2017 - 2018 Selection Committee

The NYC Junior Ambassadors Selection Committee is comprised of local and international leaders who share a commitment to empowering youth through strong connections with the United Nations and its work. The Selection Committee is responsible for choosing the NYCJA cohort.

Penny Abeywardena
Commissioner, Mayor's Office for International Affairs

Ahmad Alhendawi
United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth

Richard Buery
Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives

Kathy Calvin
President and CEO, United Nations Foundation

Bill Chong
Commissioner, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development

Carmen Fariña
Chancellor, New York City Department of Education

Paula Gavin
Chief Service Officer, NYC Service

Michelle Jennings
Science Teacher, NYC Junior Ambassadors Educator

Melissa Mark-Viverito
Speaker, New York City Council

Stephanie Suarez
ELA Teacher, NYC Junior Ambassadors Educator

Valerie Rockefeller Wayne
Chair Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Board Member of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors