Staff

Jd Michaels, Executive Director: Ethnic and Community Media and Citywide Marketing 

Jd Michaels brings over 25 years of New York City advertising experience to his position as MOECM’s Executive Director of Ethnic and Community Media and Citywide Marketing.  

In his previous dual role as BBDO New York’s EVP of Creative Engineering + EVP Co-Director of Diversity, Jd was responsible for concepting and producing award winning creative work in print, outdoor, event, and digital executions, earning top industry awards (including a Titanium Cannes Lion), and worked with clients to insure advertising messages were authentic and inclusive. Original educational initiatives were engineered for NYC youth, including an all-borough partnership with MARVEL Comics and the New York City Police Athletic League.

For the last decade, Jd has teamed with national policy leaders within the American Disability community to deliver creative career workshops; this combination of instruction and mentorship led to employment for many students and demonstrated the power of equity in creative industries.

He is a graduate of Yale University, a member of a family of artists, and a proud resident of Brooklyn.

“MOECM feels like the apex of New York City; from this office we can see nearly every neighborhood in every borough through our ethnic and community media outlets. I am humbled by the history and cultural breadth these publications and broadcasts represent, proud to be a part of the essential and important work this administration has begun, and look forward to evolving and expanding that work in partnership with the members of this dynamic community.”

Yesenny Fernandez, Principal Data Analyst

Yesenny’s passion for technology and Art led her to discover a career path that combined all her skills and passions (Data Analytics and Visualization).  Attaining her Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Information Technology and working towards a Master’s of Science in Data Analysis and Visualization from the Graduate Center has led her to organizations like The United Nations Children's Fund, DonorsChoose, Queens Public Library, and now the Mayor's Office Ethnic and Community Media.
  
She is enthusiastic about the work being done by the Mayor's Office of Ethnic and Community Media and feels proud to work with a team whose goal is to ensure minority groups receive accurate information about New York City’s programs and services in their language through local ethnic media outlets.

Orchida Harizaj, Project Manager

Orchida Harizaj graduated from Hunter College with a double major in Media with a concentration in Journalism and English. As a native of Albania, Orchida and her family sought asylum in the United States to avoid the hostility in her home country. While completing her undergraduate studies, Orchida was the Vice President for The Envoy, Hunter College's student-run online news site, and revived the publication after a two-year hiatus.

Orchida is excited to combine her journalism background with her long-standing passion for serving the public. She is thankful for the opportunity to give back to the community that nurtured her and taught her what it means to be a New Yorker.