News

Carlyn Cowen Named City & State Pride Trailblazer for LGBTQ+ Leadership

City & State has released its 2026 Pride Trailblazers list, honoring dozens of LGBTQ+ leaders across New York, including elected officials, activists, advocates, and executives on the front lines of the movement who stand up for their rights and make their voices heard throughout the state. Carlyn Cowen, CPC's Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, who oversees public policy, advocacy, government affairs, and community engagement, was included in the list. They have helped build an advocacy program that engages over 2,000 staff and community members each year. They also played a key role in securing state funding for Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations and serve as a co-chair of the board for Jews for Racial and Economic Justice.

CPC's Queens AAPI Heritage Month Benefit Celebrates Leadership, Culture, and Investment in Immigrant Communities

On May 28th, CPC hosted our annual Queens Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Benefit at Northern Gala in Flushing, bringing together over 400 philanthropic, corporate, government, and community leaders. The evening celebrated AAPI leadership and raised over $175k to support CPC programs that serve 20,000 Queens residents each year through services ranging from early childhood education and college readiness to senior care, support for families with special needs, multi-social services, adult literacy, and legal immigration counseling.

CPC Stands with Over 2,000 Advocates at #JustPay Rally

On May 14th, CPC joined over 2,000 human services workers and allies at the #JustPay rally outside City Hall to support Wage Equity Legislation (Int 0452), a bill that would align nonprofit and city government job titles to help close the 30% pay gap faced by nonprofit human services workers. CPC President and CEO Wayne Ho served as one of the rally's MCs, highlighting that nonprofit workers deserve fair pay as they keep New York City running but earn less than city workers doing the same jobs. These workers ensure older adults are fed, immigrants learn English, young people become leaders, and children are educated. They deserve fair pay.

CPC-Managed School Pantry Sees Demand Surge Amid SNAP Cuts and Immigration Fears

On May 11th, The Sunset Post published a report on rising food insecurity in Sunset Park and highlighted CPC's role in managing the food pantry at PS 94. According to the article, demand at the CPC-run pantry has more than doubled in recent years, serving 210 high-need families last year, who received food once per month, compared to just 40 families every two weeks in 2022. Rebecca Giordano, CPC’s Family Development Director, noted that while the school's enrollment has shrunk, the need for food seems to be constantly increasing. The report also ties the growing demand to rising food prices, immigration enforcement fears, and stricter SNAP work requirements under recently passed federal legislation, which have reduced SNAP enrollment in New York City by over 5% since last year.