We are thrilled to welcome Lorelei Salas, an absolute powerhouse in labor and consumer law advocacy, as the newest Leader-In-Residence at the Colin Powell School. With decades fighting on the front lines against inequality, Lorelei isn’t just bringing academic theory — she’s bringing the hard-won wisdom of how an incredible city like New York actually runs.
A Career Defined by Impact
Lorelei Salas has dedicated her career to creating economic equity for the most vulnerable. Her resume reads like a roadmap for effective public service:
- Top Regulatory Roles: Until recently, she served as the Supervision Director at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), leading high-stakes examinations of major financial institutions.
- Fighting Predatory Practices: She has advanced policies to safeguard families from predatory financial and consumer practices.
- NYC Leadership: From 2016 to 2021, she served as the Commissioner of the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, the nation’s oldest agency of its kind.
- Advocacy Roots: Her experience also spans senior roles in NY State Government and foundational legal work at organizations like Make the Road NY and Catholic Migration Services.
Her recent distinctions as a Leadership in Government Fellow with the Open Society Foundations and a Fulbright Specialist underscore the depth of her expertise.
A Leader’s Vision: Mentorship and Real-World Lessons
What is Salas hoping to achieve in her role?
“After holding several leadership positions, studying the theory, then learning on the job how to be an impactful leader, I know that I can also share a few lessons on what makes a good leader and what makes a poor one.“
Her focus is clear: developing diverse leaders committed to social and political change. Having personally benefited from strong mentorship, she is eager to pay it forward, offering students career guidance, practical job-hunting advice, and connections to her wide network of experienced leaders. She’s ready to talk about everything from the intricacies of local government to leveraging consumer power to challenging the companies that dominate our economy.
Why the Colin Powell School? A CUNY Homecoming
Salas graduated from La Guardia Community College, Hunter College, and Cardozo Law School and is a member of the New York State Bar Association.
As a proud CUNY alumna, Lorelei’s connection to the system runs deep. She was already familiar with the School’s commitment to service, engagement, and leadership. A recent guest lecture only solidified her view:
“I was impressed with the curiosity, engagement, and positive energy of the students.“
Now, she sees her role as a bridge, connecting the talented Colin Powell School student body directly with the offices and organizations actively recruiting the next generation of leaders.
The Personal Story That Fuels the Mission
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Lorelei’s journey is the story of her own resilience. She arrived in the U.S. as an immigrant at age 19 knowing very little English. She worked numerous jobs while putting herself through school, fostering a deep love for New York City.
She firmly believes in seeing the glass as “three-quarters full” and has never been afraid to completely reinvent her professional course.
For students wondering what makes a strong candidate, or how to navigate career pivots, Salas offers clear answers forged from experience managing large teams of people and moving seamlessly between government and social justice work.
We invite all students to connect with Lorelei Salas. Whether you need guidance on an interview, want to debate the role of government, or are passionate about consumer rights, this is a unique chance to learn from someone who has not only succeeded at the highest levels but is committed to building the next wave of changemakers.
