Ashley Jainarine ’25 Lands Role at New York City Council
Current Role: Community Liaison, New York City Council, District 23, Council Member Linda Lee
Degree: B.A. in Political Science
Minor: Homeland Security
Programs: Accelerate, Complete and Engage (ACE) and Pre-Law Institute
Mentor: Vivian Rivera, Senior Academic Advisor, ACE
Hometown: Queens, NY
Career Aspiration: Lawyer and Public Official
What was life like before John Jay?
My parents left Guyana to get better healthcare for my brother Kevin, who was born prematurely with cerebral palsy. They were in search of better medical treatment options so he could have a more favorable life outcome. He was wheelchair-bound and had motor function issues. He also had a compromised immune system. When he was 13, he was diagnosed with pneumonia and hospitalized for over a month. After he was discharged, we took him home, and he passed away in his sleep.
I was four when we lost him. His loss definitely had a profound impact on our entire family. We would sit around and talk about Kevin—we still do—and it was during those chats I learned his medical records were mishandled and he wasn’t receiving proper medical care. Learning that drove my passion for justice and desire to advocate for others. It also inspired my sister, Andrea, to pursue a career in medicine. I want to stand up for the “Kevins” of the world, and Andrea wants to improve the industry from the inside.
In high school, my interest in the legal profession took off when I joined moot court. I even made it to the semifinals of the MENTOR: Moot Court competition—the first time in a decade that the school made it to the semifinals. I had the chance to argue before federal judges. It was such a fun and transformative experience.
Why John Jay?
I knew I wanted to practice law and be a fierce advocate for justice, so John Jay College was always on my radar. When I was in high school, I had a part-time job working at a law firm, and while working there and searching for colleges to apply to, John Jay stood out to me and went to the top of my list. I knew that at John Jay I would not only get the best education, learning from professionals working in the legal field, but that I would also receive the support to get me on the path to law school.
How has the ACE program been pivotal to your success?
ACE was vital to my journey at John Jay. It was the reason I graduated in three years. The program’s staff created a community for me within John Jay, which is so important to your success as a student. Members of my cohort were in the same classes, attended the same ACE workshops and events, and because of that, we built strong relationships. The program also offered resume-building exercises and provided me with information about post-graduate opportunities. As a first-gen student whose parents came to this country as immigrants, my knowledge of the education system and what life could look like after graduation was limited. I really appreciated what I learned through ACE. They helped me plan my next steps and set me up for an exciting future.
How did your mentor put you on the path to success?
Vivian was the cornerstone of my ACE experience. She was an amazing counselor who always made sure I was enrolled in the right courses, managed my time well, and stayed the course. She was always available to answer questions and followed up regularly. If it weren’t for ACE and Vivian, I wouldn’t have been able to land the City Council job. They helped refine my resume so that it stood out from other applicants.
Tell us about the work you’re doing with the New York City Council?
As a community liaison, I work directly with members of the community, answering their calls and speaking with constituents who come into the office. I relay their issues to the councilmember and her team, and I work proactively with city agencies to help resolve the community members’ problems. It’s incredibly fulfilling to connect with people, see what is going on in the community, and help people find the resources they need.
Since Councilmember Lee knows I aspire to be a lawyer, she and her team have also encouraged me to interact with different departments and learn more about the work they’re doing. I attend community board meetings and civic meetings. It’s in those meetings I can apply what I’ve learned at John Jay with the work I’m doing now. Thanks to my classes, I have learned how to engage with diverse communities in a meaningful, healthy, and productive way. I’m able to listen actively to what members of the public are saying and understand when someone is asking for help. Being a John Jay student empowered me to speak up and advocate for others, and I’m so happy to put those skills to use and make a difference in the communities I’m working in.
What experience made you proud to be a community liaison?
We got a complaint of animal abuse via a letter mailed to us from a constituent. Once I read the letter, I knew I had to do something about it. These animals are part of the community, and they don’t have a voice, so I have to advocate on their behalf. I reached out to the NYPD, and they were able to take care of the situation. Thankfully, all the animals were saved and taken to a shelter where they were then placed into loving homes.
What’s next?
I am preparing for the LSAT and plan to attend law school. My goal as a lawyer—whether in medical malpractice law or immigration law—is to fight for justice and ensure my clients receive a fair chance.
Finish this sentence: Because of John Jay…
Because of John Jay I’m motivated to become a lawyer who stands up for the voiceless.
