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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS partners understand that “collective Queensborough Community College, Queens Rupchandani tapped community impact” is not a threat, but rather an opportunity College, and Polytechnic Institute of New York for collaboration. University. to lead Zone 126 She said she wants to sit down with local leadA nonprofit organization that drives educa- ers and elected officials to plan strategically so tional and community transformation for chil- the limited resources available will support as Three to lead Queens dren and families in western Queens has a new many students as possible. CUNY institutions leader at the helm. Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, shutOn June 15, Zone 126 appointed Anju Rupchandani as its new executive director. Rupchandani has been involved with the group since its inception in 2011. “Anju’s career has been dedicated to supporting students and families living in public housing and providing access to equal opportunities that level the playing field from cradle to career,” said Lynn Grossman, board chair of Zone 126. “We can’t wait to see the new heights that Anju brings Zone 126 to.” Raised in Astoria, Rupchandani is a prodRUPCHANDANI uct of the local public school system, including PS 70 and William Cullen Bryant High School. Her journey in the education and advocacy sectors began 20 years ago as an after-school counselor for the Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation (SASF) at PS 70. “That experience really shaped me wanting to be an educator,” she said. Rupchandani was the first person in her family to graduate from college after receiving a bachelor’s degree in adolescent education and history from Pace University. She would later earn her master’s degree in leadership and community-based learning from Bank Street College of Education. She also received certificates in executive education management from Fordham Center for Nonprofit Leaders and Columbia University. After working in several community schools, Rupchandani joined Zone 126 at its founding nearly a decade ago. “The work here at Zone 126 is really personal,” she said. “To be able to rise to this position is very humbling for me.” As the new executive director, Rupchandani said her goal will be to elevate the importance of creating a student pipeline from elementary to high school, and ultimately to community college or a four-year university. “I really believe in bloom where you grow,” she said. “I want other children to be able to see this as a path and a pipeline.” Another goal, Rupchandani said, is to ensure
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ting down schools and in-person after-school programs, Rupchandani said Zone 126’s team has been on the ground delivering food pantry bags to local families. The team has also been sending hotspots to students who don’t have internet service in their homes. “We’ve been in and out of the office supporting families,” she said. “We will continue to do that post-COVID.” Rupchandani said she feels ready to serve her home community in a new capacity. “I’m really excited and ready to go back out there, roll up my sleeves and support,” she said. “With everything going on with the pandemic and race relations, to be a woman of color leading during this difficult time is a challenge, but it’s a challenge I’m ready for.” (BENJAMIN FANG)
Lisella selected for poetry fellowship The Academy of American Poets has selected an Astoria resident as a 2020 Fellow. Maria Lisella will spend the fellowship hosting “Writing Your Way Home,” a curated series of readings and writing workshops for senior citizens in Queens. The readings will feature senior poets, and the workshops will culminate in public readings throughout the borough. AAP will provide a $50,000 stipend to Lisella, who was selected as Queens Poet Laureate by the Borough President in 2015, and donate some funds to nonprofits that work with her. Twice-nominated for the Pushcart Poetry Prize, Lisella has authored Thieves in the Family (NYQ Books) and the chapbooks Amore on Hope Street LISELLA (Finishing Line Press) and Two Naked Feet (Poets Wear Prada). She also contributes articles to USA Today and La Voce di New York, which publishes in English and Italian. She holds degrees from
Three educational institutions in Queens now have new leaders at the helm. Last week, the CUNY Board of Trustees voted to appoint new presidents for LaGuardia Community College, Queensborough Community College and York College. Leading LaGuardia Community College will be Kenneth Adams, who currently serves as the dean of workforce and economic development at Bronx Community College. His appointment begins on August 17. Adams previously served as acting commissioner of the state Department of Taxation and Finance. From 2011 to 2015, he was the president and CEO of Empire State Development, the state’s economic development agency. Prior to his stints in state government, Adams also led the Business Council of New York State, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and MetroTech Area Business Improvement District (BID). He was the founding executive director of the nonprofit New York Cares. “LaGuardia is uniquely positioned to support the city’s recovery by training and upskilling workers who have lost their jobs,” he said, “and preparing students for new fields and emerging occupations in a post-COVID economy.” Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2020 by Queensborough. All letters sent to the QUEENSBOROUGH should be brief and are subject to condensation. Writers should include a full address and home and office telephone numbers, where available, as well as affiliation, indicating special interest. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without prior permission of the QUEENSBOROUGH. The publishers will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to the QUEENSBOROUGH within five days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication. BQE Media assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold the QUEENSBOROUGH and its employees harmless from all cost, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.
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