Alumnus Kavon B. Lee ’20 has built an impressive public service resume over the last few years. He’s interned for John Jay alumnus and former New York State Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo ’03. He was External Affairs Liaison at the New York State Assembly. He worked at the Bronx Board of Elections. Now, Lee’s taking on the role of Diversity Initiative Fellow at the Office of the New York City Comptroller, Scott Stringer ’86. The role is a new one for the Comptroller’s Office, which was announced earlier this year. By launching the fellowship program with CUNY, Stringer hopes to create career opportunities for the next generation of New York City leaders. “CUNY is the crown jewel of higher education in our city, and as a proud John Jay graduate myself, I’m so thrilled to launch this first-ever fellowship program at our office for these young leaders,” says Comptroller Stringer. “These fellows will gain first-hand experience in public service and skills to push our city toward a brighter future.” For Lee, the fellowship reaffirms his commitment to public service and fighting on behalf of underrepresented and underserved communities. “People of color have a hard time finding employment, regardless of their merits and accolades, so receiving this opportunity, is a blessing,” says Lee. “I know that at the Comptroller’s Office I’m working with people who are actively fighting for socioeconomic equality across New York City. And, I know that through this fellowship, I’ll become a better version of myself.”

Learning About the World
Lee’s determination to succeed is something he attributes to his adopted mother, Ms. Alberthan Singleton Lee—he calls her his grandmother—who kept him on the path to success all his life. “When I was born, I had a fever of over 103 degrees and tested positive for drugs in my system. My mother had to sign over her rights and I was put up for adoption,” says Lee. Living with his new adopted family in the South Bronx, Lee grew up in one of the toughest and poorest neighborhoods in the city. But despite the environment, he was surrounded by love and managed to stay out of trouble. “My grandmother was the child of sharecroppers and grew up under the tight grip of the Jim Crow South. When I was a kid, she explained that my opportunities in life would be limited because I was a Black man living in a world filled with systematic injustices. My grandmother would say, ‘You have to work twice as hard to have half as much,’” recalls Lee, reflecting on how his grandmother helped him understand the world. “She wanted me to see the value and worth I bring to the world as a Black man. She made sure that I carried myself with dignity and respect. And, because she created such a nurturing environment that valued morals and belief, I was kept focused and away from a ‘life on the streets.’”

Finding Inspiration in Public Service
Growing up as a Black man in the South Bronx gave Lee a deeper perspective on the socioeconomic disparities that exist in our society. “I always wondered, Why do the disparities exist? Who is responsible for them existing? What can I do to change those factors and help improve the lives of those living in my community?” he says, explaining how his interest in public service began. When he was 10 years old, Lee was chosen to serve as the fifth-grade ambassador during a visit from Ruben Diaz Sr., at the time the New York State Senator for the 32nd district. “Before the fifth grade, my dream was to become a police officer. But then I heard Ruben Diaz Sr. speak about policy and legislation. Here was this Afro-Latino male who was in a political position and he was sitting down with us to understand how he could make our learning more innovative and our school environment more secure,” says Lee. “Being able to see a man of color, who I could identify with, sparked my interest in politics and created in me a need to understand how our government system works.”

Thriving at John Jay
Lee’s upbringing also created a drive in him to be an advocate for justice. “From a young age, I had a strong sense of justice and advocating for the little guy, the underdog, those people that are often ignored. Ultimately, that’s what led me to John Jay, earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and my aspirations of joining the legal profession,” says Lee. At the College, where he was part of the Pre-Law Institute, he found mentors who would support his dreams and champion him on his journey. One of those mentors was Charles Robert Davidson, Ph.D., Director of the Pre-Law Institute and Center for Post-Graduate Opportunities. “Dr. Davidson helped me become part of the John Jay family and encouraged me to partake in school events and to take advantage of the opportunities presented to me,” recalls Lee. “Dr. Davidson is more than an educator, he’s a mentor, he’s a friend. He has the ability to see the potential in all individuals and he’s deeply invested in helping students realize their full potential.” Through his work with PLI and under the mentorship of Davidson, Lee met district attorneys, went on interviews and even met New York State Attorney General Letitia James. “At John Jay I was able to do a lot of great things. I was chosen to assist with John Jay’s My Brother’s Keeper pilot, participated in John Jay’s Trail Blazers, and attend the 2018 SOMOS Puerto Rico Conference,” says Lee. “But the most memorable moment I had at John Jay was meeting Attorney General Letitia James during the New York State Attorney General Democratic Primary Debate. I was a student ambassador and had a chance to speak directly with her. She’s someone who really cares about the people. When I saw her at the SOMOS conference, she remembered who I was. She said it brought her joy and filled her with pride to see me growing, learning, and thriving. She’s amazing and I aspire to be like her in my own legal career.”

Thinking of the Future
As a Diversity Initiative Fellow at the Office of the New York City Comptroller, Lee’s examining federal initiatives that are geared toward the inclusion of women and minorities in corporate leadership. “The Comptroller’s team is comprised of people that are driven to do right by New Yorkers. Being able to work with Chief Diversity Officer Wendy Garcia has been incredible and I’m learning so much,” says Lee. Envisioning his future, Lee sees himself continuing to expand his work in public service. “I love being able to educate, empower, and help with the development of my community and the people in it. Serving as a student ambassador, interning with Assemblyman Crespo, working with the Board of Elections, and the fellowship with the Comptroller’s Office have reaffirmed for me my passion for equality and justice,” he says. But he doesn’t plan to stop there. Lee also sees himself entering the legal profession and uplifting his community. “My goal is to become an attorney and work my way up to Bronx District Attorney. I see myself working in the Public Advocate’s Office, then becoming an Attorney General or a judge,” says Lee. “Ultimately, my biggest goal is to help change how the world perceives the South Bronx. Instead of being known as the nation’s poorest congressional district, we will be known as one of the nation’s most innovative, inclusive, and progressive districts. My upbringing has shown me how love, support, a good education, and work opportunities can lead to success. My grandmother gave me the first half, John Jay and working in public service has given me the other half. I look forward to the day I get to walk into a classroom and inspire a 10-year-old kid to dream big and work on behalf of their community.”