Manhattan University Senior Jazi Riley Chosen for Prestigious NYC Urban Fellows Program

Manhattan University, the 172-year-old Lasallian Catholic institution, proudly announced that Jazi Riley has been named a New York City Urban Fellow for 2025/2026. The Lakeland, FL, native currently serves as the University’s Student Body President.

According to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services which oversees the program, the New York City Urban Fellows is “…a nationally recognized and highly competitive, nine-month fellowship program that explores current urban issues through unique learning seminars and first-hand exposure to public sector leaders.  Urban Fellows are placed at an array of agencies across the City where they learn about public policy and work closely with leaders engaged in policy and operational work.” 

Riley’s policy statement focused on addressing the significant gaps in New York’s legislative framework in combating sex trafficking, prosecuting offenders, and strengthening prevention efforts involving minors.  

Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., President of Manhattan University, stated, “Our entire community is so proud of Jazi. Becoming an Urban Fellow is a highly coveted opportunity, and Jazi’s leadership skills, coupled with her deep interest on the intersection of community involvement and policy, makes her a particularly appropriate awardee.” 

Added Riley, “So much of what I achieved thus far can be attributed to the inclusive campus that characterizes Manhattan University. As a first-generation college student, I learned early that resilience and ambition can transcend even the toughest circumstances. At Manhattan, everyone wants everyone to succeed!” 

Riley, a double major in political science and philosophy, is in her second year as Student Body President and was a Branigan Research Scholar (August, 2024 through January, 2025) where she investigated the interplay between industry and jazz music. She was a summer legal intern in the State Attorney’s Office, 10th Judicial Circuit in Bartow, FL from May through August, 2023, and currently is an intern in the Bronx Economic Development Corp. Riley will graduate Manhattan University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science this May and will begin her urban fellowship in September 2025.