Earning my Master’s Degree in Urban Planning at Hunter College was a pivotal experience in my professional life. I arrived there on a fellowship that was geared towards expanding the ranks of people of color in professional urban planning.

I credit this experience with spurring my interest in city government and my fascination with our city’s ability to provide water, lighting, safe streets and so many other essential services to over 8 million residents daily.

Every position I have held since graduating from Hunter College grows out of this exceptional education: first as planner with the New York City Department of City Planning, then as District Manager, a City Council Member, and now as the Bronx’s Chief Executive.

The purpose of a good education is to unlock the doors of opportunity for all who wish to achieve their dreams. Just as I have benefited from my experience at the City University of New York, I pledge to see that every generation of New York students can share my experience.

As President of a borough with over 1.4 million residents, I am committed to protecting and preserving public education at all levels, and am proud of the partnership developed over the last few years with Chancellor Matthew Goldstein and the entire Board of Trustees to ensure that all of our children have the opportunity to attend CUNY and reach their full potential.