Reflecting the diversity of LaGuardia’s student body, the new cohort includes students from a wide array of majors and programs. Notably, 67% of the students were born outside the U.S., representing 13 different countries; and the same amount (67%) are working while pursuing their college degree. All members plan to transfer to a senior college after graduating from LaGuardia with their AA, AS, or AAS degrees.

President’s Society students, known as ambassadors, represent the college at meetings with industry experts and are invited to apply for scholarships and internships with leading NYC cultural institutions and employers, including MoMA, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Gilder Gagnon. Each student receives a stipend provided by the LaGuardia Community College Foundation.

One of the cohort’s first events was a visit to a J.Crew store in Manhattan on Friday, September 27, where students selected professional attire for President’s Society cultural events, meetings with industry leaders, and career interviews. This clothing was generously provided by Melissa’s Career Closet, named for a donor who funded this special shopping trip.

The President’s Society was founded in 2013 and the college celebrated its 10th anniversary on September 28, 2023. Since its inception, President’s Society has served more than 700 students, with a record of impressive outcomes—95% of President’s Society alumni have graduated with their associate degrees from LaGuardia, and 88% have earned or are currently earning their bachelor’s degrees. Alumni have transferred to prestigious institutions including Columbia, Cornell, Amherst, Stanford, Wellesley, Brown, Georgetown, and SUNY and CUNY senior colleges. Through its unique Launch! initiative, first-generation college students seeking to transfer to four-year colleges are paired with volunteers who have helped their children through the college application process. President’s Society alumni work as finance executives, software engineers, doctors, accountants, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and other roles, across New York City and beyond.

LaGuardia’s 2024-2025 President’s Society Ambassadors

Noah Alayon, Computer Science Major
Noah, a first-generation college student, has a passion for programming, mathematics, and space exploration. At LaGuardia, he serves as the Secretary of the Engineering & Computer Science Club and consistently makes the Dean’s List. He participated in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) Program, which led to a NASA internship where he conducted research at Cornell University on Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa. He aims to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science, with the goal of becoming a Software Engineer, currently exploring aerospace and planetary science.

Anwarul Azim, Cybersecurity Major
Anwarul, originally from Bangladesh, is a Cybersecurity major. He serves as a Student Senator, Academic Representative in SGA, and is involved in HSAC, the Bangladeshi Student Club, and the STEM Club. Passionate about community service and peer leadership, he has gained hands-on experience through IT internships and research, including a NASA L’SPACE fellowship and AI studies. Anwarul plans to continue his education at CUNY and pursue a career as a System Administration and Security Specialist.

Asmita Bhandari, Nursing Major
Asmita, an international student from Nepal, aspires to become a registered nurse, driven by her passion for compassionate care. She works as a College Tour Guide with CUNY Explorer and has earned a spot on the Dean’s List for academic excellence. As the Communication Coordinator for the Nepali Student Association, she actively engages with her community. After LaGuardia, Asmita plans to pursue a bachelor’s in nursing at NYU or York College.

Chime Dolkar Sherpa, Psychology Major
Chime, a Tibetan born in Nepal, came to the U.S. in 2023 seeking holistic higher education. She serves as Student Government Treasurer and a Peer Advisor. Growing up in a multicultural environment, she speaks Tibetan, Nepali, Hindi, and English. Inspired by her grandparents’ asylum journey, Chime values resilience and community engagement, actively participating in NGO work, volunteering, and podcasting. She plans to get her doctorate in Cognitive or Positive psychology, integrating Buddhist mindfulness to understand human behavior.

Fnu Thinlay Dolma, Accounting Major
Thinlay Dolma, a Tibetan born and raised in India, moved to New York in 2023. She is actively involved on campus as the operation lead of the LAGCC Entrepreneurs’ Club and as a content contributor to the Honors Student Advisory Committee. With a strong passion for economics and finance, and having achieved recognition on the dean’s list, Dolma aspires to transfer to Columbia or Baruch to complete her master’s degree and pursue a career in the finance sector.

Ryan Dorestal, Computer Science Major
Ryan, a Brooklyn-born Haitian American, is a computer science major and serves as the Marketing Lead for the Entrepreneurs Club. Previously, he was the Vice President of the Red Hawk Engineering and Computer Science Club. Ryan won the LaGuardia Hackathon and was a finalist in the Masterclass Pitch Competition. He also held a position as a CUNY RA STEM Mentor and has completed research at Queens College. Passionate about Web3 and entrepreneurship, he aspires to move to the West Coast for his bachelor’s degree, and eventually launch a start-up.

Facundo (David) Urquizo, Business Administration Major
David was born in Peru and moved to the U.S. to further his education. He is pursuing a degree in Business Administration due to his passion for business, economics, and community. He actively participates in campus life as a Student Technology Mentor, an Honor Society member, LaGuardia Soccer Team defender, and the SAC Rep for the Entrepreneurs’ Club. David aims to earn a bachelor’s degree from Baruch College and eventually open a record label, merging his business skills with his passion for Spanish music.

John Jara Morales, Mechanical Engineering Major
Born and raised in Ecuador, John is the President of the Student Government. In addition, he is a member of the CUNY Student Senate, exploring his passion for policy and politics. As a recent Fellow of the Colin Powell School’s Semester in DC Program, John has gained valuable experience as an intern at the National Disability Rights Network, where he worked with congressional officials to secure funding for disability programs. John plans to transfer to City College or SUNY Polytechnic Institute to further his education in bringing his interests in public service and engineering.

Don Lam (Gloria) Len, Liberal Arts: Social Science & Humanities Major
Gloria, a Chin ethnic minority from Yangon, Myanmar, was a law student in her home country until political turmoil disrupted her education. Driven by her motto, “a voice for the voiceless,” Gloria is passionate about advocacy, social justice, and responsibility. Currently, she works part- time in the Financial Aid Office and is part of the Model UN program. Gloria plans to complete her bachelor’s degree at an Ivy League university, then pursue a law degree to become a legal aid lawyer specializing in criminal defense cases.

Kelly Levy, Computer Science Major
Kelly, a first-gen college student majoring in Computer Science, is passionate about using technology to address humanitarian issues. She actively participates in LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative projects, focusing on raising awareness about student food insecurity. On campus, she is an ASAP student, a member of the PTK, HSAC, Engineering & Comp Scie Club, and participated in the 2024 Hackathon. After earning her associate degree, Kelly plans to transfer to NYU or Columbia and pursue a master’s in computer science, aiming to become a data scientist.

Haofeng Lin, Liberal Arts: Applied Math Major
Haofeng grew up in China, his upbringing nurtured sparking his interest in commerce. At LaGuardia, he served as President of the Chinese Students Club and worked with the Chinatown Manpower Project to help students transition to CUNY. He also organized alumni lectures and is an API math tutor. Majoring in Applied Mathematics, Haofeng plans to transfer to NYU to study Statistics and Data Analysis, aiming to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions in the business world.

Jonathan Machado, Biology Major
Jonathan, a former professional chef, has transitioned to studying Biology while actively engaging in leadership and community service. He serves as the President of PTK and was the Editorial Chief of the Honors Student Advisory Committee. His research at LaGuardia focuses on infectious diseases and environmental testing. Over the summer, he gained valuable experience at Columbia University’s Cancer Center, and he is dedicated to continuing his education in the field while pursuing a medical career.

Norbert Magda, Psychology Major
Norbert, born in Poland and raised in New York, is pursuing a degree in Psychology driven by his desire to support others through therapeutic work and be a guiding light for those in need. He enjoys strategic exercises, writing, self-expression activities, and is using these skills to deepen his understanding of the human mind. On campus, he is part of ASAP, the National Leadership Program, and the Student Experiences Research Group. After LaGuardia, Norbert plans to pursue a master’s in psychology and potentially a doctorate.

Sujal Mahaseth, Mechanical Engineering Major
Sujal, an international student from Nepal, is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has demonstrated his passion for aerospace engineering through his work at the Air Force Research Lab in Rome, NY, where he developed computational models for orbital mechanics and geospatial analysis. On campus, he serves as a Peer Advisor and President of the Nepali Student Association. Sujal aims to transfer to MIT or Stanford for advanced degrees, ultimately aspiring to build a career in aerospace engineering and contribute to future advancements in space exploration.

Lin Lin Myat, Business Administration Major
Lin, originally from Myanmar, is pursuing a degree in Business Administration, planning to study accounting at Baruch after earning her associate’s degree. Outside of class, she serves as a peer advisor at the International Student Office and acts as president of the Entrepreneurs’ Club. Previously, she was selected as an accounting scholar at Howard University, where she visited Big 4 firms, sparking her interest in accounting. Lin aims to work at a Big Four firm and eventually start her own business.

Kittikarn Na Lampang, Nursing Major
Kittikarn, an international student from Thailand, is passionate about making a positive impact on her community. After transitioning from a corporate operations career to healthcare, she is now pursuing a degree in Nursing. Her commitment to community service is reflected in her involvement with the International Student Club, the LGBTQIA+ Club, and her role as a Peer Advisor, where she helps fellow students. Kittikarn’s goal is to earn a BS in Nursing and improve healthcare access in low-income communities.

Miguel Posada Perez, Mechanical Engineering Major
Originally from Colombia, Miguel moved to the U.S. in 2019 and began studying nursing at LaGuardia. After a break, he returned to pursue his passion for engineering and its applications in healthcare. Now, as president of the Physics Club and an NIH scholar, he conducts research in biomedical engineering at City College and robotics at LaGuardia. He also tutors in Natural Sciences and is active in the Climate Reality Club and PTK. Driven by a passion for finding innovative engineering applications, he aims to pursue a BS in Electrical Engineering at Columbia University.

Joane Putricia, Business Administration Major
Joane is an Indonesian international student who is engaged in honors and leadership activities, serving as the Events and Programs Coordinator for LaGuardia’s Student Government Association and as a Student Technology Mentor. Joane has research experience in the social sciences and published an essay for the Summer Storytelling Institute. She earned a spot on the Dean’s List and was part of the 2024 Accounting Scholars Development Program. After LaGuardia, she plans to transfer to Columbia or the University of Chicago to pursue a degree in Data Analytics with a minor in Math. In her free time, she volunteers for the local Indonesian community, while also learning languages—she’s fluent in Indonesian, English, and Teochew.

Alex Reyes Pacheco, Accounting Major
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Alex is a first-generation college student who moved to NYC for better opportunities. While balancing a full-time academic schedule and a full-time job in hospitality, he actively seeks on-campus engagement. Passionate about lifting his family out of poverty and empowering vulnerable communities through education, Alex’s dedication is reflected in his position on the Dean’s List. He aims to earn a CPA certification at Baruch and work at a Big Four firm, and possibly expand into economics.

Sunny Sanchez, Liberal Arts: Social Science & Humanities Major
Sunny is pursuing a Liberal Arts degree and actively contributes to the college’s honor society while volunteering on humanitarian initiatives. With a background in managing sustainable, locally sourced food programs, she has shifted her focus to academics and plans to further her studies at Columbia, NYU or CUNY to study English, concentrating on food history, and later pursue a master’s degree. Passionate about food justice, she is committed to community empowerment through volunteer work. In her free time, Sunny enjoys running and going to the cinema.

Miranda Schrade, Liberal Arts: Applied Math Major
Miranda, a NYC-native, is studying Applied Math at LaGuardia. This academic year she plans to start a Math Olympiad club to raise awareness and prepare students for the Putnam Math Competition. In addition, she is serving as a delegate on the college’s Model UN program and representing Montenegro in DC. Miranda has conducted faculty-guided research in game theory and had films featured at Tribeca and the Science New Wave Festival. She plans to transfer to MIT, combining her love for math and humanities to improve the world through inquiry. Fluent in German and Spanish, she also hopes to learn Arabic, Bangla, and French.

Sojung Sim, Liberal Arts: Social Science & Humanities Major
Sojung, an international student from South Korea, is the first in her family to pursue a college degree in the U.S. She began her studies in Texas before moving to NYC after a gap period. At LaGuardia, she served as a Student Senator, Chair of the Student Committee at College Senate, and is now VP of the Student Government. Sojung is also a Peer Advisor and active in the Model UN, USS CUNY and Elmezzi internship programs. She plans to transfer to Amherst College to major in sociology or pre-law, aiming for a career in human rights. In her free time, Sojung enjoys exploring New York City.

Sahilpreet Singh, Computer Science Major
Sahil, who grew up in a small village in India, moved to the U.S. in 2021 to pursue a degree in Computer Science. At LaGuardia, he serves as a BMEC mentor and tutors students, reflecting his passion for teaching. Sahil, a Dean’s List student, also enjoys painting, winning awards for his talent, and practicing calligraphy. He plans to transfer to Columbia University to further his studies and pursue a career in data science, focusing on technological innovations and data analytics.

Suborna Singha, Biology Major
Suborna, originally from Bangladesh, moved to the U.S. in 2020 and is majoring in Biology with a passion for oncology and cancer research. She serves as the STEM representative for Student Government and is active in ASAP, HSAC, and PTK. Suborna has conducted infectious disease research and recently interned with the Clinical Protocol and Data Management team at Columbia Irving Medical Center. She plans to attend Columbia University to pursue a career in biochemistry.

Kevin Villa, Psychology Major
Kevin, a professional multimedia artist, returned to school to pursue an associate degree in Psychology after a six-year break from SUNY Westchester. At LaGuardia, he earned a spot on the Dean’s List, participated in the SOAR Internship Program, and served as an ambassador for Casa De Las Américas. After LaGuardia, he plans to transfer to Hunter College to continue studying Psychology. His goal is to use his knowledge to support his Westchester community by establishing cost-efficient, welcoming mental health centers.

Ella Luo Yee Woo, Biology Major
Ella, born in the U.S. and raised in Malaysia, is the Vice President of the Chinese Student Club and a consistent member of the Dean’s List. She has conducted research in QSTEM, using Drosophila melanogaster to study human disorders, and gained hands-on clinical experience in dentistry, orthodontics, and ophthalmology. Combining her passion for research and healthcare, Ella plans to transfer to Columbia University, where she hopes to make a lasting impact. Alongside her academic and clinical pursuits, Ella enjoys playing the piano and drums.

Afiya Zahin, Computer Science Major
Afiya, originally from Bangladesh, moved to the U.S. in 2022 to pursue higher education. She serves as a Peer Advisor for the MEC Department and is active in the Honor Society, ASAP, the Honors Student Advisory Committee, and the Red Hawk Engineering & Computer Science Club. Afiya has completed internships through the SOAR Program and CUNY Career Launch. Interested in Data and Business Analytics, and Project Management, she hopes to transfer to Columbia or NYU. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, and learning new languages.

Khine (Valentina) Zin Thaw, Electrical Engineering Major
Valentina is an international student from Myanmar who moved to the U.S. seeking a better education. She is particularly focused on computer hardware design and semiconductor technology. Valentina has been involved in Q-STEM research, specializing in data science and wireless sensor networks. She currently serves as a Student Technology Mentor and plans to start a robotic club. Previously, she was VP of the International Student Club and is an active member of the National Society of Leadership and the Society of Women Engineers. After finishing at LaGuardia, she plans to pursue a BS and MS in computer engineering.

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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.

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