Civic Innovation Fellows: Summer 2020

What is the Civic Innovation Fellowship?

The Civic Innovation Fellowship is a unique program where CUNY Service Corps fellows learn about NYC government, local communities, and how data and technology can help strengthen civic life. Our summer program consists of a 5 week condensed bootcamp over the course of which fellows develop their own data-rich project using new skills and technologies.

This program is a partnership among the Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, BetaNYC, CUNY Service Corps, and Fund for the City of New York. The program is supported by Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Data & Society Research Foundation, the Mayor’s Office of Data Analytics, and New York City’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications.

A summer to remember:

On July 14, 2020, we welcomed a special cohort of CUNY Service Corps Summer fellows, who came to work with us remotely under challenging and uncertain circumstances. We have two Psychology majors from Bronx Community College (BCC), one from Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), and one is a CIF 6 alumni, from LaGuardia Community College who also works at the Genius Bar in Grand Central Station. Altogether they play many musical instruments, so we look forward to gathering in person around music one day soon.

Welcome Summer 2020 Fellows!

Ameen Alhubaishi

Ameen Alhubaishi
Ameen Alhubaishi

Since I was born, I have been called by Ameen Alhubaishi, which is my name. I am originally from Yemen so I am fluent in Arabic. I have considered New York City as my home since I moved here in 2009. I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering at LaGuardia Community College. I have a background in Technical Support, Networking and Engineering. I was in Malave Leadership Academy CUNY. In addition, I was a delegate and Head delegate representative of Senegal, Greece, Canada, and Yemen at the National Model United Nations Conference- DC.

I am interested in math, science, engineering, robotics, space, and history. I enjoy learning about arts, different cultures, and meeting new people and thus my favorite places in New York are the American Museum of Natural History, Museum of the City of New York, The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park.

I am excited to join the sixth class of Civic Innovation Fellows because this program is giving me the chance to learn about the history and the culture of New York City, and its government structure. It is the first time for me to work at a nonprofit organization. I am interested in Technology and Data analysis which I am going to be taught helpful skills in CIF by professional staff. I cannot wait to start and meet with everyone and learn from each other and offer our best to service people of New York which is the city that you can get the best one dollar pizza at any time in the day

Kasandra Carabello

Kasandra Carabello

Hey! My name is Kasandra, but I use Kas for short sometimes. I am completing my final semester at Bronx Community College, where I will be receiving my AA in Psychology. I am very excited to be a Civic Innovation Fellow because it is introducing me to work I will have to become familiar with in the future! One fun fact about me is I play many instruments and I love anime.

Mir Afra Humaira

My name is Mir Afra Humaira, and I am a freshman at Borough of Manhattan Community College, majoring in Computer Science. I was born and raised in Bangladesh, and moved to New York City about 3 years ago. Since then, I have worked as leadership and trainer in the service industry, and have volunteered at different community-based events before that. I am excited to join the Civic Innovation

Fellows because I enjoy working on things that can directly make positive changes to communities through open data analysis and technology.  A fun fact about me is that I enjoy playing the ukulele as a hobby, and attending  music concerts. 

Sabrina Rivera

Hello, my name is Sabrina and I am finishing up my last semester at Bronx Community College. I will soon enter Macaulay Honors College at Lehman as a Psychology and Education double major. I am excited to learn more with the Civic Innovation Fellows and gain new, applicable skills. Fun fact about me, I am incapable of rolling my “r”.