| |  | Dear Friend, I’m deeply saddened by the vandalism and destruction of Arts Gowanus’ Pride: All Day, Every Day exhibit at the Old Stone House. I’m incredibly grateful for the community’s support in helping Arts Gowanus replace the damaged banners. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to visit the exhibit before its final day on August 31. Discover more about Arts Gowanus and how you can support their work here. The Department of Health will be conducting mosquito spraying in our district to mitigate the risk of West Nile Virus. Spraying will take place on Monday, August 12, to Wednesday, August 14 between 8:30 PM and 6:00 AM. More details can be found here. To stay informed about future sprayings, please sign up for Notify NYC. Three more unlicensed smoke shops in our District were issued a sealing order and padlocked by the Sheriff Joint Compliance Task Force (SJCTF): 585 Merch Corp located at 585 5th Avenue, Five Star Convenience & Snack located at 294 5th Avenue, and Noise NYC Inc. at 287 Smith Street. Since my first day in office, my team and I have fielded many concerns on the growing number of smoke shops in the district. I appreciate the Task Force’s efforts in safeguarding our community’s health and safety. Join NYCEDC and WXY Studio on Tuesday, August 13 at 6:30 PM for a public information webinar to learn more about the Brooklyn Marine Terminal project and upcoming engagement opportunities. This webinar will provide an overview of the project and what’s to come, followed by a Q&A. Our new office is located on the Ground Floor of 197 Bond Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217. To make an appointment, contact our Constituent Services Director Bryan Gross at [email protected]. Appointments are available from Monday to Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM. Our office is sponsoring Camp Friendship’s School Supply Drive! They are accepting donations from now through August 23. See details on desired supplies and drop-off locations here.
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| | Council Member Shahana Hanif’s Summer Interns Since I took office in 2022, my office has hosted over 20 paid interns, many of whom are first-generation, youth of color, bilingual New Yorkers who attend school or live in our district. Musarrat (Mus) Lamia, our Communications Associate, leads our internship program and has established valuable relationships with several educational institutions across New York City, including the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), to recruit interns and secure external funding for their positions in our office. Through our office’s program, interns gain extensive exposure to the responsibilities of the New York City Council and public service. They have joined me at Stated Meetings, assisted with constituent service requests, conducted outreach for district-wide events, and gained firsthand insight into our City's legislative and budget processes.
Ali Boivab, our Kensington Liaison, began his journey with us as a Summer Intern in 2022. A few months later, he joined our team as a part-time staffer. He now oversees our organizing and constituent services efforts in Kensington and focuses on connecting our immigrant neighbors with city resources.
This summer, we are thrilled to have a talented group of interns with diverse interests in policy and advocacy. Learn more about them and their experiences with our team below. |
|  | Karina Garcia, Legislative and Budget Intern |
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| Karina Garcia (she/her) is a first-generation college student and lifelong Brooklynite. She attends Fordham University at Lincoln Center, where she is a double major in Political Science and Communications. Karina is actively involved in the first-year commuter mentoring program on campus, helping students transition to college life. Additionally, she works as a research assistant on a project related to supply chains and sustainability. After graduation, Karina plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public policy. She is especially interested in criminal justice reform, immigration, and climate change.
Karina chose to intern with our office to deepen her understanding of public policy. Since beginning her internship, she has gained valuable insights into city agencies and their services. Her favorite part of the role has been communicating with constituents and addressing their concerns. Karina enjoys bike riding, painting, and traveling. |
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| |  | Jackie Chimborazo-Malo, Legislative and Budget Intern |
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| Jackie Chimborazo-Malo (she/her) is a first-generation college student from Morristown, NJ, currently pursuing a degree in Latin American & Latinx Studies with a minor in Psychology as an Honors student at John Jay College. Inspired by her parents' immigrant journey, Jackie is dedicated to fostering equitable learning environments and shaping education policy. She also mentors young girls through L.O.V.E (Latinas on the Verge of Excellence), focusing on self-esteem, educational, and life goals. An avid sports fan, Jackie has a particular passion for basketball and soccer.
Jackie was drawn to intern with our office by Council Member Hanif’s commitment to creating a more equitable, anti-racist, and feminist New York City. During her internship, she has gained valuable insights into the various functions of a City Council office and their roles in advancing the Council Member’s mission. Her favorite aspect of the internship has been assisting with community outreach, where she has witnessed the impact of mobilization and direct engagement with constituents. |
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| |  | Emily Amendano, Summer Intern |
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| Emily Amendano (she/her) is a first-generation Ecuadorian- American from College Point, Queens and a rising junior at Tufts University, where she is double majoring in International Relations and Economics. Emily is dedicated to public service, having previously worked in direct service roles, including supporting refugees and asylum seekers and assisting Latinx parents with technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emily chose to intern at Council Member Hanif’s office due to her shared commitment to fostering an inclusive New York City. During her internship, Emily has gained valuable insight into local government operations. Her favorite experience so far has been assisting with the Gowanus Houses backpack giveaway, where she had the opportunity to engage directly with constituents and see the tangible impact of the office’s efforts in the community. Outside of her academic and professional endeavors, Emily enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the gym, and listening to music. |
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|  | Council Member Shahana and Interns Karina, Jackie, and Emily at City Hall for the July Stated Meeting. |
| | Community Bulletin Donate new or gently used, large functioning suitcases (wheeled preferred) to Gowanus Mutual Aid to help immigrant families who are facing shelter evictions and are being shuffled around the shelter system. The closest drop off location in the district is at Dancewave on 182 4th Avenue, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM. The American Debate League is offering 50 full scholarships for high school students (grades 9-12) throughout New York State to participate in their Virtual Speech & Debate Program. Applications are due on August 20. CEC15 currently has a vacant seat on the council and is accepting applications. Apply to the DOE directly at [email protected]. Applications are available in nine languages and all information about eligibility to CECs can be found here. Visit CECd15.org to learn more. Do you ride buses on Flatbush Avenue? Take this survey to help us understand the needs of bus riders, and demonstrate how better buses will benefit residents, businesses, schools, and the community. Participants will enter a raffle with several chances to win $150! Help our neighbors in need before the school year starts by volunteering or donating to the Friends of Thomas Greene Park’s Food Pantry distribution on Saturday, September 21 from 10 AM to 12 PM. Reach out to [email protected] for more information on how to volunteer.
In community,
Council Member Shahana |
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