Welcoming Jackie Muller, Interim Co-Executive Director
I heard about the NYSYLC when I was in the 11th grade. My English teacher brought NYSYLC to speak to my entire class. After hearing other undocumented students’ stories, I gathered the courage to disclose my immigration status to my school friends, teachers, and staff. I attended a NYSYLC event with my English teacher shortly after but wasn’t ready to get involved yet. At the event I bumped into my cousin and bought an Undocumented Unafraid Unapologetic t-shirt. Fun fact, it took me 5 years to wear that shirt.
I am a proud graduate of Guttman Community College. I was the Student Government Association President and majored in Urban Studies. I also attended Queens College, and the best part was being involved with the Queens College Dream Team (QCDT).
Through the QCDT, I learned how to fundraise money for a scholarship and how to have community events on campus. I became president of the QCDT, and in the summer of 2017, I became a summer intern at the NYSYLC, where I helped coordinate the Youth Empowerment Program. I continued to stay involved as part of the fundraising team and various roles. I have been the Operations Manager at the NYSYLC since 2021.
But…I am EXCITEDDD to announce that as of April 2023, I will be the new Interim Co-Executive Director of the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC).
As I start this new role, I want to invite you to join our work and support all the amazing things we are doing. Like our virtual auction for immigrant justice! If you are a business owner or artist, please sign up. The deadline has been extended to April 7th, and if you can, please donate to us.
I stayed involved here for this long because I found a community, a space that accepted me, and the leadership in this space were people like me. I could see myself in them, and I’ve grown up, learned, and matured in the space.
As NYSYLC continues to have events, hold space for our community, and exist, I hope we always welcome and give people the tools for them to advocate for themselves and possibly bring those tools to their communities.
With love,Jackie Muller