Inspiring Our Partners

This week, our Fellows had an opportunity to meet three of our Long Island partners. Eliana Fernandez from Make the Road NY, Monique Fitzgerald from Long Island Progressive Coalition, and Elmer Flores from the Releasing Aging People in Prison Campaign gave presentations on their work and their organizations and answered questions from the Fellows about what it’s like to be community organizers.

Below, hear Eliana’s reflections on her experiences engaging with our Fellows!

“Hi, everyone. Eli (she/her/ella), Lead Organizer with Make the Road New York. Thank you for having me. It was an incredible experience. I love, love, love working and engaging the youth. They inspire me to continue to do this work.

The fresh new energy that they bring into the room, their questions, and just knowing that right now, they're beginning. But I know in a few months and a few weeks and years, they'll be thriving as great organizers and have an impact in their community.

So I was really grateful to have this opportunity to just talk to them, hear from them. I didn't get to answer all the questions, but it’s inspiring to sit with youth and see that they’re thinking of ways to change the policies that affect our community. To me, it’s always inspiring, so thank you for this space, and I look forward to continue to work with you guys.”