Baruch College Alumna Selected as a 2022-23 NYC Urban Fellow

June 15, 2022

Baruch College alumna Gabriela Lopez (’21) has been active in the nonprofit and volunteer space for years, even stretching back to her childhood. Yet, over time, she realized that tackling policy issues is just as essential as fundraising for a charity or helping local communities.

Now selected as a 2022-23 New York City Urban Fellow, Lopez will have an opportunity to assist in implementing changes and making a difference for these communities by working with current decision makers in government and public service.

“I learned through my time at Baruch that as future change makers, if we want to create positive, tangible change in our communities, we need the support of our government on every level,” explains Lopez, who majored in public affairs and minored in law and policy from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs.

“I explored that process through internships at the City Council and State Department, and I’m excited to do so as an Urban Fellow in the coming year.”

The Urban Fellows Program is a highly selective, nine-month fellowship which combines work in Mayoral offices and City agencies with volunteer service opportunities and a seminar series that explores current urban issues impacting public policy. Lopez’ fellowship begins in September and ends May 2023.

Seeking to Address Homelessness and Health Care  

Lopez credits three mentors for her application success: Adjunct Lecturer Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, who teaches courses at the Marxe School; Valeria Hymas, deputy director of Baruch’s Office of National and Prestigious Fellowships Advising; and Melissa Fernandez, director of career development and internships at the CUNY Service Corps.

“After months of preparing my application, every milestone I reached throughout the process felt incredible. I was pleasantly surprised when I received the invitation to interview, and even more so when I saw that I had been accepted!”

Lopez has interest in working for both NYC’s Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. A staunch advocate for menstrual equity and eradicating period poverty, she is eager to see how the city can continue to address this health care issue during her fellowship.

“Over the course of this program, I’m thrilled at the prospect of not just working in these agencies, but to grow and learn from the decision makers, senior officials, and alumni that I will encounter over the course of the program,” says Lopez.

“I’m also excited to learn from the other Fellows, and to learn from their backgrounds and experiences, and motivations. The Urban Fellows is an incredible way for me to help finesse exactly where I can be of most use in New York City Government and beyond.”

Fellowship Advising Support

Baruch College’s Office of National & Prestigious Fellowships Advising helps guide students through the steps of applying for any scholarship and award that supports their academic studies.

Besides the NYC Urban Fellowship, the Office assists students for a variety of opportunities including Fulbright awards, Gilman International Scholarships, Venture for America, Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship, Freeman-ASIA scholarship, and many more.

Watch: See this video which discusses how the office supports students through the application process when pursuing competitive fellowships.

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