“We’re here to represent our families, our communities, and to show what’s possible.”
Growing up in Fordham Heights, Jasmine Velasco (CC’26) came to the realization that communities are only as strong as the systems designed to support them. The first-generation Dominican and Mexican American student said watching her parents navigate the healthcare system and hearing neighbors’ stories about their own harrowing experiences revealed gaps in culturally responsive care and inspired her to pursue medicine and change the narrative.
This celebratory season,Columbia Neighbors spoke with Velasco about how the Bronx inspired her journey, the importance of cultivating third spaces for community-driven healthcare, and what graduation symbolizes for her.
Led by Leticia De Mattei Goncalves (BUS’26) and William Szczecinski (BUS’26), the Community Impact Club at Columbia Business School provides free programming centered on financial literacy, mentorship, and career guidance for youth and adults in Harlem and throughout New York City. In this Columbia Neighbors interview, the graduates discussed some of the most memorable service-driven projects they’ve worked on, the importance of students paying it forward locally, and what Commencement represents for them. Read more.
Graduation season is here, Uptown! If you’re looking for a gift as special as the person you’re celebrating, make your way to NiLu. Nestled along Lenox Avenue, the beloved boutique—co-owned by Harlem residents Katrina and Mark—is a one-stop shop for some of the most unique finds crafted by local artisans and makers. We recently stopped by the shop to chat with Mark about creating a space rooted in culture, commerce, and community. He also shared some of his favorite in-store products that would be perfect for gifting.
Watch here.
During Columbia’s school graduation ceremonies—which will run through Thursday, May 21—streets surrounding our Morningside and Washington Heights campuses will be closed to both traffic and parking. These street closures are subject to change, so please visit the Commencement website regularly as you plan your travel. Check out this detailed guide about anticipated neighborhood impacts. We’re appreciative of the support and understanding of our neighbors!
Read more.
Ghana-born, Bronx-raised graduate Khalil Ibrahim (SIPA’26), who came to Columbia through the Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program, reflects on how his studies shaped his perspective on international affairs, and his career aspirations.
Graduate and Roger Lehecka Double Discovery Center mentor Camylin Blake (CC’26) shares how her volunteer work with local youth at DDC left an indelible impact on her college experience.
Queens native Andrew Fernandez (NUR’26) shares his hopes of leading a career in healthcare that is built on the pillars of “compassion, cultural understanding, and advocacy.”
Upcoming Events
Opening Reception: ‘Transit Series’ Stop by the Bronx Documentary Center for the opening reception of its latest pop-up exhibition, Transit Series
. The photojournalistic art show, curated by Rafael Acata, examines New York City’s public transit system through the lenses of photographers Laura Bregman, Diego Bazán, Dane Manary, Camilo Fuentealba Brevis, and Michael Young. From the hustle and bustle of subway riders on a mission to reach their next stop to the architectural elements of train stations, the exhibition illustrates how transit is shared, repetitive, and ever-changing. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is suggested. Friday, May 22, 6:30 pm
Summer on the Hudson: Sunset Sounds Ring in the weekend with sonically vibrant live music and scenic waterfront views along the Hudson River at the next installment of NYC Parks’Summer on the Hudson series. This outdoor performance, hosted in partnership with the Jazz Foundation of America, will feature the sounds of the Harmony Bartz Experience band. Led by Harlem-born songstress
Taifa “Harmony” Bartz, the daughter of legendary jazz saxophonist and two-time Grammy Award winner Gary Bartz, the music collective is known for creatively fusing jazz, blues, neo-soul, R&B, and funk. The concert is free and open to the public. Friday, May 22, 7:00 pm
Uptown Volunteer Project: Ralph Ellison Memorial Join the Riverside Park Conservancy for a community-driven beautification project at Ralph Ellison Memorial
in West Harlem. During this volunteer session, attendees will connect over stewardship activities, including cleaning the green space, weeding out introduced species, and removing woody debris throughout the garden beds. No prior gardening experience is required, and all tools and equipment will be provided. The project is free to join and open to the public. Registration is required. Saturday, May 23, 9:00 am
Uncovering Uptown History: A Guided Walking Tour Step into different chapters of Uptown’s storied past along a guided walking tour led by Morris-Jumel Mansion. Commencing at the 262-year-old landmark, which is Manhattan's oldest surviving residence, this 90-minute, one-mile trek will journey through over two centuries of history, covering little-known facts about Uptown’s significance in the Revolutionary War, the Gilded and Industrial Ages, the Harlem Renaissance, and more. It will also dive into the life and times of influential figures who had local connections, bridging their paths to the ones we walk today. Saturday,
May 23, 10:30 am
Museum of the City of New York’s Kids Art Studio Make your way to the Museum of the City of New York for an immersive arts and crafts experience inspired by its latest exhibitions and collections. During this session—geared toward youth ages 3 and up and their families—attendees will channel their inner creativity and explore different artistic mediums, including collaging, drawing, fiber art, and more. After the workshop, participants can take their artwork home or leave it on display for other visitors to enjoy. The event is free with museum admission. Saturday, May 23, 11:00 am
