February 3, 2025 – Melissa Chapman-Samad, Associate Director of Government Relations was recognized by City & State Magazine in their 2025 Black Trailblazers list.

City & State recognizes that Black leaders are making a significant impact across politics, policy, and various industries in New York. From the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives to the state’s legislative majority leaders, attorney general, and the mayor of New York City, Black politicians hold some of the most influential positions in the state. Their leadership reflects the hard-won progress achieved through generations of struggle for equality and justice.

But black trailblazers are not limited to the political arena.

Across business, real estate, labor, social services, and advocacy, Black trailblazers continue to break barriers and shape the future. This new feature replaces the Power of Diversity: Black 100, which highlights both familiar leaders and rising stars who have yet to appear on previous City & State lists.

Missed the original list? Click here to view the full list online.