About the program: Working within an unparalleled network of engaged civic leaders, Leadership New York (LNY) participants develop the skills to get things done in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. LNY presents 52 participants—professionals who are deeply immersed in the city’s social, political, and economic issues—with challenges designed to push them to explore all aspects of an issue and navigate varying stakeholder interests while applying the lenses of power and privilege. The program uses intellectual resilience and inquiry-based leadership training methods practiced by business executives and leading nonprofits.

About my role: As the Senior Director of Leadership New York and Alumni Training, I lead 30+ experiential learning sessions for current participants and alumni each year to grow their personal and professional skillbase so that they can become savvy, sophisticated change agents for New York City. I also write a blog - PractiCoro - on incorporating curricula concepts into daily life.

 Please briefly describe your career path to-date, including the reasons behind career changes you made since graduating from Baruch College.

Since graduating from Baruch, I’ve been supporting adult personal and professional development in a variety of institutional settings.  From working with administrative staff at the Ford Foundation to understand the challenges of grant making, to offering life coaching as a small business owner, to running a leadership development program now at Coro New York Leadership center – the continuing thread has been assisting people to think about their career purpose, and then clearing the personal and professional obstacles to getting there. It’s very satisfying.

 How did your experiences at Baruch College (e.g., academic studies, extra-curricular activities, student groups) prepare you for your career?

As a National Urban Fellow, my studies were combined with a 9-month mentorship site.  It was the first time in my life that I was truly challenged to maximize my time management, present myself professionally, and build networking skills that I still use to this day.  It was a gamechanger – offering me opportunities and access to networks I would never had otherwise had.

 What job resources (e.g., internships, work-study jobs, summer and/or other work opportunities, etc.) have influenced your career choice(s)?

I served for two years in AmeriCorps, at the national and state levels right after college.  In those years, I had the opportunity to scan the landscapes of the nonprofit and government sectors and learn varying approaches (with varying degrees of success) that organizations were taking to address deep, systemic issues.  That led me to select an MPA for my graduate degree, to give me the broad skillset I was lacking at the time.

 Today, what advice would you give to an undergraduate or graduate Baruch student interested in your field?

What I have learned from where I am working now at Coro New York Leadership Center is that developing a network beyond just the sector that you work in is vital to gaining true perspective on how what you do fits into the overall economic picture.  If you work in finance, find a way to become friends with people who work in nonprofits – it will make you a well-rounded person capable of innovative ideas for finance.  Also, know your purpose…which may change over time…but know what it is that you want to do, and then find the organization and the organizational culture that fits it – rather than the other way around.

What do you like to do in your free time? Dance tango, and baking

 How can people contact you?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayalampson

Phone Number: 347-339-0608

E-mail: [email protected]