Founded in May of 2015, Access Queens is a coalition of local New York City residents committed to sustaining vibrant, diverse communities. We know that the success and economic stability of our communities and our borough, depends on access to appropriate infrastructure that supports and enables Queens to thrive. As infrastructure goes hand in hand with responsible development, and as Queens continues to grow, we will advocate for the needs of our borough.
Grassroots organizing and community outreach
Collaboration with public service and transit agencies
Creating coalitions with elected city officials
Our transit-related goals for 2015-2016 are:
A nonprofit leader with over 14 years of experience, Melissa is currently Director of HR Infrastructure at a global health organization. She is an active community member in Sunnyside, where she's lived for 15 years. Melissa is a Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and SunnysideArtists board member and an American Ballet Theatre-certified teacher.
UX designer by day and writer/photographer by night, Joe is a life long LIC resident. He has over 15 years experience developing new websites and mobile apps, and recently wrote a book on the changing landscape along the 7 line though LIC.
As a Queens native raised on both sides of the 7 line in Sunnyside, Christian's career in community advocacy includes both professional and volunteer work with Woodside on the Move, Make Queens Safer, the Queens Art Intervention, the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy, and the Queens Post.
An illustrator, designer and producer of 425 TV commercials, Pat is a member of the Directors Guild of America. She has screened at Telluride and won the Cine Golden Eagle. Pat studied at SVA, NYU Film School, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Michigan. She founded Sunnyside Artists and is Director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Colombian-born, Manny has lived in Sunnyside-Woodside for 30 years. He is a financial advisor and is passionate about fitness, food and photography. He is an active community leader in Sunnyside, President of SunnysideArtists, VP Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of United Forties Civil Association, Queen of Angels Church Parish Council and Magnificat Young Adults.
Originally from White Plains, Brandon has lived in Queens since 2012. He is a Freelance Web/Graphic Designer for small businesses, and enjoys shooting photography, cooking and genealogical research. By joining Access Queens, he strives to bring expertise in creative, marketing, and content strategy.
A Queens native and current LIC resident, Jeremy is a George Washington University graduate and attends CUNY School of Law. He is a member of the Hunters Point Civic Association, enjoys running, cooking, traveling, and is a political junkie.
Mitch Waxman is a photographer and Queens historian who spends a lot of his time along Newtown Creek. Mitch is the historian for Newtown Creek Alliance, and official photographer for the Working Harbor Committee.