The SOMOS conference brings together policymakers, community leaders, and advocates from across New York for concentrated policy discussions and strategic planning on how to support the Latino community and strengthen opportunities for all New Yorkers. From November 5th-9th, members of the CUNY community, including leaders and alumni from CUNY Law, took part in the conference’s wide range of programming. Held annually in Puerto Rico, the gathering offers a full schedule of workshops and meetings focused on major legislative and community priorities. This year’s program featured 68 workshops that supported in-depth conversations across education, governance, economic development, and other pressing issues.
CUNY School of Law participated in these substantive sessions throughout the conference. Interim Dean Natalie Gomez-Velez joined New York officials and community partners in conversations that provided an important opportunity to engage with advocates working at the forefront of issues affecting the Latino community. The conference also provided a critical opportunity to advocate for CUNY Law’s needs as the state budget process moves forward.
Alumni serving in the legislature, including New York State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey ’12, Assemblymembers Catalina Cruz ’09, Harvey Epstein ’94, and Rebecca Seawright ’92, contributed to policy workshops and discussions that will help shape the upcoming legislative session. Their engagement highlighted the growing presence of CUNY Law graduates in public service and their impact on statewide priorities.
A key panel attended by the CUNY delegation, “Supporting Vulnerable Communities Through Creative School Partnerships,” was hosted by Assemblymember Catalina Cruz ’09 and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas. Panelists included NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos, OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden, Director of No Kid Hungry NY Rachel Sabella, NY Sun Works Executive Director Manuela Zamora, and Variety Boys & Girls Club CEO and former City Council Member Costa Constantinides. The conversation underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing the needs of New York’s most vulnerable students and families. CUNY Law’s presence on the panel reinforced our commitment to innovative approaches that address the real challenges facing New York’s communities.
The conference setting supports open, collaborative dialogue and creates space for extended engagement among policymakers and community advocates. Because the conference takes place shortly after the election, it is also a moment when participants assess the evolving political landscape. As leadership roles shift and new administrations take shape, attendees use SOMOS to refine priorities, build relationships, and prepare for the work ahead. This year’s conversations were further informed by the historic New York City mayoral election and speaker race.
On November 7th, the Law School hosted an event at the Condado Ocean Club that brought together CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Senior Vice Chancellor Sascha Owen, alumni, judges, and leaders including City Council Member Julie Won, Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright ’92 and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz ’09, Bronx Community College President Dr. Larry D. Johnson Jr., community partners, and Skye Ostreicher who founded In The Room Media.
Our participation in SOMOS reflects CUNY Law’s commitment to engaging directly with the communities we serve and collaborating with leaders shaping policy on the ground. These relationships connect our clinics and classrooms to the lived experiences of New Yorkers and provide opportunities to demonstrate how legal education supports meaningful change across the state.