York College Celebrates NDEAM with Landmark Career Resource Expo Attracting More Than 400 Attendees

York College lit up the campus on Friday with its Third Annual Career Resource Expo, bringing together more than 427 attendees including students, recent graduates, alumni, employers, and resource organizations from all five boroughs. The event closed out the college’s university wide recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and spotlighted York’s commitment to real, equitable access to career pathways for all students.

This year’s Expo was powered by the Center for Students with Disabilities at York College and co-sponsored by York Career Services, CUNY LEADS, the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities, CCSD@York, the NYC Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development, and the Office of the Governor of New York State. With 68 partner employers and 9 partner resource organizations, it was the largest and most dynamic Career Resource Expo York College or CUNY LEADS has delivered to date.

Students showed up from across CUNY, the SUNY Educational Opportunity Center, and regional private colleges and universities, a clear sign that the Expo has grown into a major destination for career minded students across the metropolitan area.

York College was also honored to welcome Kimberly Hill Ridley, the first New York State Chief Disability Officer, who spent the day engaging with students, employers, and staff. Student Government Association President Akkeem Polack, who also serves as Chair of the University Student Senate and Student Trustee, joined fellow CCSD student leaders in welcoming Ms. Hill Ridley and presented her with an award and flowers for her advocacy on behalf of CUNY students.

Provost Derrick Brazill and Assistant Vice President James Salnave connected with employers and students throughout the Expo, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to strengthening academic pathways, career preparation, and post-graduation success. Employers represented high growth industries including health care, aviation, finance, technology, public service, education, law enforcement, and community support.

Benjamin Drepaul of Career Services captured the spirit of the day: “This collaboration created real access for our students. Employers left impressed, and our students left empowered.”

The Expo pushes forward York College’s strategic priorities in Enrollment Management and Student Success by deepening partnerships that drive retention, graduation, and meaningful career outcomes. York extends sincere appreciation to every staff member, partner, and student leader who brought this experience to life.

The Expo concluded with a “Lunch and Learn,” featuring Ramzees Kennedy, a recent York College graduate who turned his passion for content creation and anime into a six-figure business. A Business Administration alum, Ramzees shared practical insights on building a brand in the digital space and reminded students that no matter their goals, earning their degree remains essential. He encouraged students to tap into their creativity and the wide range of CUNY resources available to turn ideas into real career pathways.

Senior Director Charmaine Townsell, who oversees the Center for Students with Disabilities and led the collaboration, reflected on the day’s impact, sharing: “This Expo showed the strength of our partnerships and the talent of our students. Bringing together CUNY, SUNY, private institutions, and national universities created an energy that made it clear our students are ready for the workforce. I am grateful for the continued leadership of President Claudia Schrader and Vice President Karen A. Williams, whose support makes this work possible.”

Event Reel