CUNY Law Welcomes New Advancement Directors to Support Development and Alumni Engagement
CUNY School of Law is pleased to welcome two new members of the Institutional Advancement team: Joe Acciarito and Dr. Trang Le-Chan. Together, they will support the Law School’s development, alumni engagement, and community-centered initiatives, helping to steward relationships, identify opportunities to support our mission, and gather resources in service of our students and community. Their roles are pivotal in our ongoing commitment to developing and strengthening partnerships.
Joe Acciarito
As Development Director, Joseph (Joe) Acciarito leads CUNY Law’s fundraising strategy from his experience in major gifts, donor relations, and strategic initiatives. A Brooklyn native now living in Staten Island, Joe graduated summa cum laude from St. Francis College and was inducted into the Duns Scotus Honor Society. Joe has held leadership roles at St. Francis College, Loyola School, and Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School, where he led fundraising campaigns and alumni engagement efforts. He now serves as Development Director at CUNY School of Law, where he oversees fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, and stewardship. A committed community advocate, Joe has been Vice President of the St. Francis College Alumni Board and serves on the committee for Xaverian High School’s Police Officer Christopher Hoban Memorial Run. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, cheering on the Yankees and Rangers, and spending time with his wife, Josephine, and their daughter, Alessandra.
What do you find most rewarding about your role so far?
“Building relationships with passionate alumni and donors who believe in CUNY Law’s mission is most rewarding. It’s fulfilling to connect their values with opportunities that make a real impact.”
How do you hope to collaborate with others at CUNY Law?
“I aim to collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and students to amplify CUNY Law’s impact through storytelling, engaging donors with authentic experiences that inspire generosity and long-term student support.”
Is there a CUNY Law event or tradition you’re especially looking forward to?
“Each year, I look forward to Commencement, which has always been my favorite event. Celebrating graduates’ achievements and the community’s future is truly inspiring and rewarding.”
Dr. Trang Le-Chan
As Director of Alumni Engagement and Initiatives, Dr. Trang Le-Chan leads programming that connects alumni with one another as well as the Law School community. She also oversees the Community Legal Resource Network (CLRN), leveraging her extensive experience in higher education to foster community and advancement. . Before joining CUNY Law, she developed a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy and expanded career services for students and alumni at City Tech. Dr. Le-Chan earned an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University, an M.S.W. from the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.S. in Human Development from SUNY Binghamton. She actively supports equity and inclusion by serving on the Board of Directors for the CUNY Asian American / Asian Research Institute (AAARI) and co-chairing the CUNY AAPI Leadership Pipeline Initiative.
What part of CUNY Law’s mission resonates with you most?
“CUNY Law’s commitment to social justice and access to legal education resonates with me. Its focus on public interest and supporting underrepresented communities aligns with my values.”
What do you find most meaningful or rewarding about your role so far?
“Working in a mission-driven environment where my efforts have real impact is rewarding. Supporting alumni making a difference is humbling and inspiring.”
Which events are you most looking forward to?
“I look forward to Reunions and Commencements, milestone events celebrating CUNY Law. I’m excited to help shape and support them.”
Since joining the Institutional Advancement team in Spring 2025, Joe and Trang have already begun immersing themselves in the CUNY Law community, getting to know the people behind the Law School’s mission. Their work is a reminder that advancing justice takes many forms, including creating meaningful opportunities for our community to engage, support one another, and build lasting connections
Please join us in welcoming them to CUNY Law!