Meet a few NYBCAP Associate Board members

Humyra Ali - Associate Board 2021

I am eager to be a member of the NYBCAP Associate Board because they are fostering an environment that will give me the support and tools necessary to grow and explore my career and interests in healthcare. I have seen many individuals struggle with accessing reproductive healthcare, and it is a growing issue in our communities. Working with NYBCAP will allow me to be a part of breaking down some of these barriers that are prevalent in public health.

Brianna Simonelli - Cohort: Fall 2022

Being a part of NYBCAP has been such a valuable experience. I initially joined because I wanted to make a change and give people a chance to share their voices when they were unable to speak out for themselves. Advocating for birth control rights as well as gender equity has given me so much knowledge. Speaking to people about these matters has been so fulfilling because they have so much to offer with their ideas and opinions. Speaking to fellow students about the CWEC campaign gave so many students hope, that at John Jay, we care about student's needs. Speaking to fellow faculty members allowed me and other NYBCAP members to voice our own opinions and how this would be in the best interest of the John Jay community as well as New York State. I always want to help people the best that I can and through NYBCAP I started with helping myself find a voice to helping hundreds of students to find their voice.

Adeeba Ameen - Cohort: Fall 2023

As an exchange student from Pakistan, joining the NYBCAP Associate Board was an incredible opportunity for me. Being deeply passionate about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Pakistan and Asia, NYBCAP provided me with a platform to further my advocacy work. The experience allowed me to contribute to the promotion of women’s sexual health rights both in the US and back home in Pakistan, as well as across Asia. Through my involvement, I was also able to represent my work on SRHR at the ICPD-30 Global Dialogue, further strengthening my commitment to these vital issues. 

Luca Cassidy - Cohort: Spring 2024

I joined the Associate Board because I wanted to make a positive difference, but had no idea how to. For most of my life, I have been surrounded by videos, books, and media that point out everything that is wrong in society, but they never tell you how to fix it. With NYBCAP, you learn how to fix it: you take classes that explain the intricacies of government, you talk to legislators about bills that can change lives, and you participate in projects that teach you how to organize your community. The skills I learned with NYBCAP will help me help others for the rest of my life.

Kamala Murray - Cohort: 2025

I joined the Associate Board because I wanted to be part of a movement that expands access to reproductive health resources and ensures that young people have a voice in shaping health equity initiatives. Being part of the Board has helped me grow my advocacy skills, connect with passionate peers, and contribute to meaningful events like Contraception Day. This experience has allowed me to deepen my commitment to public health while learning how community organizing can create lasting change.