Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams announced today the formation of a Borough Advocacy Unit within the Office of Public Advocate, which is tasked with ensuring that the office has an advocacy presence in each of New York City's five boroughs, and the needs of each borough are represented within the office. The new unit is part of the Public Advocate's vision for an office that champions and is actively engaged with the needs of all New Yorkers in their communities.
"One of my goals as Public Advocate is to make sure everyone knows this office exists to amplify the voices of New Yorkers who often go unheard, and will hold New York City government accountable. This team represents the passion, talent and agency to make this happen," said Public Advocate Williams. "As I campaigned for this position, I argued that the Public Advocate should have a presence in each borough, and this new unit will show why - our new borough advocates will be demonstrating the importance of engaging with local neighborhoods and communities, to work with people where they are." The new Borough Advocacy team will work in communities to engage the public and liaise between the Public Advocate's office and civic and business groups including community boards, precinct councils, educational institutions, community-based organizations, and chambers of commerce. The unit will largely be the first line of contact for local organizations and leaders, and internally will work closely with the Deputy Public Advocates and across all divisions within the office to share information and issues raised locally. Conversely, they will share information about the work being done by the Public Advocate's office and its impact. The Borough Advocacy Unit includes:
Julissa Santiago, Director of Borough Advocacy Julissa began her career as a founding member and Community Organizer at Make the Road New York. As an organizer, she fought for better schools, against police brutality, and advocated for access to healthcare. After 14 years in the non-profit sector, she moved to New York City government as Director of Constituent Services at the New York City Council. Julissa joined the Office of the Public Advocate in 2014 during the tenure of former Public Advocate Letitia James. She is a proud Nuyorican raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Brian Polanco, Bronx Borough Advocate Brian comes to the Office of the Public Advocate after years of public service at the state and federal level. Prior to joining the Public Advocate's office Brian interned with the Obama Foundation, where he was tasked with analyzing, identifying, and executing worldwide partnerships for their 2020 Fellowship Application. Brian has previously held positions with the NYC Department of Education, NYS Assembly, and the United States House of Representatives. Brian is the proud son of Dominican immigrants. Jibreel Jalloh, Brooklyn Borough Advocate Jibreel joins the Public Advocate's team after serving as an Urban Fellow at the Office of the First Deputy Mayor of the City of New York, and the New York City Mayor's Executive Team as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. While at his alma mater, Baruch College, Jibreel held internships with multiple city, state and federal legislative offices. Jibreel is the proud son of Sierra Leonean immigrants.
Phillip Ellison, Manhattan Borough Advocate Phillip was a non-traditional student at Tufts University and honors student at Hostos Community College in the South Bronx, New York. At Tufts, he was awarded the 2016 Presidential Award for Citizenship and Public Service. Prior to Tufts, he served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year, Team Leader with Citizen Schools, and gained extensive experience in local and national political campaigns including Obama for America, Gillum for Governor, and two New York City Public Advocate races. In Boston, Phillip launched ULink, an education technology startup supporting community college students. He is a native New Yorker born and raised in Manhattan, and is proud of his familial roots in the North American South, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago. Sabine French, Queens Borough Advocate Sabine has worked on several political and community empowerment campaigns throughout New York State. Her passion is bringing communities together to recognize the strength of collective growth. She is the parent of a New York City public school student and believes that every child deserves a quality education. It is a source of great pride that she organized several Voter Registration and Citizenship Drive events. As a first generation Haitian-American, she is a strong advocate for immigrants. Fitim Shabani, Staten Island Borough Advocate Fitim joins the Public Advocate's Office after 12 years with the New York City Council where he gained extensive experience in public affairs, legislation, budgeting and land use processes. Fitim is a community organizer and volunteer in his North Shore community of Staten Island. He serves as the Executive Director of the Silver Lake Park Conservancy; in this role he partners with the New York City Parks Department and community residents to provide support and resources for the beautification of the park, community use and fostering the growth of art in public spaces. Fitim was born in Prishtina, Kosovo. He moved to the United States in 2000 as a refugee and settled in Staten Island with his family.