LaGuardia College Unveils
2024-25 Leaders Cohort

Reflecting the rich diversity that New York City is known for, the students in this year’s cohort come from a wide range of majors, embodying the city’s global character—67% of the participants were born outside of the U.S., hailing from 13 different countries. Despite juggling work, studies, and personal commitments, these students are all committed to advancing their education, with plans to transfer to senior colleges after completing their degrees at LaGuardia.

Known as ambassadors, the students in the President’s Society serve as LaGuardia’s representatives at industry meetings, networking with key leaders and applying for coveted scholarships and internships at prestigious NYC-based institutions like MoMA, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Gilder Gagnon. A stipend provided by the LaGuardia Community College Foundation ensures that the students are financially supported as they participate in these valuable experiences.

One of the cohort’s first events this fall was a trip to J.Crew’s Manhattan store, where the students selected professional attire for their upcoming career-building activities. This experience was made possible through Melissa’s Career Closet, a special initiative funded by a generous donor.

Since its launch in 2013, the President’s Society has provided over 700 LaGuardia students with unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. Its outcomes are impressive: 95% of participants have earned their associate degrees, and 88% have either completed or are working toward bachelor’s degrees. Graduates have gone on to continue their studies at elite institutions like Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, and Wellesley, and have embarked on successful careers in a variety of fields across New York City and beyond.

This program continues to serve as a springboard for the city’s rising talent, preparing them for leadership roles in industries as diverse as technology, healthcare, finance, and law. In a city that never sleeps, the President’s Society ensures that the next generation of New Yorkers is ready to shape its future.

Meet the 2024-25 President’s Society Ambassadors:

• Noah Alayon, Computer Science – A first-generation college student passionate about programming and space exploration, Noah aspires to become a software engineer with a focus on planetary science.

• Anwarul Azim, Cybersecurity – Hailing from Bangladesh, Anwarul is a student senator with a keen interest in IT and system security. His goal is to become a cybersecurity specialist after continuing his studies at CUNY.

• Asmita Bhandari, Nursing – An international student from Nepal, Asmita is pursuing her dream of becoming a registered nurse while actively engaging with the LaGuardia community.

• Chime Dolkar Sherpa, Psychology – Originally from Nepal, Chime is passionate about cognitive psychology and plans to incorporate mindfulness into her future studies.

• Fnu Thinlay Dolma, Accounting – With roots in Tibet and India, Thinlay aims to transfer to Columbia or Baruch College to complete her studies in finance.

• Ryan Dorestal, Computer Science – A Brooklyn-born Haitian American, Ryan is passionate about Web3 and entrepreneurship, and he plans to launch a startup after earning his degree.

Each student’s unique journey adds to the fabric of LaGuardia’s President’s Society, an initiative that not only enhances their individual potential but also strengthens the future of New York City. From future engineers to community leaders, this cohort is well on its way to making significant contributions to both the city and the world.

The President’s Society is more than just a leadership program—it’s a testament to what makes New York City great: its diversity, ambition, and relentless pursuit of success.