Four NYU Wagner Alumni Named to 2025 City & State Bronx Power 100

Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez (MPA 1993), Miguel Fuentes (MPA 1974), Lourdes Zapata (MPA 1992), and Thomas Brown (MPA 2000) were named to the 2025 City & State Bronx Power 100, recognizing the borough’s leaders in business, policy, community engagement, and beyond.

20. Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez (MPA 1983), Commissioner, New York City Department for the Aging

Since her appointment to her current role in 2022, Cortés-Vázquez has sought to improve quality of life for aging adults through equitable distribution of resources and advocacy against ageism. One of her hallmark achievements is the launch of the Cabinet for Older New Yorkers, which has allowed for improved collaboration and coordination for city agencies working with aging adults. 

26. Miguel Fuentes (MPA 1974), President and CEO, BronxCare Health System

Fuentes has run the nonprofit BronxCare hospital for four decades. The teaching hospital, which has 859 beds and 4,500 employees, is affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine and Mount Sinai, and has fostered a positive relationship with the South and central Bronx communities it serves.

43. Lourdes Zapata (MPA 1993), Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Metropolitan Transportation Authority

After 17 years leading the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp, Zapata joined the MTA in 2023. In her current role, she manages billions of dollars in partnerships with minority- and women-owned businesses and oversees civil rights policies for the organization’s 70,000 employees. 

72. Thomas Brown (MPA 2000), Vice President of Development, Trinity Financial

In his role, Brown is leading Trinity Financial’s development in the Bronx, including the construction of 425 Grand Concourse, a 277-unit, mixed-income project that will also include shopping and community amenities.