The Riis Settlement family has grown over the past few months: here’s the 411 on some of our newest staff members!
Maureen Ahmed
Development & Communications Associate
Who inspires you? Social change innovators and humanitarians.
What did you study in college/grad? Political Science, Gender Studies, and Journalism
Where were you born? Born and raised in Queens, a proud New Yorker
When did you start working for Riis Settlement? November 2012
Why did you want to work for Riis Settlement? I’ve always felt a passion for leveling the playing field for marginalized communities. Growing up in Queens has exposed me to a rich diversity of people, experiences and customs, and I would love to be part of a mission that promotes the growth and development of my constituents. I’m also very excited to learn how to grant write because it’s such a pertinent skill to acquire for non-profit leadership.
Favorite Travel Destination: I absolutely love Florence- I lived there for 5 months and would love to return for a visit. My dream destination would be to Istanbul. I also really want to be able to say that I’ve traveled to all 7 continents: still have South America, Australia and Antarctica left!
Kevin Dunn
Program Coordinator, Ravenswood Cornerstone Campus
Who inspires you? Barack Obama is proof that a person’s humble origins do not preclude the possibilities of greatness but also that a person can decide to change paths and still be successful.
What did you study in college/grad? Economics; currently pursuing the Executive MPA program at Baruch College- graduating this June
Where were you born? I was born in Queens, NY, moved as far away as… Brooklyn, but now I’m happily back. Did you know that Queens is the one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the country, and Astoria is one of the most ethnically diverse places on earth! I’m a fan of the borough. Go Mets!
When did you start working for Riis Settlement? November 2012
Why did you want to work for Riis Settlement?I specifically sought out a position where I could work with children, families and help communities while still making use of my administrative skills. When I saw the opportunity to work at Riis Settlement at a Cornerstone project, I jumped at it.
Favorite Book
I’m a big science fiction fan and I love most anything by Arthur C. Clarke, Phillip K. Dick, and Douglas Adams. Oh and anything by Kurt Vonnegut.
Melissa Miranda
Program Coordinator, Immigrant Services
Who inspires you? My parents. Their dedication to each other, our family, their values, and their perseverance in life inspire me daily.
What did you study in college/grad? As an undergraduate I majored in Political Science and Spanish. Following undergrad, I went on to law school.
Where were you born? I was born in El Paso, Texas.
When did you start working for Riis Settlement? October 2012.
Why did you want to work for Riis Settlement? I wanted to work for Immigrant Services at Riis because I felt that it was a place where I could not only continue to serve underrepresented communities, but a place where I could also help empower immigrants to become actively engaged members of society.
Favorite food: My favorite cuisine is Mexican, especially when it’s my mom’s cooking or my grandmother’s!
