BetaBagels 015: ’25-’26 Civic Innovation Fellows’ Showcase & Celebration
May 8 @ 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
Join us for BetaBagels 015: 2025-2026 Civic Innovation Fellows’ Showcase and Celebration.
We are thrilled to celebrate our thirteenth cohort, Ayela Janjua and Jillian Melough, as they complete their fellowship journey! This showcase is a chance to hear their reflections firsthand, see the impact of their work, and honor their growth as the next generation of public interest technologists.
Join us as we trace their journey from the College of Staten Island to organizing digital and data literacy events across New York City, including our inaugural Mapping for Equity events on Staten Island. Learn how public interest technology has influenced their academic and professional growth, and ask them about their aspirations and how they hope to carry this work into their future careers.
Come for an afternoon of storytelling, community, and celebration!
Run-of-Show:
- 1:30 PM – Refreshments
- 2:00 PM – Opening Remarks
- 2:15 PM – Fellows’ Showcase & Conversation
- 3:00 PM – Certification Ceremony
- 3:15 PM – END
If you would like to attend, please reach out to events@beta.nyc before Thursday, May 7.
Additional path finding and building access details will be sent to registered guests. If you have any specific needs or accommodation requests, please also reach out to us at events@beta.nyc.
About the Civic Innovation Fellows
Jillian Melough (she/her) is a student at the College of Staten Island majoring in Psychology. As a Civic Innovation Fellow, Jillian is focused on building meaningful professional connections and expanding her skill set to better serve her community. She is driven by a desire to take on projects that uplift those around her and create a lasting impact, regardless of scale. Outside of her civic work, Jillian is a creative who loves to draw, paint, and listen to music. Looking toward the future, she aspires to a career dedicated to helping others in every capacity possible.
Ayela Janjua (she/her) is a student at the College of Staten Island, where she majors in Sociology with a concentrated focus on Criminology and Social Justice. As a Civic Innovation Fellow, Ayela is eager to leverage technology as a tool for the public good, contributing her skills to the ongoing betterment of New York City. Her academic background in social justice informs her approach to civic tech and community service. Outside of the fellowship, Ayela is an avid baker and a proud pet owner to her cat.