Poli Sci Alum Thrives in Career with the Port Authority of NY and NJ

Akshar Patel, a member of York College’s Class of 2015, is thriving in his career as manager of External Affairs and Community Outreach for the JFK Redevelopment Program at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), a role he has held since 2023. 

Before joining the Port Authority, Patel began his career in local legislative offices, including as Deputy Chief of Staff to New York State Senator John Liu and as Director of Constituent Services for former Council Member I. Daneek Miller. When asked about the York mentors who helped prepare him for his varied career, Patel emphasized that it was not just one professor, but an entire department that shaped his professional foundation. 

“Dr. Michael Sharpe -- and the entire Political Science Department, including Dr. Robin Harper and Dr. Ron Daniels (ret.) -- have been extremely supportive and provided me with the guidance needed to work in government,” Patel explained. “The department was instrumental in my career by first providing me with the knowledge and skill set.” 

Patel added that the department also created opportunities to apply those skills.  “They provided internships and seminars that allowed me to gain real-world experience. They gave me the confidence to succeed wherever I was, and that internship eventually became the beginning of my career in government. That’s why I believe in paying it forward and helping the next generation of leaders.” 

In his current role, Patel serves as one of the primary points of contact with the external community and governmental stakeholders for the JFK Redevelopment Program. His responsibilities include engagement with the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council (JFKCAC), coordinating stakeholder meetings, and organizing public information sessions for the council and its committees. 

Patel has also pursued a master’s degree in political science from the CUNY Graduate Center and currently also serves as an adjunct professor at Hunter College. There, he teaches an undergraduate course in Asian American Studies, focusing on South Asians in the United States and Asian American political participation in New York City. 

In addition, Patel designs and implements public outreach initiatives in collaboration with the JFK Redevelopment Community Information Center (CIC) staff and the Port Authority’s Government & Community Relations team. He also co-manages the CIC in Jamaica, New York, ensuring that the public receives routine, formal, and informal updates through community meetings and local events, further strengthening the connection between the redevelopment program and the communities it serves. He still credits York College for preparing him for success. 

“Without York, I wouldn’t be here,” he emphasized. “York is a gem in our community, and I thank God for the Political Science Department for putting me in spaces where I could succeed, and for providing guidance for a student like me who didn’t know where he was going.” 

Dr. Michael Sharpe, who has taught Patel at the different stages of his academic journey, has high praise for his former student. 

“Akshar Patel is a model student, alumnus, and serious professional who continues to make our Political Science faculty and the entire York College/CUNY community proud,” Dr. Sharpe said. “He embodies the very best of York: intellectual rigor, curiosity, diligence, persistence, and commitment to family and community.” 

Dr. Sharpe expounded on his experience with student Patel. 

“I have known him since the fall of 2013, when he was a student in my Comparative Politics (POL 202) and Asian Politics (POL 257) courses. I immediately noticed his keen intellect and outstanding academic ability, as well as his commitment to understanding democratic processes. He earned A’s in both courses and went on to take many more with me. “In short, Mr. Patel was a straight-A student in every course he took with me at York and is now completing his master’s degree in political science at the CUNY Graduate Center, where I also serve on the faculty. It has been a pleasure to witness his continued growth as both a student and a professional.”