Who We Are

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.

Left to right: Brandon W. Mosley, Hayes Peter Mauro, Jeremy Rosenberg, Melissa Orlando, Manny Gomez, Christian Amez. Photo by Pat Dorfman.

We believe in creating change through...

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:

Ask the MTA to do a full line review on the 7 Line to address:

  • signal malfunctions that occur multiple times a week;
  • dangerous overcrowding on trains that are over 100% capacity;
  • the timing and frequency of trains;
  • the scheduled completion and remaining work of CBTC construction;
  • a new plan for weekend service changes due to construction for disenfranchised riders who work weekends;
  • transportation alternatives during weekend construction in addition to the ineffective shuttle buses that replace the 7.

Identify and work with an MTA liaison for the 7 Line who will:

  • address ongoing concerns, inquiries and other customer service issues;
  • communicate planned work schedules on a timely basis;
  • collect customer feedback on ways to improve service along the Flushing Line.

Plan a town hall with the MTA to address concerns about the 7 Line.

Learn about the outcomes of the #AskTheMTA Town Hall.

Better, timely and more accurate communication for transit customers.

| the steering committee |

Photo of Melissa Orlando
Melissa Orlando, Founder & Executive Director

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.

Photo of Melissa Orlando
Joseph Anastasio, Researcher & Analyst

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.

Photo of Melissa Orlando
Christian Amez, Community Liaison & Founding Member

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.

Photo of Melissa Orlando
Patricia Dorfman, Strategist & Founding Member

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.

Photo of Melissa Orlando
Manny Gomez, Communication Specialist

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.

Photo of Melissa Orlando
Brandon W. Mosley, Senior Director & Founding Member

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.

Photo of Melissa Orlando
Jeremy Rosenberg, Community Outreach & Founding Member

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.

Photo of Melissa Orlando
Mitch Waxman, Strategist

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.