From the Bronx to the NYC Housing Authority

By Alisha Sukhram, New York City Housing Authority Fellow

Last summer, I received a flier through my CUNY Baruch portal for a fellowship position with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). I read the description and one phrase stuck out to me: “NYCHA coordinates and works with New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) and other NYC agencies to understand the NYC response posture to provide services and support for its residents.” I was immediately intrigued.

Here was a chance to participate in the dynamic between different city agencies, with the ultimate goal of providing support to vulnerable members of my community. I completed my application, doing my best to convey how my childhood in the Bronx, as a first-generation Indo-Caribbean girl, influenced my approach to rigorous data analysis and public administration.

I was lucky enough to be granted an interview with the VP of NYCHA Emergency Management and Services Department (EMSD), Mr. Rudy Murillo. Rudy and I had a conversation about our shared interest in modernizing approaches to public service and his own desire to challenge misconceptions about the agency.

?The excitement I felt while applying and interviewing has remained consistent for me throughout the duration of the fellowship. Being in the office, hearing the calls of everyday emergency maintenance coming in from across the five boroughs, having opportunities to listen to the needs of those in the NYCHA community, and understanding the scale of operating the largest public housing authority in the country… it’s been nothing short of empowering. The most moving part of my fellowship has been working closely with the other employees of NYCHA EMSD; they are the definition of hometown heroes.

Beyond the inspirations I have taken in through my placement at NYCHA, the caliber of the work has been intellectually engaging. I’ve had the opportunity to witness Mr. Murillo’s approach to departmental human resources and community outreach. My projects have included the Transition Binder: physical documentation of EMSD’s positions and expectations, with the aim of guiding the formation of the new department and for posterity. Additionally, I have had the privilege of discussing one of my greatest passions: budgeting. Understanding the public finances that must be delicately balanced to successfully manage the human capital, procurement, and emergency spending of NYCHA is something I will continue to revisit throughout my career. Finally, working closely with Mr. Murillo and Ms. Joann Ramirez has shown me the incomparable contributions city government leaders make to our everyday lives.

The denouement of my fellowship will be producing a PowerPoint for NYCEM’s Agency 101, showcasing the preparation, common hazards, and emergency operations of the department.

Public service and research are two major pillars of who I am as a person. And being a New Yorker is one of my favorite things to be. These 9 months have allowed me to merge these facets of my life into a pivotal experience. As always, feel free to reach out to me with questions.

I’m always happy to chat about JDS and NYCHA.