Colin Powell Fellowship in
Leadership and Public Service

Anna is a third-year student at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. She is majoring in political science and minoring in anthropology. She is from Long Island, New York. Coming from a Mexican-American household, she realizes how important connection to one’s culture is. Anna has been very engaged in activism ever since she was a teenager. She focuses on many critical issues, such as police reform, mental health advocacy, social justice, workers’ and immigration rights, as well as addressing the housing crisis that runs rampant throughout the country. She examines how community brings people together and how she could help those around her achieve empowerment through unity and class struggle. She is an active member of Tennant Takeover, a group that advocates for renters to own their own homes by giving them the opportunity to buy their building through a non-profit organization. Outside of school, she dedicates her free time to drawing and painting, as well as spending time with her beloved cats at home.

Bekbol Shiribaiev is a junior Computer Science student at the Grove School of Engineering. Originally from Kyrgyzstan, a country in Central Asia, he traveled to the United States two years ago to pursue his bachelor’s degree. With initial aspirations of becoming a lawyer, Bekbol has placed an internship at a law firm in his freshman year. During his internship, Bekbol observed how outdated systems and manual processes significantly limited the law firm’s efficiency. He discovered the transformative power of technology, which inspired him to switch his major to Computer Science. Combining his analytical background in legal in studies and growing technical expertise, Bekbol has a mission to impact the world through software and AI innovations. He is currently implementing his vision by developing an AI startup that aims to help college students learn and study more effectively.

Crystal Abreu Canela is currently a junior pursuing a major in International Studies. Initially, she embarked on her academic journey in Bilingual Education, but her second year led her to rediscover a deep-seated passion for politics, particularly through an introductory course in international and global studies. Having spent her formative years in the Dominican Republic she grew to understand the critical importance of having knowledge on global issues due to their potential effects on a seemingly uninvolved country’s government. Additionally, having family members who were involved in politics has further nurtured her interest in the field. During her free time, Crystal enjoys watching films and reading, holding a special admiration for authors such as Paulo Coelho, Ernesto Sabato, and Thich Nhat Hanh.

Damaris Sierra is a student enrolled in the B.A./M.A. CASAC program in Psychology at City College of New York for the 2025-2026 school year. She grew up in the Lower East Side of Manhattan in a Puerto Rican family and is passionate about helping underserved communities. With experience in substance use treatment and youth programs, she works to support at-risk youth and individuals. Damaris is especially interested in education reform and improving access to fair treatment programs. She hopes to use her experience to advocate for policies that create better opportunities for those in need.

Dashawna Brown is a junior at The City College of New York, pursuing a degree in Media Communications Arts with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations. She is also completing a minor in Black Studies. Originally from Philadelphia, Dashawna moved to New York for college and has developed a strong passion for making a difference in her community. She is dedicated to working with nonprofits and government agencies to create positive social impact. In her free time, Dashawna enjoys reading, traveling, and attending concerts. Fun fact: she once met Andrew Garfield at one of his movie premieres.

Diego Figueroa is a junior at City College, studying political science. He is the proud grandson of Cuban and Dominican immigrants, and is intent on honoring them through civic engagement, social activism and community organizing. Diego is an emerging voice in New York City politics, most notably through his volunteer work as a co-captain with Downtown East for Progress. He also works with the City College NYPIRG chapter as a project leader for the democracy campaign, which aims to empower students to participate in local advocacy and elections. As a veteran canvasser, Diego has been all across the city and state for multiple campaigns and legislative initiatives. Whether it is fighting for abortion access, immigrant rights, or the New Deal for CUNY, Diego has learned the value of meeting people where they are, developing meaningful connections, and having critical discussions with people from all walks of life. Diego feels that it is incumbent upon him to speak up for those who cannot, and will never stop devoting his life to the liberation of all people.

Elma Arjuman is a sophomore studying International Relations and Global Affairs. Originally from Bangladesh, she is passionate about education equity and youth empowerment, which led her to found EduKid Bangladesh, an organization dedicated to expanding educational access for underserved children. A motorsport enthusiast, she loves watching Formula 1 and analyzing race strategies. She also enjoys reading and learning new languages, always seeking to deepen her understanding of different cultures. In the future, she hopes to work in international law and diplomacy, using her knowledge to advocate for global justice and policy reform.

Gaby-Regina is a sophomore at the Colin Powell School studying Psychology. Originally from Moldova, she moved to Long Island in elementary school, which shaped her appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Passionate about mental health, she has dedicated time to volunteering in mental health services and programs which have inspired her to pursue a career in therapy, helping others with their mental well-being. Outside of academics, Gaby-Regina enjoys exploring new places, shopping, playing card games, and spending time with friends and family. She is always eager to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in her community, that’s why she’s honored to be a part of this years cohort.

Hannah is a first-generation Colombian-Honduran American who’s incredibly motivated to work as a public-service official, representing the voices and interests of Latino Americans across the country. She’s a Macaulay Honors College student double majoring in political science and international studies also minoring in economics, to not only gain a better understanding of domestic and global issues, but to become equipped in creating practical and sustainable solutions to these conflicts. Hannah’s passion lies in representing the undermined voices of the Latino’s in the United States, and in advocating for social advancement in her community. Hannah aspires to attend law school and to use her education, knowledge and benevolence in serving her under-represented community. In her free time, she likes to try new restaurants pertaining to different cultural cuisines, explore the city with her friends and travel around the world!

Helen Brady is a sophomore at City College studying political science and is dedicated to learning more about the world around her. She is passionate about leadership, history, and creating solutions. Coming from a multicultural Caribbean heritage she draws inspiration for leading from her background and the nurturing of her family. Helen is also a New York City native born and raised on Staten Island’s north shore. Helen currently works at TREEage, a youth-led climate organization, where she advocates for environmental justice through policy change. Her passion for global perspectives led her to study at the American University in Cairo, where she researched urban development, entrepreneurship, and critical global issues. When she’s not at school or working towards political change, she’s dancing with her best friends or tutoring first-grade students from P.S. 78 in Stapleton. For her, learning is not just about personal growth but also about teaching others and sharing knowledge.

Michael is a lower Junior student at CCNY with an intended B.S. Psychology major and a double minor in Biology and Chemistry. He was born and raised in the northeast section of the Bronx, a neighborhood called City Island, which is the famous seaport of the Bronx. Michael is first and a half generation, with his father being an immigrant from Limerick, Ireland, and his mother born and raised in the Bronx. For the past six years, Michael has been a practicing Emergency Medical Technician, servicing the public medically within the City of New York. As a career goal, Michael plans to study to be an Infectious Disease doctor and virological researcher, with the hopes to aid in the discovery of a cure specifically for the HIV virus, and also improve the medical community’s approach at the treatment of viruses in general. A fun fact about Michael is that throughout his school age and adolescent years he was an Irish dancer and a part of a school of Irish dance, and competed in competitions which the Irish call a “feis,” both within New York State and in bordering states.

Nickson Frederick is an aspiring real estate developer currently immersed in the world of architecture. Combining a strong foundation in architectural design with a strategic vision for real estate development, Nickson is passionate about creating innovative and functional spaces. Currently pursuing a degree in Architecture, he is cultivating a comprehensive skill set that spans design, urban planning, and project management. Eager to apply architectural knowledge to real-world projects, Nickson actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with professionals in the real estate development sector.

Originally from Beacon, New York, Thayer has moved throughout New York state during his early years, and now studies political science at City College with CCNY Honors. He studied abroad during his entire senior year of high school in Taiwan, where he learned Chinese to an intermediate level, and experienced Taiwanese and Chinese culture firsthand. Thayer is also interested in how public policy is implemented and carried out in practice, and hopes to find systematic, yet actionable solutions to the difficult and wide-reaching issues of our time. Through this fellowship, Thayer hopes to learn practical skills of public policy and refine his political views to find these actionable solutions. Outside of this, Thayer also enjoys film, cooking Chinese and American cuisine, and travelling.