for the twins. How it All Started: Presidential electioN
Nick was inspired to get involved after seeing Black and Brown Americans disenfranchised in the 2000 election.
college years: service through policy
City of Berkeley's Commission on Labor
Fall, 2003:
I showed up at the Berkeley College Democrats meeting, and met then-Council Member Kriss Worthington.
He pushed me to get involved, as a student, in city affairs.
I applied, with no experience as a labor lawyer or employer. He noted my enthusiasm and said he would take a risk and appoint me to this 9-member body, under one condition-
That I pass a law by the time I leave the Commission.
Chair/Commissioner, City of Berkeley Commission on Labor (2003-2007)
And that, I did. I co-authored my first two local laws - Sweatshop-Free Procurement, and a Hotel Consumer "Right to Know" ordinance at ages 19 and 20.
I was elected and served as Chairperson for one year, 2006-2007 ( I was Vice Chair the year prior).
The most conservative member nominated me as Chair!
Member, Housing Advisory Commission (2006-2007)
Fall, 2006:
After three years of service on the Commission on Labor, the Mayor's aide, Calvin Fong, got in touch to alert me that the Mayor wanted to appoint me as his Housing Advisory Commissioner. This was a big coup, as I believed ideological issues prevented me from advancing.
The Commission recommends local housing policy, and how to spend federal housing grants, including Community Development Block Grants.
City Honors Student Appointees
Summer, 2007: Upon my resignation, I received a proclamation, along with acknowledgements like the one to the right. The legacy of these students getting involved runs to this day: one of the Mayor of the City of Berkeley (Jesse Arreguin), one is running for City Council (Igor Tregub), and another ran previously (Jason Overman). Our crew has made some noise on both coasts!
Testimony to U.S. Dep'T of Education
Transcript
Transcript
Transcript
Transcript
Transcript
I was proud to represent students in testimony to the federal government in the importance of student aid (incl. Pell Grants) for disconnected students.
I learned early that humor is key: "I would love to speak off the top of my head like everyone else did, but I think my statement is so well-written [interrupted by laughter] that I will summarize it..."
Most Influential Professor: Leon Litwack
College Graduation!
June, 2007
Meeting the Obamas, Then a PIvot
Oakland, CA - Early Summer, 2008
Oakland, CA - Early Summer, 2008
Oakland, CA - Early Summer, 2008
Right before leaving Berkeley, I had the chance to volunteer at the Bay Area launch. of the Obama Presidential campaign, and meet him.
Harlem, NY - Late Summer, 2008
Oakland, CA - Early Summer, 2008
Oakland, CA - Early Summer, 2008
I knew there was some hope for me in New York when I was able to meet the future First Lady week upon arriving.
Pivot: Law School Years
I wanted formal training in the law. It influenced how I wrote laws. We amended the City's Human Rights law several times based on my experience in Constitutional Law I and II. We protected victims of domestic violence, tenants, those with previous criminal histories against employment discrimination, and others.
There were times where I thought I wouldn't reach this milestone. Lesson: even when things get really hard, don't give up.
Did it!
new york state assembly
Assembly Member Linda B Rosenthal and then Chief of Staff Lauren Schuster game me my first shot in New York politics. I'm indebted to them!
It took me two years of freelance writing to land my first legislative gig- which I was determined to land. I have a stack of rejection letters and memories of tough conv's - some kind, some not.
Reminder to those starting out: rejection is part of the process. Keep going.
I worked as a contract writer for eHow.com for two years while seeking my first New York City- based policy gig. Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal broke through all of the "no's" and gave me my first "yes." She helped lay the foundation. I'm indebted.
This was my first New York City press conference, in 2011.
College and Community Fellowship
After a great experience in the Assembly - I broadened my experience by joining CCF. They assist women with justice system involvement earn undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Amazing mission!
I helped their policy push for in-jail and in-prison college educational access.
Phenomenal experience.
When I joined the City Council, I took policy lessons with me and helped write landmark human-rights legislation.
new york city council
I'm standing with Piper Kerman, author of "Orange is the New Black" - who supported and helped advocate for one of my biggest achievements - the Fair Chance Act. More on that in the next slide:
When I joined the City Council, I took policy lessons with me and helped write landmark human-rights legislation. Here, Mayor de Blasio signs the "Fair Chance Act," which I co-authored. It requires a conditional offer of employment be made before asking about justice system involvement.
I also helped protect tenants by being the lead staffer for the City Council's housing committee for four years. That role was very impactful, and I met many good people. My biggest housing win is probably a law that requires a Racial Impact Study for most rezonings.
Besides serving as policy director, I've also served as Communications Director.
office of the mayor
I never expected to land in the Mayor's office, but it happened, thanks to many. This was taken at Mayor de Blasio's inauguration. I joined his team several years later, negotiating public safety and housing legislation. Tough, but rewarding gig.
This was my last day in the Mayor’s office- ready to take on a role with greater visibility and a citywide/”all the issues” portfolio - First Deputy Public Advocate.
First Deputy Public Advocate, City of New York
