Image Credit: CACF
Bronx, New York: Reona Alam, a Bengali freshman at Hunter College, is gaining hands-on experience in public service through her internship with Queens Council Member Shekar Krishnan.
As the first Public Service Intern for the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF), Alam is immersed in local politics, tackling issues such as sex trafficking awareness and brush fires while bridging cultural representation in government.
Her work includes assisting with constituent cases, managing social media, crafting newsletters, and conducting legislative research.
Drawing on her upbringing in the Bronx and her connection to her Bengali heritage, Alam aspires to promote inclusivity and inspire others from underrepresented communities to pursue leadership roles.
“A lot of times, AAPI [Asian American Pacific Islander] communities are taken advantage of,” Alam noted, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and advocacy in combating misinformation.
Alam’s story underscores the potential of young leaders to transform government and policy spaces, paving the way for greater cultural representation and community empowerment.
She encourages her peers to embrace new opportunities, stating, “When we’re in these spaces, it gives us more resources to work better at uplifting our voices and our community as a whole.”