Jazi Riley, a Lakeland native, has been named a New York City Urban Fellow for 2025-2026. Riley is a student at Manhattan University, a Lasallian Catholic institution in the Bronx, where she is in her second year as student body president.
The Urban Fellows program is a highly competitive, nine-month fellowship program that explores current urban issues through learning seminars and exposure to public sector leaders, according to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Urban Fellows are placed in agencies across the city to learn about public policy and work with department leaders.
Riley’s policy statement focused on addressing the significant gaps in New York’s legislative framework in combating sex trafficking, prosecuting offenders and strengthening prevention efforts involving minors, according to a news release from Manhattan University.
“So much of what I achieved thus far can be attributed to the inclusive campus that characterizes Manhattan University,” Riley said in a news release. “As a first-generation college student, I learned early that resilience and ambition can transcend even the toughest circumstances. At Manhattan, everyone wants everyone to succeed!”
Riley, a 2021 graduate of Victory Christian Academy, is pursuing a double major in political science and philosophy. She was a Branigan Research Scholar last semester, investigating the interplay between industry and jazz music.
“Our entire community is so proud of Jazi,” Manhattan University President Frederick Bonato said in the release. “Becoming an Urban Fellow is a highly coveted opportunity, and Jazi’s leadership skills, coupled with her deep interest on the intersection of community involvement and policy, makes her a particularly appropriate awardee.”
Riley served as a summer legal intern in the State Attorney’s Office for the 10 th Judicial Circuit in Bartow in 2023 and is now an intern in the Bronx Economic Development Corp., the release said. She will graduate from Manhattan University in May with a bachelor of arts and science. Her urban fellowship begins in September.