Women’s History Month 2026: Celebrating Incredible Women in our Bloodhound Family
In honor of Women’s History Month, our faculty, staff, students, and alumni recognize talented women in our community who work hard every day to support others through their leadership, wisdom, and kindness. We salute each of them for their continual efforts to make John Jay the special place that it is. Below are the nominators’ tributes.
John Jay Heroine: Azinia Brooks-Thomas, Department of Sciences, Operations Manager
Nominator: Jennifer Rosati, Ph.D., Department of Sciences, Chair, and Associate Professor of Forensic Entomology
Azinia Brooks-Thomas is a heroine for the Department of Sciences. As operations manager, she ensures that the department runs seamlessly every day—a monumental task she handles effortlessly. Whether it’s troubleshooting classroom issues or coordinating professional departmental events, Azinia is the go-to person who makes everything work. She provides reliable, ongoing support to her colleagues, faculty, staff, and students. She is the problem-solver and all-knowing person who gives herself fully to the department. She is an inspiration to everyone, and the department and College are incredibly lucky to have her as part of the John Jay community.
John Jay Heroine: Jamella Richmond ’26, Student Council, President
Nominator: Zephan Patterson ’28, Student Council, Vice President
I’ve known Jamella for about a year and a half, and she has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and her love for the John Jay student body. Whether she’s planning events, leading initiatives, or simply meeting students where they are, Jamella embodies what it means to be a fierce leader. She always goes above and beyond for her board and for the students she represents. Her passion for advocacy is palpable. I’ve personally witnessed her selfless integrity, not only as a leader, but as a friend. She shows up for us every single time.
John Jay Heroine: Patrizia Magni, Office of Digital Learning, Senior Instructional Designer
Nominator: Holly Davenport, Office of Digital Learning, Interim Director
Patrizia Magni is a tenacious advocate for excellence whose insatiable curiosity and relentless determination redefine what it means to be a problem-solver at John Jay. Where others might see a technical dead-end, Patrizia sees a challenge accepted. She simply refuses to ever give up. In her work with faculty, she ensures that every digital tool isn’t just a “gadget,” but a purposeful means for accessible and active learning. She goes well beyond the technical “how-to,” providing the pedagogical “why” that empowers both faculty and students. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, the high-quality experiences of our online students are a direct testament to her dedication. Beyond her expertise, Patrizia brings a vibrant energy to the College. Her sharp sense of humor and her spirit ensure that we never settle for “good enough.” She is a true gift to the John Jay Community and a cornerstone of the Office of Digital Learning.
John Jay Heroine: Cat Alves, Director of Operations, Academic Programs
Nominator: Andrew Sidman, Dean of Academic Programs, Professor of Political Science
Cat transferred to our office from Athletics last spring. It can be difficult to transition from one division to another—especially at such a high level. Cat transitioned seamlessly. She has worked hard to learn as much as she can about what we do in academic programs and the work that happens in other units across the division. Cat embodies our ethos of care and brings impressive technical and management skills to our area. She has become an integral member of our team, and our operations are vastly improved because of her knowledge and curiosity.
John Jay Heroine: Christianna Adams, Institutional Advancement, College Assistant
Nominator: Erica Mariano, Institutional Advancement, Confidential Executive Associate to VP
As a College Assistant, Christianna consistently delivers top-tier customer service, graciously engaging with a diverse range of campus constituents and external guests. She approaches every interaction with professionalism, patience, and a welcoming spirit that sets her apart. Christianna’s flexibility and readiness to support the evolving needs of the office reflect her deep sense of responsibility and teamwork. If a problem arises, she steps up without hesitation to ensure the goals of the Institutional Advancement office are met. What makes her especially inspiring is her optimism, enthusiasm, and positivity. These vital qualities regularly uplift her colleagues and help create an environment where others feel valued and supported.
John Jay Heroine: Hridita Islam ’26, Student Council, Chief of Staff to President
Nominator: In-Deria Barrows ’26, Student Council, Treasurer
Hridita exemplifies what it means to be both a dedicated leader and an engaged scholar. As Chief of Staff to the Student Council President, she works diligently behind the scenes to ensure the seamless functioning of student government operations. Her leadership is defined by reliability, initiative, and an unwavering commitment to supporting the entire board. What makes Hridita especially remarkable is her ability to balance full-time academic rigor with deep involvement in extracurricular leadership. She consistently shares opportunities with fellow students, ensures others feel included, and stays connected to the needs of the student body. Her pursuit of a certificate in dispute resolution reflects her intentional growth as a leader and her aspiration to become a judge. She is not only building credentials but also cultivating the empathy, fairness, and conflict-resolution skills necessary to create environments where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.
