Seven NYU Wagner Community Members Selected for City & State’s 2025 Queens Power 100

 

Seven NYU Wagner community members have been recognized in City & State’s 2025 Queens Power 100, an annual feature celebrating influential leaders shaping the future of Queens and New York City.

9. Grace Meng (Fall 2023 Distinguished Visiting Urbanist), Member of Congress

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, she has been a strong advocate against federal budget cuts, especially those under the Trump administration. Meng also chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and has worked to protect health and human services programs.

30. Clint Plummer (EMPA 2015), CEO, Rise Light & Power

Plummer has been a leader in New York’s clean energy transformation, overseeing the transition of Ravenswood Generating Station from fossil fuels to clean energy, and advocating for renewable energy in the face of federal restrictions.

32. Jessica González-Rojas (MPA 2003), assembly member

González-Rojas has championed women’s rights and social justice, introducing legislation to address the opioid crisis, advocating for universal access to basic needs, and supporting free school lunches for students.

59. Kevin Alexander (MPA 1990), president and CEO, Rockaway Development and Revitalization Corp.

Alexander has led efforts to revitalize Far Rockaway through workforce development and community-building projects, including the creation of the Spectrum Learning Lab, which provides tech access to residents impacted by Superstorm Sandy.

71. Whitney Barrat (MPA 2005), president, Downtown Jamaica Partnership

Barrat has led initiatives to revitalize Downtown Jamaica, overseeing the creation of public spaces, like the Jamaica Center plaza, and promoting arts and culture projects, boosting the area’s economic and community growth.

76. Nilbia Coyote (MPA 2011), Executive Director, New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE)

Coyote has focused on empowering immigrant communities through workforce development and support programs, such as the Pre-Apprenticeship for Life and Work, to help immigrant workers succeed in the labor market.

78. Udai Tambar (Adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Service, 2016-2017), President and CEO, New York Junior Tennis and Learning

Tambar has expanded educational opportunities through tennis, integrating academics with athletic programming in after-school programs and focusing on racial justice through his appointment to the Racial Justice Advisory Board.