We recently had the opportunity to host a virtual conversation with NY Assemblymember Kenny Burgos who represents the 85th District. The discussion was moderated by Melvin Pina, an SSP alumnus and current MBA candidate at the University of Pennsylvania. They discussed everything from Burgos' upbringing in the Bronx to his career journey.
Below are highlights from the conversation.
Melvin Pina: What was the inspiration for your career path?
Assemblymember Kenny Burgos: I was like many of you […] I didn’t know what I wanted to do [...] I did what my mentors told me, which was to take an internship [...] I worked alongside staff with the mayor, the City Council, we’re passing city laws, we’re passing a $95 billion budget [...] I was seeing the power they had to impact my neighborhood all the way into the Bronx [...] I was overwhelmed, we really can have a huge impact on some of the smallest issues in our neighborhood. When I graduated I was just hooked, so I got a job at the City Council and government has been my life ever since.
Melvin: For someone who wants to go into public service, what do you recommend in terms of what they should focus/major in during college? How can our students orient themselves to get internship opportunities once they’re in college?
Assemblymember: You’re going to bring to the table some sort of value. In the world of government, there’s so much more than just what I do. You have the chief of staff, communications director, people who handle the budget, people who handle the policy, people who work on campaigns [...] Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out. Don’t feel like you have to be a public policy major. At the end of the day, your voice, experience, and your education will be so valuable in government.
As for getting started, there are so many different ways [...] One way is using the new era of the digital age. There’s also even the old era [...] if someone were to walk into my office and say I live in the neighborhood and I want to get more involved in the government, here’s my resume, I’m going to show that person so much attention because I value that. And then there’s always the traditional route, you have some schools that have internship programs [...] If you have an interest in government, there really is an opening for everyone.
Melvin: How do you recommend students ultimately create a lasting impression? And what’s the importance of creating a first and last impression?
Assemblymember: First impressions are everything. The content of what you’re saying, how you deliver it, tone, your attitude, how you’re dressed [...] Be presentable, look like you made the effort and it will set you apart [...] The elevator pitch is nerve racking [...] the best thing you can do is honestly be yourself. I know it’s a cliche but your normal reaction may not be to be yourself. You may try to emulate someone and what it is you think the person is looking for. People will always respect it so much more because you’re being you.
Melvin: Do you believe they should cater their messaging or positioning of themselves according to the person they’re in front of?
Assemblymember: Your messaging should definitely be something that the person you’re speaking to is receptive to while still being yourself […] You have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. That’s where the biggest growth is going to happen. As long as you are willing to try and unafraid to fail, you will go so much further than most people. If you continue to face it head on and if you fail, you’ll figure out what went wrong and you’ll tweak it for the next time.
Melvin: What does your day look like?
Assemblymember: My role by the state constitution is to set the state budget, pass bills that then become laws signed by the governor, and have oversight over certain committees. I can be at a school, speaking to graduates. I can be on a Zoom like this. I can be in the chambers up in Albany. Government has such an open-ended kind of role where it’s how you interpret it which is why it’s so important to have representatives.
Melvin: While student aren't eligible to vote yet, what are some ways they can create change in their communities?
Assemblymember: Because you can't vote does not mean you don't have power. I have seem some movements led by the youngest people that have been so powerful. We live in the digital era, politicians have Twitter, politicians have Instagram, and the digital era can spread information, a message so fast (for better or worse). [...] If you make enough noise, they're going to listen. If you have an issue, speak on it. [...] You have immense power but you have to organize because there's power in numbers. [...] If you lead a movement for something or against something, it will have so much impact.
We want to thank Kenny for taking his time to educate and inspire our students!
Follow him on Instagram @KennyBurgosNY
