Join us in Welcoming NYC Opportunity’s Summer Fellows
The Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity (NYC Opportunity) is pleased to introduce the newest Fellows working on our Programs and Evaluation and Service Design teams. In the following Q & A’s, they tell us a little bit about themselves and what drew them to this work.
Awwab Siddiqui
What brought you to NYC Opportunity, and to this work?
My CUNY ASAP advisor recommended that I take a look at this fellowship at NYC Opportunity. After looking at NYC Opportunity’s website, I found the work to be meaningful and wanted to learn more. I think this fellowship will be a great opportunity to get to know interesting people who can inspire me to work for the betterment of others.
What were you doing before this? If you’re currently in school, what are you studying?
I am currently studying Psychology at LaGuardia Community College. I am completing my last semester there this summer and will be transferring to Queens College to further pursue my B.A. in Psychology. At LaGuardia, I am part of a Student Experience Research Group which has increased my interest in the research process.
What team will you be working with and how will you be spending your time?
I am excited to be working with both the Service Design Studio and Programs & Evaluation teams throughout my fellowship. I will be conducting desk research for different projects, attending meetings and gathering insights. I will also support the team with design and facilitation for workshops with stakeholders.
What are your goals for your time as a fellow?
My goal is to learn as much as I can about government processes and services by gaining a deeper understanding of how services are designed, developed, and delivered. I also hope to sharpen my organizational, communication and research skills.
What do you like to do outside of work / what is something we may not know about you?
I really like watching movies, TV shows, cooking, traveling, and gaming. One of my dreams is to go to Iceland or Norway for stargazing and northern lights (Aurora). Also, this fellowship is my first time working in a professional setting!
David Baltazar
What brought you to NYC Opportunity, and to this work?
My ASAP advisor informed me about the fellowship at NYC Opportunity. I was immediately intrigued and knew that I wanted to apply when I learned that NYC Opportunity was key in starting and implementing programs like ASAP and ACE. Having personally experienced the positive effects of such programs, I was deeply inspired by the mission and work of NYC Opportunity. Additionally, this fellowship opportunity aligns perfectly with my passion for social justice and my desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
What were you doing before this? If you’re currently in school, what are you studying?
I just graduated with my Associate’s degree in criminal justice from Kingsborough Community College, and this fall, I’ll be pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Law and Society at John Jay College. I aim to delve deeper into the intersection of law, society, and social justice issues. I am excited about exploring the complexities of the legal system, examining the impact of laws on marginalized communities, and seeking ways to promote equity within the criminal justice system.
What team will you be working with and how will you be spending your time?
As a member of the Programs & Evaluation team, my time will be focused on conducting in-depth research and collaborating with team members to develop innovative program ideas that aim to better serve New Yorkers. This includes researching and finding evidence-based approaches in addressing issues, analyzing data and outcomes from existing programs, and identifying areas where new interventions or enhancements are needed. Working closely with the P&E team, I’ll participate in discussions and strategy meetings to conceptualize and shape potential program ideas. This work will include conducting feasibility studies, mapping out program objectives and activities, designing evaluation frameworks to measure impact, and considering budgetary and resource requirements.
What are your goals for your time as a fellow?
My goals as a fellow at NYC Opportunity are to witness, learn from, and actively contribute to the process of developing services for less fortunate New Yorkers. I plan to do this by exploring the inner workings of NYC Opportunity’s approach to developing initiatives and the impact they have on individuals and communities. I plan to actively engage in discussions, offer fresh ideas, and collaborate with the talented team at NYC Opportunity. By sharing my experiences, knowledge, and skills, I hope to make meaningful contributions to the ongoing work of the organization and help advance their mission of reducing poverty and increasing equity.
What do you like to do outside of work / what is something we may not know about you?
I love seeking out vintage comic books, especially those published between the 1950s and 1980s. I find something special about holding a comic book that carries decades of history within its pages. I thoroughly enjoy hunting for these vintage gems everywhere from local comic shops to conventions or online platforms specializing in comic book collectibles. Whether it’s finding a rare issue or simply flipping through the pages of a beloved comic, my collection brings me joy.
Dominique Dukes
What brought you to NYC Opportunity, and to this work?
I am passionate about making government systems work better for real people. That doesn’t stop at formulating good ideas–it means substantively engaging communities to develop and test those ideas. It also means not being afraid to chart a new course if something is not working.
I’m drawn to NYCO specifically because it’s at the forefront of government innovation in New York City. NYCO’s organizational values also align well with my own: curiosity, collaboration, and integrity.
What were you doing before this? If you’re currently in school, what are you studying?
I’ve been floating around the policy space for some time. Currently, I’m earning a Master of Public Administration, with a specialization in policy analysis, at NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. This past year I worked on Governor Hochul’s policy team with a focus on K-12 and higher education. And before that, I was a higher education policy researcher at MDRC, a nonpartisan and nonprofit social policy research organization.
What team will you be working with and how will you be spending your time with them?
I’ve joined NYC Opportunity’s Programs & Evaluation (P&E) team for the summer to support a few of its workforce development programs. I am also acting as a thought partner for some of P&E’s internal capacity-building work.
What are your goals for your time as a fellow?
There are too many to count! I primarily intend to learn how things move within New York City’s government — partnering with government agencies and community-based organizations, developing new programs and initiatives, and re-designing and re-evaluating existing programs. Secondly, I hope to learn about service design techniques from NYC Opportunity’s Service Design Studio.
What do you like to do outside of work / what is something we may not know about you?
I love to bake. I wish I could call my baking artistic, but honestly, it’s a means to an end–satisfying my sweet tooth!
