New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams today announced the placement of the inaugural Ryan Long Fellowship within the Office of the New York City Public Advocate. The fellowship is named for a former team member in the office who passed away in February of 2021.
The Ryan Long Fellowship is an eight-month paid placement for an undergraduate or graduate student within the office’s Constituent Services team, where Ryan served the city prior to his passing. The Fellowship will offer experience in the kind of selfless public service to which Ryan was dedicated, and is awarded to someone who demonstrates that spirit of service and commitment to doing good for as many people as possible. After an extensive process, this year’s recipient is Luis Villa.
“It was an honor to have Ryan on our team, working every day to serve the people of New York City, and it was a tragedy to lose him so young,” said New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “I’m glad that through this fellowship, we will be able to uplift his legacy, a legacy that also extends to each New Yorker he helped with expertise and enthusiasm. I thank his family for collaborating with us to establish this program and select our first Fellow, and I am excited to have Luis join our office.”
Luis Villa is an undergraduate student at Queens College with extensive leadership and volunteer experience, including with the Boy Scouts of America, through student government associations, and with the Queens College LGBTQIA+ Pride Team. He has been recognized with numerous community service awards in the past.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to be in public service and help people in whatever way I can,” said Luis Villa on being selected. “I’m grateful to the Public Advocate office and to Ryan’s family for selecting me, and I look forward to supporting New Yorkers in need, remembering the legacy of Ryan Long.”
Ryan Long was passionate about politics and public service, and played important roles in city, state, and federal offices and campaigns. As a Constituent Services associate with the Office of the Public Advocate, he helped New Yorkers connect to and receive vital services from their city government. He passed away at the age of 30.
“The family of Ryan Long is honored that Public Advocate Williams and his colleagues have established the Ryan Long Fellowship as a unique opportunity for individuals to strengthen their skills for public service,” said Elizabeth Clyne, Ryan’s mother. “Ryan was dedicated to public service and was proud to be part of the team at Constituent Services where they work every day to improve the lives of New Yorkers. Our family would like to congratulate Luis Villa as the first recipient of the fellowship honoring and continuing Ryan's legacy of service. We wish Luis well as he utilizes this new role to pursue positive impacts on the people of New York.”