Tri-State Transportation Campaign launched its inaugural Transportation and Environmental Justice Summer Fellowship Program in May 2023. The program aims to address the pressing social and climate issues that affect both commuters and the climate by providing a platform for the next generation of young professionals to learn and contribute to the field. Our goal was to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to tackle the complex and interconnected challenges of transportation and environmental equity. By offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to a network of professionals, we aimed to empower the fellows to impact their communities positively.

The launch of TSTC’s Fellowship Program was a significant step forward in Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s ongoing commitment to advocating for equitable and sustainable transportation systems. By investing in the next generation of leaders, TSTC creates a lasting impact on the future of transportation and the environment in the tri-state region.

Throughout the program, the fellows were assigned various projects that focused on environmental and transportation justice and were able to work closely with our staff, providing them with invaluable networking opportunities and mentorship.

In collaboration with the S Jay Levy Fellowship program at CUNY City College (CCNY), the summer Fellowship Program supported three talented undergraduate students who studied at CCNY. These students were carefully selected based on their passion and commitment to environmental and transportation justice.

We’d like to thank the S Jay Levy Fellowship Program at CCNY for their support and collaboration on this program. Additional support for this program and for Tri-State Transportation’s environmental justice work was made possible by the Scherman Foundation.

Meet the inaugural Transportation and Environmental Justice Summer Fellows of 2023:

Yingrong Yang 

Yingrong is a second-year Macaulay Honors student majoring in Political Science with a minor in History at City College. Coming from an immigrant background, she enjoys being resourceful for her family and friends when they need help. She continues exploring the many ways she can help her community and improve herself. She has helped Chinese immigrant communities in need through education by teaching middle school children financial literacy. In the near future, she aspires to work in immigration or civil litigation law. Yingrong will join Tri-State Transportation Campaign to learn how she can improve transportation in the New York area to be more environmentally friendly and equitable for everyone through advocacy work.

Melissa Vicente

Melissa is a third-year Macaulay Honors student at The City College of New York, where she is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies. She has been selected for two highly competitive year-long professional development programs for academically accomplished and career-focused students. These programs culminate in a prestigious summer internship or research opportunity, and Melissa is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Melissa’s passion for community involvement dates back to her time in high school, where she volunteered for an array of non-profit organizations. She was also part of the District Student Advisory Council, where she had the opportunity to meet US Representative Jamaal Bowman and discuss the growing issue of climate change in her community. This experience sparked her interest in politics and social justice and motivated her to pursue a degree in Political Science. Currently, Melissa serves as a volunteer at a non-profit organization called WANA (We Are Not Afraid) community center, which assists people dealing with the effects of economic, food, and housing insecurity. In this role, she also translates legal documents for The R.D.J. Shelter, which provides stable housing and supportive services for up to 8 refugees at a time and is open 24/7, 365 days each year. Through her work with WANA and The R.D.J. Shelter, Melissa has gained a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities and has developed strong skills in advocacy, translation, and community outreach. Looking ahead, Melissa hopes to build on her experiences and develop a foundation that will allow her to continue her community-driven work on a larger scale. She is committed to using her education and skills to create positive change and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around her.

Alexander Estrella 

Alexander is thrilled to join the Tri-State Transportation Campaign Team during the summer. Alexander is a sophomore student at the City College of New York. He is interested in pursuing a civil engineering degree focusing on transportation. Alexander is interested in learning more about the current transportation systems and how to improve upon them while making a positive impact on the people using them and the environment. Additionally, Alexander wants to work on implementing new and faster transportation systems in New York City and around the United States.