The City University of New York on November 24, 2025, has unveiled its second annual 50 Under 50 alumni awards, recognizing exceptional graduates whose careers and community leadership continue to influence New York City and communities across the country. 

The 2025 cohort reflects the breadth of CUNY’s impact, featuring public servants, educators, journalists, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders and artists who represent the diverse strengths of the nation’s largest urban public university system.

“There is no better proof of the power of a CUNY education than seeing firsthand the impact our alumni are making in their industries and their communities,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez in a statement. “Our graduates continue to make us proud long after they leave the classroom — and this list is a way to recognize their achievements.”

Meet the 2025 CUNY 50 Under 50 Awardees

Among the honorees is New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles Ramos, who earned her master’s degree in English education from The City College of New York in 2010. Over the years, Aviles Ramos has served as a high school principal, a Bronx superintendent and a top deputy within the Department of Education before becoming the leader of the nation’s largest school system. Her administration has focused on improving student outcomes and expanding equitable pathways for college and career readiness, stated CUNY. 

According to CUNY, literacy and math proficiency rates reached their highest levels since 2012 during her tenure. The statement also noted that she has partnered with CUNY to strengthen teacher preparation programs and to support a smoother high school to college transition for NYC public school graduates. 

Nearly 3,500 students graduate annually from CUNY teaching programs, and one third of new public school teachers in the city are CUNY alumni. In addition, nearly 30 percent of incoming CUNY students who attended New York City Public Schools have already earned free college credits through CUNY’s Early College high school offerings and the College Now dual enrollment initiative.

Honoring Public Health, Journalism and Public Service

The list also highlights leaders in health care, media and government. Helen Arteaga, CEO of NYC Health plus Hospitals/Elmhurst, earned her Ph.D. from the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. She is the first woman of color and first Latina to lead Elmhurst Hospital’s executive team. CUNY noted that under her leadership, the hospital has been recognized as one of the best in the region and has improved clinical quality measures and patient satisfaction scores.

Walter Smith Randolph, an investigative reporter and graduate of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, was recognized for his watchdog reporting at CBS News New York. His recent investigation into a multimillion dollar Medicare fraud scheme earned him a New York Emmy Award. Smith Randolph also serves as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, mentoring future journalists.

New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, a Hunter College graduate, was honored for his contributions to public service. Dinowitz represents the Council’s 11th District in the Bronx and previously spent more than a decade as a special education teacher. He now chairs the Council’s Committee on Higher Education and the Jewish Caucus and serves as co-chair of the Task Force to Combat Hate.

The awards also highlight entrepreneurs and advocates whose work is reshaping local economies and expanding opportunity. College of Staten Island graduate Ilir Sela founded Slice, an online ordering platform created specifically to support family-owned pizzerias competing in the digital marketplace. The company, founded in 2010, now serves more than 14,000 pizzerias nationwide.

Queens College alumnus Khaleel Anderson, the youngest Black Assembly Member in New York State history, was also recognized. Anderson, who represents District 31 in Southeast Queens, previously served as a youth advocate and community organizer. In the Assembly, he chairs the Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy and the Subcommittee on Banking in Underserved Communities.

Another honoree, Monique A. Francis, is a four-time CUNY graduate and interim executive director of CUNY Citizenship Now, the University’s free immigration legal services program. An immigrant who once relied on Citizenship Now services to secure her own citizenship, Francis now oversees efforts to expand legal access and offer community programs that educate New Yorkers about their rights and paths to citizenship. Other awardees serving within the CUNY system include Lucy McIntyre, deputy director and compliance officer for student financial assistance at the CUNY Central Office, and Leonard Blades, disability accommodation specialist at Queensborough Community College.

Kalani Leifer, founder of COOP Careers and a Lehman College graduate, was recognized for his national work helping underemployed public college graduates secure meaningful jobs. His organization aims to close opportunity gaps through community, mentorship and career coaching.

In the creative industries, Queens College graduate Zach Reyes was honored for his role as lead designer at Only NY, an independent clothing brand rooted in the city’s culture. Reyes has led collaborations with the NYC Department of Sanitation, NYC Parks and New York City Football Club, bringing civic pride into streetwear.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see how our graduates are using their CUNY education to create real impact,” said CUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing Maite Junco. “We are proud to celebrate their success and the many ways they are shaping New York and beyond.”

CUNY reported that its Office of Communications and Marketing accepted nominations from across the system and selected honorees representing all 26 CUNY colleges. Recipients were chosen based on the impact of their work over the past year. The list is part of the CUNY Alumni Network, an initiative aimed at strengthening engagement with the University’s growing global alumni community. Nominations for future award cycles may be submitted through an online form.

You can access the complete CUNY’s 2025 50 Under 50 Alumni List here. 

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