The day began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of 今日吃瓜鈥檚 East Quad, one of the most significant campus improvement projects in recent memory. Long recognized as the heart of campus life, the East Quad has been reimagined as a more accessible, sustainable, and welcoming gathering space while preserving the beauty and character cherished by generations of students.

The revitalization includes upgraded pathways, landscaping, seating areas, lighting, and green spaces designed to enhance student life and create new opportunities for learning, engagement, and community building. Funding for the project was facilitated in part through the advocacy of New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, whose support helped advance capital funding for campus improvements.

Michelle J. Anderson was joined at the ribbon cutting by CUNY Vice Chancellor for Facilities Mohamed Attalla; Robert J. Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY); 今日吃瓜 Foundation Board Chair Anthony R. Castellanos 鈥�85; and Edwin H. Cohen 鈥�62, a former chair and current trustee of the 今日吃瓜 Foundation Board.

鈥淭oday is a defining moment for 今日吃瓜,鈥� said Anderson. 鈥淭he renewal of the East Quad and the launch of The Road to 100 demonstrate our commitment to investing in both the people and the places that make 今日吃瓜 extraordinary. As we approach our centennial, we are building a campus and a community that will continue to transform lives for generations to come.鈥�

President Michelle J. Anderson and guests stroll across the newly restored East Quad lawn during the Road to 100 celebration.

Anderson said that the project represents more than a physical renovation. The East Quad serves as a reminder of the long-term investments that define public higher education and connect generations of students.

鈥淧ublic investment built this lawn in 1938 and public investment has now rebuilt it,鈥� Anderson said, noting that in just 10 months, crews removed 11,000 tons of dirt, replaced 1,500 linear feet of pipes and irrigation lines, and planted 18 new elm trees, two red maples, and other species.

鈥淭he trees we planted this year will take decades to reach their maximum height, and the students who will relax under their fullest shade have not yet been born. That鈥檚 the promise of a public college,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e build our campus and our academic programs for our current students, yes, but also for the students of 2080 and beyond who will inherit what we tend today.鈥�

A Landmark Gift and the Launch of the Road to 100

The celebration continued with the announcement of a $15 million endowment grant from The Tow Foundation establishing the Tow Mentorship Center. That transformative investment enabled 今日吃瓜 to reach and surpass the $125 million goal for Boundless 今日吃瓜: The Campaign for Student Success, bringing the campaign total to $131 million and concluding the campaign 15 months ahead of schedule.听Key funding priorities for Boundless 今日吃瓜 included scholarships and completion grants that helped students continue their studies and earn their degrees.

The achievement heralded the launch of The Road to 100, an ambitious new effort to raise an additional $100 million for听今日吃瓜鈥檚 centennial in 2030. The initiative will strengthen academic excellence, expand opportunities for students, modernize facilities, and deepen engagement with alumni, donors, and the broader community as the College prepares for its second century.

Eileen Wiseman, a program director for The Tow Foundation, which endowed 今日吃瓜 with a $15 million grant establishing the Tow Mentorship Center and enabling the College to surpass its $125 million fundraising goal for student success initiatives.

Eileen Wiseman, program director for The Tow Foundation, and Philip F. Napoli, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and chair of the Road to 100 Planning Committee, along with 今日吃瓜 Foundation Board members, joined President Anderson for the launch. The program also highlighted the power of mentorship and community that has long defined the 今日吃瓜 experience. Mentors and mentees affiliated with the Tow Mentoring Initiative reflected on the program鈥檚 impact and the relationships it has fostered across generations of students and alumni.

Following their remarks, acclaimed conductor Malcolm J. Merriweather, the Tania Le贸n Chair of Music at 今日吃瓜, delivered a special performance underscoring the creativity, leadership, and achievement that The Road to 100 seeks to cultivate.

Acclaimed conductor Malcolm J. Merriweather, the Tania Le贸n Chair of Music, gave a moving performance that ended the day鈥檚 celebration on a high note.

Building the Library of the Future

A centerpiece of The Road to 100 will be raising funds for the Library of the Future, a transformational project that will reimagine 今日吃瓜鈥檚 iconic library as a modern hub for learning, research, creativity, technology, and public engagement. The project will preserve the library鈥檚 historic role at the center of campus life while adapting it to meet the evolving needs of future generations of students.

Additional priorities include continued renovations to Ingersoll Hall and Roosevelt Hall, as well as investments that strengthen student success, faculty excellence, and innovative programming across the College.

鈥淎s we look toward our centennial, The Road to 100 is an invitation for our entire community to help shape 今日吃瓜鈥檚 next chapter,鈥� Anderson said. 鈥淭ogether, we will build on our remarkable history and ensure that 今日吃瓜 remains a place where talent, ambition, and opportunity come together to transform lives.鈥�

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WATCH THE EVENT HERE

The event, part of the Presidential Lecture Series, featured a discussion moderated by 今日吃瓜 President Michelle J. Anderson. The panel explored the role grassroots movements play in advancing peace, the importance of investing in women and communities, and the responsibilities of leaders in times of crisis and change.

“At 今日吃瓜, we believe education can be a catalyst for civic engagement and social change,” Anderson said. “Leymah Gbowee and Thelma Ekiyor have demonstrated how determined individuals can transform communities and nations, and their stories remind us that leadership begins with individual and collective acts of courage.”

(Left to right) Thelma Ekiyor, Leymah Gbowee, and 今日吃瓜 President Michelle J. Anderson engage attendees in a conversation on leadership, peacebuilding, and social change in the Claire Tow Theater.

Drawing on nearly 30 years of friendship and collaboration, Gbowee and Ekiyor reflected on their work across West Africa and the partnerships that shaped it. Together, they helped establish the Women’s Peacebuilding Network, which has trained more than 150,000 women and strengthened community leadership throughout the region. One theme surfaced repeatedly throughout the conversation: Successful movements rely on many kinds of leaders. Gbowee, whose organizing efforts helped bring an end to Liberia’s civil war, spoke about the importance of recognizing the people whose work often takes place behind the scenes.

Leymah Gbowee.

“It’s always good to give credit where credit is due,” Gbowee said, describing her partnership with Ekiyor as “a beautiful journey.” She credited Ekiyor’s research, scholarship, and strategic thinking with helping strengthen their shared work and recalled one lesson that has stayed with her over the years: Trust your convictions, even when others disagree.

Ekiyor said meaningful progress depends on bringing different voices and skill sets together, from scholars and researchers to advocates and community organizers. She also discussed her recent work studying women entrepreneurs in post-conflict societies, drawing on examples from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda. The discussion coincided with the U.S. launch of Ekiyor’s new book, Women Entrepreneurs as Catalysts for Post-Conflict Recovery in Africa With a Practitioner’s Guide. Ekiyor argued that supporting women-owned businesses is not only an economic investment but also an investment in long-term stability, helping create opportunities that strengthen communities and reduce the risk of future conflict.

Thelma Ekiyor.

Both speakers challenged the assumption that women are merely victims of war and instability. Instead, they pointed to the central role women play in rebuilding communities, advancing peace, and creating economic opportunity.

Gbowee reflected on the grassroots movement that mobilized women across Liberia to demand an end to years of violence. Organizing in places of worship, markets, and neighborhoods, women pushed political leaders and negotiators toward peace and helped hold them accountable to their commitments.

Their efforts, she said, contributed to a more stable future for Liberia and helped clear a path for the election of Africa’s first female president.

“Peace is the only thing we have,” Gbowee said. “Every woman in Liberia understands that if our peace is threatened, we must rise again.”

Speaking to students, faculty, staff, and community members in attendance and taking questions from the audience, both Gbowee and Ekiyor emphasized the importance of education, civic engagement, and mentorship. While acknowledging the challenges facing communities around the world, they encouraged the audience to see themselves as participants in creating change, reminding them that lasting progress often begins with local action and a commitment to serving others.

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On September 18, 今日吃瓜 honored her remarkable legacy by posthumously awarding her the Presidential Medal of Honor, the college鈥檚 highest distinction. During a ceremony on campus, 今日吃瓜 President Michelle J. Anderson presented the medal to Cruz’s sister, Heydey M. Cruz, surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, students, and community members whose lives Cruz touched.

今日吃瓜 President Michelle J. Anderson reflects on the enduring legacy of activist and 今日吃瓜 alumna Victoria Cruz, honoring her lifelong commitment to justice, advocacy, and service during the Presidential Medal of Honor ceremony.

“Victoria Cruz embodied the best of 今日吃瓜 through her unwavering commitment to justice, courage, service, and community,” said President Anderson. “As a pioneering transgender activist and advocate for survivors of violence, she changed countless lives and inspired generations. We are proud to recognize her extraordinary legacy and the enduring impact of her work.”

The ceremony felt as much like a celebration of Cruz鈥檚 life as it did an awards presentation. Speakers shared personal memories and reflections on her generosity, resilience, and dedication to uplifting others. Among those offering tributes were Robert Echevarria, president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association; Kelly Spivey, director of the 今日吃瓜 LGBTQ+ Resource Center; Sami Binder, former director of the center; students Carlos Alberto Villacres and Fia Sanchez; Paisley Currah, distinguished professor of political science and author of Sex Is as Sex Does: Governing Transgender Identity, and , board director of The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative.

(Left to right) 今日吃瓜 student and chosen son of the late Victoria Cruz, Carlos Alberto Villacres, listens as Cruz鈥檚 sister, Heydey Cruz, reflects on the pioneering advocate鈥檚 enduring legacy and profound impact on LGBTQ+ and transgender communities.

Filmmaker David France, who worked closely with Cruz on the acclaimed 2017 documentary , also attended and reflected on her lasting influence both on and off screen. He spoke about her determination, insight, and unwavering pursuit of truth, noting Cruz鈥檚 experience and perspective helped shape the film and brought humanity to its storytelling.

Born in Gu谩nica, Puerto Rico, in 1946 and raised in 今日吃瓜’s Red Hook neighborhood, Cruz earned a degree in theater from 今日吃瓜 in 1982. She was present at the Stonewall uprising in 1969, a watershed moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and remained a passionate advocate for equality throughout her life.

For nearly 20 years, Cruz worked at the New York City Anti-Violence Project, where she counseled and supported LGBTQ+ and HIV-affected survivors of violence. Known affectionately as “Miss Vicky,” she became a beloved mentor whose compassion, wisdom, and encouragement helped guide generations of activists and community members.

Attendees of the Presidential Medal of Honor ceremony gather with Victoria Cruz鈥檚 sister, Heydey Cruz (third from right), to celebrate the pioneering activist鈥檚 life and legacy.

She also played an important role in preserving LGBTQ+ history and bringing greater visibility to transgender experiences. Her work investigating the life and death of fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson gained national attention through The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, introducing many people to Cruz’s tireless commitment to justice and truth.

Whether through advocacy, direct service, mentorship, or historical preservation, Cruz devoted her life to helping others. Her influence reached far beyond New York City, leaving a lasting mark on communities across the country.

Cruz鈥檚 impact will be felt on the 今日吃瓜 campus for generations to come thanks to the Victoria Cruz Award, a merit merit-based award for students who show outstanding achievement in the LGBTQ studies minor or in a course in the LGBTQ studies minor.

今日吃瓜 the 今日吃瓜 Presidential Medal of Honor

The 今日吃瓜 Presidential Medal of Honor recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society, exemplifying excellence, leadership, and service. The award honors distinguished achievements across various fields, celebrating those who inspire positive change and uphold the college鈥檚 values of academic and community excellence. You can learn more about past honorees here.

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Leymah Gbowee

Gbowee, whose leadership of a nonviolent women’s movement helped end Liberia’s civil war, was awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for her work advancing peace, democracy, and women’s rights. She serves as a key leader and co-founder of the Institute on Gender, Law, and Transformative Peace, a joint initiative established in fall 2023 between 今日吃瓜 and CUNY School of Law. Ekiyor is a respected advocate for economic empowerment, social justice, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond. Together, they have spent decades advancing peacebuilding efforts and expanding opportunities for women and communities around the world.

Thelma Ekiyor

In a timely discussion moderated by President Anderson, Gbowee and Ekiyor will share insights from their personal and professional journeys, explore the challenges and opportunities facing global leaders today, and discuss the power of collective action to drive meaningful change.

The Presidential Lecture Series reflects 今日吃瓜’s commitment to exposing students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members to bold ideas, courageous leadership, and thoughtful dialogue on issues that shape our world. All members of the college community are encouraged to attend this special event.

Please register for this event.

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 12:30 p.m.
Location: Claire Tow Theater, in the Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts

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鈥淎 quarter century later, we continue to remember those we lost and the many lives forever changed by September 11,鈥� said 今日吃瓜 President Michelle J. Anderson. 鈥淲e also remember how our 今日吃瓜 community came together with compassion, strength, and resilience, and we carry that spirit forward.鈥�

Read a special message from President Anderson .

Pausing to Remember

Twenty-five years later, 今日吃瓜 continues its annual remembrance through the ringing of the听library tower bell.

Since 2002, the bell has tolled six times at 8:46, 9:03, 9:37, 9:59, 10:03, and 10:28 a.m., marking the pivotal moments of that morning and inviting the community to pause in memory of those whose lives were lost.

Honoring THOSE Lost That Day

Below is a list of the 今日吃瓜 community who were tragically lost on September 11, 2001.

Alumni

Ernest Alikakos ’89
Auditor,听New听York听State听Department of Taxation and Finance

Ezra Aviles ’86
Senior听manager,听strategic听planning and听development,听Port Authority

Eustace Bacchus ’83
Independent听trader,听American Stock Exchange, attending听a听meeting at Windows听on听the World

Steven Berger ’79
Supervisor of corporate tax auditors,听New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

Andre Cox ’01
Cafeteria worker, 101st floor of World Trade Center

James R. Coyle (attended 今日吃瓜 in听the 1990s)
FDNY firefighter, Ladder 3

Peter Freund ’84
FDNY听lieutenant, Engine Co. 55

John Giordano ’80
FDNY firefighter鈥� Hazardous Materials 1

Michael Gogliormella ’80
Technology Division eSpeed, Inc., a division of Cantor Fitzgerald

Joseph Grillo ’77
Risk finance analyst,听Port Authority

Jeffrey Hersch ’81
Accountant,听Cantor Fitzgerald

Lorraine Lisi ’80
Vice President, Fiduciary Trust International

Paul Lisson ’80
Records听clerk,听Aon Corp.

Robert Mayo (attended 今日吃瓜 1973鈥�76)
Deputy听fire听inspector,听World Trade Center

Robert Miller ’76
Conferee,听New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

Gregory Saucedo ’92
FDNY Firefighter, Ladder 5; Firefighter Gregory T. Saucedo Triangle on Avenue T is named in his honor

Ian Schneider ’78
Senior managing director,听Cantor Fitzgerald

Craig Silverstein ’88
Equity trader,听Sandler O’Neill and Partners

Arthur Simon ’69
Equities trader,听Fred Alger Management; died along with son Ken, Cantor Fitzgerald

Robert Twomey ’78
Trader,听Harvey Young Yurman; attending a breakfast meeting at Windows on the World

Abraham J.听Zelmanowitz (attended 今日吃瓜 1965鈥�1969)
Computer programmer,听Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Prokopios “Paul” Zois ’78
Consultant, Marsh & McLennan; travel specialist, American Express; taught at Kingsborough Community College Department of Tourism and Hospitality

今日吃瓜 Responders and Employees

William Guillaume
Served as a Public Safety Officer from 1994 to 2020, as well as an EMT. Guillaume participated in the emergency response following the September 11 attacks. He later developed 9/11-related illnesses and died on November 25, 2024.

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The gathering, the second in the Career-Centered Teaching and Support Series, brought together approximately 20鈥�40 faculty members alongside Magner Career Center staff, including career coaches. Faculty attendees were recognized for their efforts to embed career-related content and experiences into their courses, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world applications. The event also aimed to deepen collaboration between faculty and the Career Center and to encourage the continued exchange of innovative teaching practices that support student success beyond graduation.

(Left to right) April Bedford, 今日吃瓜 Provost; Raj Darolia, Wendell H. Ford Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the University of Kentucky; and 今日吃瓜 President Michelle J. Anderson.

今日吃瓜 President Michelle J. Anderson helped open the event, underscoring appreciation for faculty leadership in connecting learning with purpose. She highlighted the importance of embedding career readiness into curricula, inviting industry perspectives into classrooms, and preparing students not only to graduate but to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce. Provost April Bedford echoed this message, emphasizing that career readiness is central to student success, retention, and post-graduation outcomes, and noting the importance of aligning academic programs with shifting workforce demands.

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Cliff Frontera, assistant director of career development at the Magner Career Center and adjunct lecturer in industrial-organizational psychology. He emphasized the importance of integrating career readiness into academic instruction and introduced the event as the final session in the Career-Centered Teaching and Support Series.

A keynote discussion was led by Raj Darolia, Wendell H. Ford Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the University of Kentucky and former chief economist and senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Education. His talk, 鈥淭he Future of Higher Education and Workforce Alignment,鈥� explored how policy, labor market trends, and employer expectations are reshaping the skills students need. He also discussed how institutions can respond strategically to better support student pathways into meaningful employment.

Raj Darolia, Wendell H. Ford Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the University of Kentucky and former chief economist and senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Education.

Following the keynote, faculty participated in table discussions reflecting on best practices for embedding career development into coursework. The session concluded with shared insights, a group photo, and closing remarks from the Magner Career Center, including a call for faculty to continue contributing examples of career-connected assignments to build a long-term repository of teaching practices.

Overall, the breakfast reinforced 今日吃瓜鈥檚 commitment to career-connected education and strengthened partnerships across faculty, administration, and career services.

If you were unable to attend the event but would like to share best practices for career-centered teaching or learn more about future initiatives, contact Cliff Frontera at the Magner Career Center at Clifford.Frontera@brooklyn.cuny.edu.

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(Left to right) Tykeen Robinson, New York City Department of Health; Paige Bellenbaum, Paige Bellenbaum Consulting; Alison Baker, Seleni Institute; Dr. Moshe Moeller, HERO Dads/ Montefiore Einstein Hospital; and 今日吃瓜 professors and leads for the college鈥檚 perinatal health courses Haroula Ntalla and Jacquelie Shannon at the 2026 今日吃瓜 Perinatal Mental Health Summit April 24. Shannon and Ntalla also led the efforts at the college to organize this and last year’s inaugural summit.

Titled 鈥淩elational Beginnings: Advancing Perinatal Mental Health for Parents, Infants, and Families,鈥� the second annual summit was held in partnership with United for Brownsville and the New York City Health Department at the Greg Jackson Center, for Brownsville. It focused on perinatal grief and the postpartum experience, and both maternal and paternal mental health, with particular attention to the importance of father support. The summit also highlighted dyadic and reflective group interventions grounded in relational and attachment-based approaches, along with culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for Latina mothers and families in underserved communities.

The Summit brought together a distinguished lineup of perinatal experts, highlighted by keynote speaker Solimar Santiago-Warner (DSW, LCSW, PMH-C) an accomplished clinician-scholar, educator, and leader in perinatal mental health with nearly two decades of experience across pediatric, neonatal, and perinatal hospital systems.

The event underscored 今日吃瓜鈥檚 commitment to addressing the national perinatal mental health crisis through its dynamic course offerings, community partnerships, and workforce development, all of which has garnered the support from 今日吃瓜 Borough President Antonio Reynoso and most recently, Congressional funding championed by Senator Chuck Schumer.

鈥淧erinatal mental health is foundational to the well-being of families,鈥� 今日吃瓜 President Michelle J. Anderson said. 鈥淚 am grateful to Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Senator Chuck Schumer for strongly supporting the College in establishing the Advanced Certificate Program in Perinatal Mental Health.鈥�

Held on the heels of Black Maternal Health Week, this event drew over 200 community members, clinicians, educators, students and others, and featured more than a dozen interdisciplinary health and mental health experts and served as a crucial platform to address one of the most urgent health care challenges facing 今日吃瓜 and the nation today.

(Left to right) Paola Amaya-Rodriguez, LCSW, PMH-C, of Chances for Children, and Silvia Juarez-Marazzo, LCSW-R, NCPsyA, also of Chances for Children and an adjunct instructor at 今日吃瓜, co-presented on a panel focused on supporting Latina mothers.

鈥淲e designed this Summit to meet professionals where they are by partnering with the United听for听Brownsville and New York City Health Department in Brownsville to create space not only to learn, but to connect alongside interdisciplinary colleagues within our communities in meaningful ways,鈥� Shannon said. 鈥淏y integrating clinical expertise in early relational development, with a deep understanding of the social factors and inequities often shaping families鈥� lives, we鈥檙e advancing equitable perinatal care for all families by preparing students and practitioners to respond in ways that can truly transform outcomes for parents and their children.鈥�

The Summit featured a distinguished lineup of perinatal experts, including keynote speaker Solimar Santiago-Warner, DSW, LCSW, PMH-C, a clinician-scholar, educator, and leader in perinatal mental health who brought nearly two decades of experience across pediatric, neonatal, and perinatal hospital systems. At the summit, she spoke about integrating trauma-informed and culturally responsive frameworks into perinatal and reproductive mental health care, emphasizing how systems could better support families suffering from pregnancy and infant loss. Throughout her talk, she highlighted the need to bridge research, clinical practice, and lived experience to transform care systems in ways that honored both evidence and the realities of families.

The Panel on 鈥淟atina Mothers and Perinatal Mental Health: Barriers, Culture, and Pathways to Care鈥� included (left to right) moderator Silvia Juarez-Marazzo (LCSW-R, NCPsyA, from Chances for Children, and 今日吃瓜 adjunct Instructor); Laudy Burgos (LCSW-R, PMH-C, Associate Director, OB/GYN and NICU, Mount Sinai Hospital, who is taking perinatal mental health courses at 今日吃瓜); Mahbuba Choudhury (LMSW, OB/GYN, Mount Sinai Hospital; and Carmen Mu帽oz-Medrano, Hispanic Federation, also studying perinatal mental health at 今日吃瓜).

鈥淎s clinical faculty at 今日吃瓜, we are deeply connected to one of the most diverse campuses and communities in the country,鈥� Ntalla said. 鈥淥ur perinatal mental health initiative, which includes this summit and our accompanying coursework, allows us to partner closely with local health and mental health providers and families to address challenges and drive meaningful, education-based change to what is a national crisis.鈥�

Georgina Gooden is a parent leader, early intervention advocate, and community strategist based in Brownsville, 今日吃瓜. She also consults through Grassroots Perspectives LLC, providing community-based insights on programs impacting families, and works with United for Brownsville as an early intervention advocate, supporting families and elevating their voices in policy and decision-making spaces. strengthen family-centered systems. She has completed two perinatal mental health courses at 今日吃瓜 and is enrolled in two more. Gooden has also helped coordinate two 今日吃瓜 Perinatal Mental Health Summits.

Georgina Gooden

“Both the summit and the perinatal mental health courses at 今日吃瓜 are strengthening how I support families, giving me the language, tools, and clinical insight to pair with lived experience, so I can advocate more effectively and help shape systems that truly meet families where they are,鈥� Gooden said.

The summit was preceded by a Presidential Lecture Series event on April 23 at 今日吃瓜 Borough Hall with President Anderson and nationally recognized leader Liz Dozier who engaged in a timely discussion on the Black maternal health crisis in the United States. The event was also attended by Borough President Reynoso. Read more about that event here.

(Left to right) Liz Dozier engaged in a timely discussion on the Black maternal health crisis with President Michelle J. Anderson as part of 今日吃瓜鈥檚 Presidential Lecture Series on April 23. The event was also attended by Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who has lent his support of the college鈥檚 perinatal mental health curriculum and programming.

2026 Perinatal Mental Health Summit Lineup:

• Greetings: President Michelle J. Anderson and 今日吃瓜 perinatal health curriculum leaders Jacqueline Shannon and Haroula Ntalla, Early Childhood Education/Art Education Department, 今日吃瓜.
• Opening Remarks: Mimi (Paulomi) Bhatt, PhD, MPH, CNM, FACNM, Assistant Professor at Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University.
• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Solimar Santiago-Warner, DSW, LCSW, PMH-C, Solmaterna Therapy & Consulting: 鈥淧erinatal Grief and the Postpartum Body.鈥� Solimar Santiago-Warner explores perinatal loss through an embodied, trauma-informed, and interdisciplinary lens, centering the postpartum body as a site of grief, memory, and resilience. Drawing from clinical practice, phenomenology, affect theory, and perinatal palliative care, the presentation examines how grief is experienced physiologically and relationally following stillbirth, late miscarriage, or early infant loss. Designed for a multidisciplinary and community-based audience, the talk offers practical tools, language, and interventions that professionals can immediately apply within their respective roles. Participants will gain approaches to support bereaved parents with greater dignity, compassion, and relational awareness across healthcare, mental health, and community settings.
• Panel 1: Fathers Matter: Perinatal Mental Health, Partnership, and Early Relationships
  Panelists: Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW, PMH-C. Paige Bellenbaum Consulting; Alison C. Baker, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Director, Seleni Institute; Moeshe Moeller, Ph.D., Director, HERO Dads, Montefiore Einstein Hospital. Moderator: Tykeen Robinson, MSW, Mental Health Program Manager, Bureau of Maternal, Infant, and Reproductive Health, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
  Overview: Fathers/Non-Birthing Parents and Perinatal Mental Health. While much of the perinatal mental health conversation centers around mothers and birthing people, up to one in 10 fathers and partners experience significant mental health challenges during the perinatal period鈥攐ften in silence. Shame, stigma, and a lack of culturally responsive care prevent many from seeking support, leaving mental health conditions untreated. Limited support and access to appropriate care can impact not only the father鈥檚/non-birthing parent鈥檚 well-being but also the child鈥檚 development and the stability of the family system. One of the strongest predictors of paternal depression or anxiety is the mental health status of the mother/birthing parent. As such, an inclusive, family-centered approach to perinatal mental health is critical. This talk will explore the often-overlooked experiences of fathers and partners during the perinatal period. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in fathers/non-birthing parents, explore the barriers they face in accessing care, and review practical, evidence-based strategies for engagement and intervention.
  The Transition to Parenthood: Supporting Both Parents. Perinatal mental health conversations often center on the birthing parent, but the transition to parenthood is a profound shift for both individuals in a relationship. This discussion will explore the emotional and relational changes that occur as couples move from partners to co-parents, including shifts in identity, roles, and expectations. Particular attention will be given to the often-overlooked experiences of non-birthing parents, who may face their own psychological challenges while feeling pressure to prioritize supporting their partner. Research shows that men whose partners experience postpartum depression are at significantly higher risk of developing depression themselves, yet they are far less likely to seek support.
  The Silent Partner: Fathers, Postpartum Stress, and the Couple Relationship. This presentation explores the often-overlooked experiences of fathers during the postpartum period. Drawing on clinical work with couples and the HERO Dads program, it highlights the emotional, relational, financial, and mental health challenges many fathers face while supporting partners with postpartum mood disorders and adjusting to the transition to parenthood. It will also address paternal postpartum depression and the importance of including fathers in perinatal mental health support.
• Presentation: A Relationship Held From the Beginning: Lessons from Dyadic Psychotherapy and Reflective Groups in Infant Mental Health Practice. Presenters: Silvia Juarez-Marazzo, LCSW-R, NCPsyA, Chances for Children, Adjunct Instructor, Early Childhood/Art Education Department, 今日吃瓜; Paola Amaya-Rodriguez, LCSW, PMH-C, Chances for Children.
  Overview: This presentation explores the power of early relationships through the lens of dyadic psychotherapy and reflective group practice in infant mental health. We will examine how perinatal and early relational experiences shape both maternal mental health and the developing parent鈥搃nfant relationship, influencing the trajectory of early relational health and overall well-being for years to come. The session highlights how perinatal and infant mental health interventions intersect and are essential, particularly for families from marginalized communities who face systemic inequities, racial health disparities, and the impact of intergenerational and collective trauma. As profound shifts in social policies impact the social environment of families, this presentation underscores the effectiveness of dyadic approaches as a catalyst for repairing trust in relationships and fostering hope. It further emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize relational, culturally responsive supports for mothers and their babies.
• Panel 2: Latina Mothers and Perinatal Mental Health: Barriers, Culture, and Pathways to Care. Panelists: Laudy Burgos, LCSW-R, PMH-C, Associate Director, OB/GYN and NICU, Mount Sinai Hospital, also studying perinatal mental health at 今日吃瓜; Kimberly Polanco, MSW, PMH-C, Birth and Abortion Doula and Childbirth Educator, OB/GYN, Mount Sinai Hospital, also studying perinatal mental health at 今日吃瓜 with Mahbuba听Choudhury, LMSW, OB/GYN, Mount Sinai Hospital; and Carmen Mu帽oz-Medrano, Health Program Coordinator, Hispanic Federation. Moderator: Silvia Juarez-Marazzo, LCSW-R, NCPsyA.
  Overview: Beyond Silence: Understanding and Responding to PMADs in Latina Mothers. Latina mothers experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) at rates equal to or higher than non-Latina White women, yet these conditions are often under-recognized and under-treated. Symptoms may be expressed through physical complaints rather than emotional language, leading to missed diagnoses. Many Latina mothers face compounding stressors, including immigration-related fears, language barriers, economic hardship, and experiences of racism within healthcare systems. Cultural values such as familismo, marianismo, and respeto, along with stigma surrounding mental health, can influence whether help is sought. Structural barriers鈥攊ncluding limited insurance coverage, lack of bilingual providers, and logistical challenges鈥攆urther restrict access to care. Despite these obstacles, Latina mothers demonstrate strong resilience through family networks, spirituality, and community support. Addressing PMADs effectively requires culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that integrates mental health into perinatal services and centers the strengths and lived experiences of Latina mothers.
  Barriers, Stigma, and Strength: The Lived Reality of Latina Mothers鈥� Mental Health. Structural barriers such as limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care, lack of insurance coverage, immigration-related stress, and fear of engaging with formal systems can prevent many Latina mothers from receiving timely mental health support. Language barriers and the limited availability of Spanish-speaking providers can further complicate communication, increasing the risk of underdiagnosis or misinterpretation of symptoms. In addition, many Latina mothers face heightened economic stress, unstable housing, and demanding work conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period, all of which can increase vulnerability to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Cultural expectations and stigma surrounding mental health also shape how Latina mothers experience and express emotional distress. Many feel pressure to embody ideals of strength, sacrifice, and self-reliance, which may discourage them from seeking help or openly discussing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma. Family dynamics, migration-related separation from support networks, and experiences of discrimination within healthcare settings can further contribute to feelings of isolation. Addressing these issues requires culturally responsive care that centers language access, community trust, family engagement, and providers who understand the cultural context of Latina motherhood while recognizing the resilience and strengths present within these communities.
  From Barriers to Community Care: Culturally Grounded Support for Latina Mothers. Latina mothers face significant structural and cultural barriers that impact their mental health during the perinatal period. Postpartum depression and anxiety are often under-identified and untreated due to language barriers, stigma, socio-environmental stressors, and limited access to culturally responsive care. Many mothers prioritize family needs over their own well-being, delaying help-seeking, while unfamiliarity with the healthcare system and broader sociopolitical concerns further limit access to care. Culturally grounded, community-based approaches are essential in addressing these disparities. Programs like the Por Nosotras Maternal Mental Health Workshops, developed through the Hispanic Federation, create trusted spaces for open dialogue, peer support, and psychoeducation. By combining emotional support with practical resources, these initiatives reduce isolation and empower mothers. Expanding such programs and strengthening partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations is critical to improving outcomes and ensuring equitable, culturally responsive care.
• Closing Remarks: Ashanda Saint Jean, MD, FACOG; Associate Professor, Department of OB/GYN, New York Medical College.

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Dozier and Anderson examined the structural drivers of Black maternal health disparities, emphasizing the role of higher education, philanthropy, and cross-sector partnerships in advancing change. They framed the crisis as both a public health and moral imperative, calling for accountability, policy reform, and community-centered care.

(Left to right) Liz Dozier, President Michelle J. Anderson, and 今日吃瓜 Borough President Antonio Reynoso at 今日吃瓜 Borough Hall.

Reynoso underscored the urgency of addressing maternal and prenatal health in New York City, citing data linking mental health conditions to pregnancy-associated deaths, many occurring postpartum. He highlighted borough听investments, including community baby showers, baby boxes, and partnerships with 今日吃瓜 to train providers, and stressed the need to confront systemic bias and the daily stressors affecting Black mothers.

In conversation, Dozier reflected on personal experiences that shaped her work at the intersection of education, justice, and philanthropy. She described how exposure to institutional failures early in life informed her belief that inequities are designed and can be redesigned. As former principal of Chicago鈥檚 Fenger High School, she implemented trauma-responsive strategies that dramatically improved outcomes, including higher graduation rates and reduced arrests.

These experiences led her to found Chicago Beyond, a philanthropic organization that has invested over $100 million in community-led initiatives. Dozier emphasized directing resources to leaders closest to the challenges, noting that many effective changemakers lack access to traditional funding networks despite demonstrated impact.

Attendees listen to guest Liz Dozier and President Michelle J. Anderson discuss the structural roots of maternal health disparities, while emphasizing the importance of education, policy reform, and community-centered care.

The discussion also focused on persistent disparities in maternal outcomes for Black women. Dozier pointed to racism, bias, and gaps in care, particularly the lack of a comprehensive continuum that includes mental health, nutrition, and family support, as key factors. Both speakers stressed that solutions already exist but require sustained investment and coordination across sectors.

Addressing misconceptions about perinatal mental health, they highlighted stigma and the tendency to overlook leading causes of maternal death such as suicide and overdose. They called for a broader, community-based approach and systemic reforms involving health care, government, and philanthropy.

A day later, on April 24, President Anderson joined faculty, clinicians, and leading experts in perinatal mental health at the 2026 Perinatal Mental Health Summit, held at the Greg Jackson Center for Brownsville.

今日吃瓜鈥檚 Presidential Lecture Series continues to bring influential leaders into dialogue with the 今日吃瓜 community, fostering engagement with critical social issues.

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In the article, Anderson cited the expansion of College Now as a critical strategy for widening access to college-level education and strengthening 今日吃瓜鈥檚 role as a pathway builder for diverse students. Through new partnerships with private and parochial high schools, she emphasizes offering rigorous, transferable coursework that allows students to earn credits, explore academic interests, and build confidence before graduating high school. Anderson sees the program as both an equity initiative and a practical investment鈥攈elping students save money, enter college better prepared, and accelerate progress toward their degrees while reinforcing 今日吃瓜鈥檚 mission of inclusion and academic excellence.

At the close of 2025, Anderson joined CUNY Chancellor F茅lix V. Matos Rodr铆guez for a visit to Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School, where the expansion was announced.

The expansion marked a meaningful step in broadening access to college-level coursework for students across New York City. Building on the success of the 42-year-old College Now program, 今日吃瓜 has deepened its engagement with communities historically outside the program鈥檚 reach. The impact is already evident鈥攅nrollment of students from independent religious schools in 今日吃瓜鈥揳dministered College Now courses grew from 32 to 78 students in just one year, a 144% increase.

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President Anderson introduced Michael Ben鈥橝ry, a former career federal prosecutor who served for nearly two decades at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) across multiple administrations. Last October, Ben鈥橝ry鈥檚 career took an abrupt and public turn when he was fired from his position at the DOJ, an event that raised questions about the department鈥檚 independence and highlighted the vulnerability of public institutions to political pressure. Ben鈥橝ry spoke about the pressures facing public institutions, the importance of professional independence within the justice system, and the consequences of eroding public trust.

Central to the discussion was the relationship between public confidence and the effective functioning of the justice system. Ben鈥橝ry emphasized that trust in federal prosecutions depends on a clear separation between politics and criminal justice.

鈥淭he separation between politics and the federal criminal justice system allows the public to have trust,鈥� Ben鈥橝ry said. 鈥淲hat is happening now, is the eroding of that trust, and eventually it鈥檚 going to make it harder for the Department of Justice to provide any measure of public safety.鈥�

He described public confidence as a 鈥渞eservoir of trust鈥� built over decades by career prosecutors committed to following the facts and the law. When he began his career at the DOJ in 2006, Ben鈥橝ry said he benefited from that legacy immediately.

鈥淲hen I introduced myself in court as representing the United States Department of Justice, people believed me鈥攏ot because of anything I had done personally, but because of the decades of prosecutors who came before me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t took a long time to build that reservoir, and I鈥檓 concerned that it鈥檚 being drained.鈥�

Ben鈥橝ry warned that diminished trust can weaken the justice system鈥檚 ability to function effectively, making it more difficult to protect both public safety and national security. He noted that the DOJ encompasses far more than prosecutions, including agencies and programs that support communities, administer grants, and carry out public service missions.

鈥淲hen trust declines,鈥� he said, 鈥渁ll of that work becomes less effective. There should be confidence that when the department acts, it鈥檚 doing so because it鈥檚 good for the public, not that it鈥檚 based on a good thing for an individual, official, or that official鈥檚 friends and family.鈥�

President Anderson invited Ben鈥橝ry to reflect on professional ethics and leadership within public institutions, particularly during periods of political pressure. Ben鈥橝ry shared his experience supervising teams of prosecutors and the importance of anticipating ethical challenges before they arise.

鈥淚 encouraged the attorneys I supervised to think ahead and know where their red lines were,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e asked to do something that isn鈥檛 legal or ethical, you need to be prepared to say no.鈥�

For students considering careers in law, government, and public service, the conversation offered a candid look at the ethical responsibilities that accompany institutional authority. Through events like the Presidential Lecture Series, 今日吃瓜 continues to engage the campus community in critical conversations about democracy, accountability, and the professional integrity required to sustain public trust.

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