Alumni Spotlight: Troy Blackwell discusses the power of “saying yes,” the importance of horizontal networking, and how the Colin Powell School prepared him for senior roles in the Biden-Harris Administration.
Growing up in the Bronx in the wake of September 11, Troy Blackwell ’17 saw firsthand how public institutions could impact communities; and he realized the vital role communication plays during a crisis.
That realization sparked a journey that would take him from the classrooms of City College to the halls of the White House.
Today, Troy is a recognized leader at the intersection of public service, national security, and communications. But before he was the Global Spokesperson for the U.S. Peace Corps or a Distinguished Fellow at Columbia University, he was a Colin Powell School Fellow trying to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
We caught up with Troy to discuss his career trajectory, the power of identity, and his advice for the next generation of leaders.
Bridging Theory and Practice at City College
For Troy, CCNY wasn’t just a place to study Advertising, Public Relations, and Political Science — it was a launchpad. He credits the school’s ecosystem of fellowships for giving him the “confidence, language, and mentorship” to step into rooms where decisions were made.
During his time at City College, Troy participated in the Skadden Arps Pre-Law Program, the CUNY Service Corps, and the Colin Powell Public Service Fellowship. These weren’t just resume boosters; they were open doors.
Through these programs, he worked with the New York City Council on participatory budgeting and eventually landed an internship in the Obama White House under Valerie Jarrett.
“The Colin Powell School, City College, and CUNY financially supported me during my coveted White House internship,” Troy recalls. “CCNY didn’t just prepare me academically — it prepared me to step into rooms where decisions are made and advocate for communities that are too often overlooked.”
A Career Built on Representation
Troy’s career is a testament to the idea that diverse voices belong in high-level policy discussions. After working in NYC government and public relations, he spent nearly seven years working with Vice President Kamala Harris in various capacities, from her 2019 presidential campaign to the Biden-Harris administration.
He made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ person appointed as global spokesperson for the U.S. Peace Corps in its 64-year history. Later, as Deputy Chief Communications Officer at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, he served as the highest-ranking Latino at the agency during the administration.
For Troy, these achievements are deeply personal. As an Afro-Puerto Rican, LGBTQ+, first-generation New Yorker, he views his identity as a superpower.
“I firmly believe that those closest to the pain should be the closest to the solutions,” Troy says. “My career has been driven by the desire to ensure that people who look like me, love like me, and come from communities like mine are seen, heard, and protected.”
Advice for the Class of 2030 and Beyond
Now serving as a Distinguished Fellow at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies and a member of Google’s Changemakers Advisory Board, Troy remains committed to lifting others up.
When asked what advice he has for current students, he offered two powerful insights:
Say “Yes” to the Unexpected “Some of the most important roles in my career weren’t part of my plan — they came from saying yes to people, showing up prepared, and doing good work,” he says. He urges students not to underestimate the value of their lived experience.
He also highlights the importance of building community with your peers: “network horizontally, not just vertically. Build authentic relationships with people who are rising up the ranks with you,” Troy advises. While mentors are important, your peers in the classroom today are the colleagues you will grow with for decades to come.
Giving Back
Troy Blackwell is proof of the Colin Powell School’s mission: to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for leadership in public service. He continues to give back to the community that raised him, returning to campus for guest lectures and connecting students to internships.
“CCNY changed my life,” Troy says. “And I’m committed to helping it change theirs, too.”
