor and public speaker. He’s currently first deputy public advocate, where he works with Public Advocate Williams and a team of more than 50 to improve lives- through legislation and grassroots action. He previously served in the De Blasio Administration as lead negotiator for all legislation related to housing and public safety, and Council Member liaison. Twins run in his family: he’s the proud dad of twin girls Grace and Faith; he has a twin sister, Nichole, who herself has twin girls, Bria and Jada. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
I led a team that passed 15 laws – more than any previous public advocate, combined. Highlights include COVID tax relief, a pre-employment ban on marijuana testing, maternal health legislation, expansion of the Fair Chance Act, and expanding on citizens’ Right to Record police activity from safe distances. The team also successfully pitched the Adams administration on several ideas, including on COVID response, education and justice system reform.  

Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?

Three pieces of professional advice: 1) Don’t “wait your turn.” It’ll never be “your turn,” at least to those telling you to wait. Usually, they’re trying to preserve power, or the illusion of power, for themselves. 2) Always take credit for your work. No one’s going to do it for you. 3) Take advice about networking to heart – those positioned to help you should know you, beyond professional accomplishments. Your job shouldn’t define you.

Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
I knew I was headed toward politics as a 15-year-old. I was pissed and wanted to do something after watching largely Black and Latino Florida voters be disenfranchised, leading to the George W. Bush White House, and, eventually, the Iraq war. I knew I’d become a lawmaker in college when then-Berkeley Council Member Kriss Worthington appointed me to a Commission that drafted a labor rights bill, which became law by the time I was 21.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to have finally mastered the piano and regularly play in jam sessions, or potentially a jazz or R&B band. The political stuff will work itself out. I’ll always be invested in change through policy. I know for sure that I’ll be a dad to 8-year-old twin girls. I’m looking forward to it!

Marissa Solomon has been fighting for the climate, democracy, housing justice, equitable health care, and sensible drug policy at Pythia Public since 2021. Before joining Pythia, Marissa was a senior communications strategist at the Brennan Center and helped to lead communications for the 2021 New York City Council Charter Revision Commission. Marissa is also a comedian who has written for the Upright Citizens Brigade, and likes to combine her two passions — politics and comedy — whenever possible. Marissa has a B.A. in public policy from the University of Michigan. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
Working with Seneca Lake Guardian and the Stop Proof-of-Work Cryptomining Coalition to pass the first-in-the-nation cryptomining moratorium and get Greenidge Generation’s air permit denied was my most exciting and biggest accomplishment this year. With this amazing group of activists, we put this important issue on the map and successfully fought for change. It’s an honor to be part of this team.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Continuing to support the activists and fights that matter to me!

Ibrahima Souare is the executive director of NYPACE. Previously, Ibrahima was a senior community development officer at Local Initiatives Support Corporation, where he managed a portfolio of programs in economic development, affordable housing, health equity, and financial opportunity across the New York City local market. Last year, City & State recognized Ibrahima as one of its distinguished honorees for the NYC 40 Under 40 Rising Stars. Ibrahima holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Lehman College and a master’s degree in Public Administration from CUNY Baruch College.

What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
In addition to being named executive director for NYPACE, in my previous role, I spearheaded LISC NY’s Economic Development efforts, managing 16 business development organizations that support over 500 small NYC businesses with critical resources. I helped secure funding to launch the LISC NYC Small Business Relief & Recovery Fund and the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, and played a critical role in launching the first cohort of the Developers of Color Training program

Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?
Seek out mentors and advisors and surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed. Involve yourself in leadership and professional development programs that will hone your leadership skills and expand your network. Lastly, find what you are truly passionate about. As someone who is Black, I understand the systemic and institutional barriers that exist. As an immigrant, I also understand the opportunities. My passions are economic development and supporting under-represented entrepreneurs.

Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path
Growing up in the Bronx gave me an intimate understanding of inner cities and the challenges for young people. This led me to work in an organization in the South Bronx that was focused on community-based economic development, which fueled my interest in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs. The common thread has been the desire to help people. Supporting economic development improves people’s lives, provides jobs and builds communities.

Born in Sylhet, Bangladesh, Tafadar Sourov immigrated to the United States when he was just three years old and grew up in the Bronx. Tafadar began an apprenticeship with Laborers Local 79 in 2017, working on construction sites all over New York City. He became very involved in the community and labor organizing campaigns of his union throughout his time as an apprentice. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, Tafadar was selected to work for the organizing department of the union, which is his current occupation.

Dr. Tricia Stephens is a scholar, educator and social work direct practitioner based in NYC. Focusing on poverty-impacted parents of color who have been affected by the American child welfare system, Dr. Stephens’ research interrogates the effects of parents’ interactions with the institutions built to serve them and their children. Her work has identified the need for disruption in policies and practices that strictly regulate families of color. Dr. Stephens is on the faculty at Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work and is the research director at NYC Family Policy Project .   

What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
2022 has been a year of remarkable learning and growth. Nora invited me to join her in founding FPP earlier this year and I was excited to bring a research lens to accessible data distribution about child welfare in New York City. Since the start of the year, we have made remarkable progress in building relationships that support our mission of creating a transparent understanding of how child welfare operates in our city.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?

• Have a vision of where you want to get to. Literally, envision it in your mind’s eye and commit to getting there. 
• Expect that hard days will come, and know that you will persevere.
• Seek out people with direct knowledge of your field. Ask them to make time to share their journey with you. 
• Take care of yourself – you want to be able to enjoy the life you build!

Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
I am my father’s daughter in all things. Growing up, he would always tell me that I would be a doctor one day. I was too tiny to know what that meant – but I always said, “yes – I will”. He was the kindest person I have ever known – a social worker in action without the title. I am honored to be one with the title of doctor.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
That is a tough question. COVID taught me that planning that far in advance may be a fool’s errand, so I will focus on process versus tangible goals. In five years, I hope that all families in NYC have more opportunities to raise their children in stable, safe and joyful communities. I see myself working in whatever ways are needed, through science, advocacy and education, to make that happen.

Althea Stevens, the voice of the young people. For over 15 years, Stevens has worked at community-based organizations giving voices to the city’s most vulnerable populations. Now, in her first term as a New York City council member, she was named the chair of the City Council Youth Services Committee. Leading with a passion to help as many people as she can, Council Member Stevens prioritizes improving the quality of life of District 16, by uplifting the voices and continuing efforts to provide equitable access to resources & services.

What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
My biggest accomplishment in 2022 was fighting to increase the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for human services workers by 4% in the City’s FY23 budget. This $60million increase for human service workers will aid in keeping up with the cost of living as we work towards wage equity between city workers and our public sector workforce.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?
My advice for those starting out their careers is to live in your passion and find your team. When you have a vision, you must always remember the bigger picture and make genuine partnerships along the way. It’s important to find your passion in your career, as work will make you take an extra step forward to living out your dreams.

Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
Young people in our communities are who inspired my run for office. Prior to being elected as a city council member, I worked in the non-profit sector, where a major piece of my work was working to get young people civically engaged. Many students were discouraged because they felt their voices were not being heard, and this gave me the push to start my journey as young people deserve support and uplift in full capacity. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I see myself preparing to finish out my last term as a city council member.

As senior manager, community affairs & social impact at Grubhub, Brett Swanson serves as the company’s lead with business groups and non-governmental organizations in Grubhub’s priority markets, including New York City. Through hyperlocal relationships and community-first initiatives, Brett champions Grubhub’s philanthropy work focused on supporting independent restaurants, helping to close the hunger gap and creating opportunities in the hospitality industry with key stakeholders across the country.

What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
This year, I was proud to launch “Serving the City,” Grubhub’s first-of-its kind program to fight food insecurity. We’re partnering with city council members to identify community partners and purchase delicious meals from a local restaurant, which are then distributed to NYC Housing Authority residents, seniors, and veterans. So far we’ve provided more than 17,500 meals in NYC and are planning to expand nationally. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone or to act on a big idea. I joined Grubhub over two years ago to work in policy, but saw an opportunity to launch a Community Affairs program and ran with it. It’s been exciting this year to see the huge impact we are having through Serving the City and other community programs. 

Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
I want to shout-out to Amy Healy, Grubhub’s vice president of government relations, for supporting my passions and allowing me to build out the community affairs and impact role. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Continuing to build and grow new programs to fight food insecurity and support neighborhoods both here in New York City and across the country.

Sandra Ung represents the City Council’s 20th District, which includes Flushing, Mitchell-Linden, Murray Hill, Queensboro Hill and Fresh Meadows. After escaping the Cambodian genocide, Council Member Ung and her family immigrated to New York City when she was just 7 years old. Before joining the City Council, she worked as an attorney at a nonprofit defending survivors of domestic violence. She later served in government on the municipal, state and federal level, including in the office of Congresswoman Grace Meng, where she assisted constituents with immigration and social security cases. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
I was able to pass two bills in the City Council to improve the experience of callers to 311 who have limited English proficiency. This is especially important in my district, which is the only Asian majority district in the City Council, but for immigrants across the city who often lack access to basic city services they deserve because of language barriers.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers?
No matter what career path you choose, I believe you should use the skills you hone to give back to your local community. It is not only rewarding, but the experience inspires you to constantly be bettering yourself.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to still be in the City Council representing the community where I have spent nearly my entire life, but no matter where I am in five years, I know that I will still be doing something that allows me to advocate for underserved communities across the city.

Marjorie Velázquez, chair of the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, represents District 13 located in the Northeast section of the Bronx. Her powerful story of healing following a series of life-altering accidents led her to transform her pain into power, and champion legislation to not only save families time and expense but also ensure the respect that our frontline workers deserve. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in 2022?
My biggest accomplishment in 2022 was bringing more than $20M directly into the district. This helped fund initiatives like our local youth programs, public safety initiatives, providing Jacobi Hospital with upgrades to its Hyperbaric Area and ultrasound machines, operational assistance for local senior centers and food pantries, and so much more. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out their careers? 
Understand your value and walk into each room knowing you have a purpose.  You are capable of more than you think and you should never let anyone or anything take that away from you. The sky’s the limit.  

Was there something or someone who inspired you to start your journey on your current career path?
In 2012, I was in a series of accidents that not only changed my life but opened my eyes to the disparities in health care. After I encountered a health care system that did not take my pain seriously but also set a system that was difficult to navigate – I realized I need to use my newfound knowledge and skills to make a difference in others’ lives. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself continuing to serve my community.  I have dedicated my life to public service, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Sam Weprin was appointed to his role as legislative representative for the New York City’s Mayor’s office at the start of 2022. Previously, Sam worked in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget. Before his roles in the mayor’s office, Sam earned a degree in political science and history at SUNY Albany and during this time also interned for Congressman Joseph Morelle, who at the time was serving as an assembly member.