“We have calcium in our bones, iron in our veins, carbon in our souls, and nitrogen in our brains. Ninety-three percent stardust, with souls made of flames, we are all just stars that have people names.” — Nikita Gill
Many of New York’s most influential decision-makers come from Queens. In Washington, D.C., Rep. Gregory Meeks has been in the thick of foreign policy discussions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Rep. Grace Meng is at the forefront of efforts to fight anti-Asian hate across the United States.
State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris has been busy with everything from the recent state budget to redistricting to reacting to the lieutenant governor race, while New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is embarking on budget negotiations at City Hall.
This year’s Queens Power 100 – researched and written by City & State’s Kay Dervishi – highlights the many influential people who keep one of the world’s most diverse regions thriving.
It was such an honor to meet all the incredible folks named on the power 100 but what’s more important is that they all have the good of others on their minds. That’s what drives them every single day, how they can make a difference in regular residents’ lives. We are so thankful for all the work they do.
Melinda Katz was elected in November 2019, she is the first woman to serve as Queens County District Attorney in the City of New York.
She has been a public servant for almost 30 years.
Among her Two-Year accomplishments are the creation of a Conviction Integrity Unit to restore justice to the wrongfully convicted (another Queens first), an enhanced Community Partnerships Division to strengthen ties to the communities that comprise the most diverse county in America, and a reinforced Rehabilitation Programs and Restorative Services Bureau to better identify opportunities for diversion and alternative sentencing for low-level offenses.
Donovan got his start in politics after the tragic killing of a close friend inspired him to get more involved in his community and join the fight to end gun violence. He worked in numerous positions within the City Council where he connected with the community and developed a hands on approach to helping constituents.
“I like the night. Without the dark, we’d never see the stars.” — Stephenie Meyer, Twilight
Top 10 of Queens Power 100 political dealmakers in New York City’s most diverse borough.
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”
-Steve Jobs.
Not everyone is brave enough to live their life full of confidence and follow their heart.
It requires a big amount of motivation.
The most important and easiest way to bring out someone’s bravery is just to appreciate them in whatever the work they are doing and boost them up.
Just simply say: “I appreciate you”. I see what you do and thank you for that.
People really like to be appreciated especially when they are coming out of their shells or when they come from foreign countries and they feel like second-class citizens.
By simple acknowledgment, you can change someone’s life. So doesn’t matter if you are powerful or not – we can all be brave in lifting others up.
Text or call someone today and say thank you.