The Middle School hosted its first Public Service Panel, inviting three current and former New York City Commissioners to discuss their work. Two Class 7 students led the Q&A, first asking the panelists: Why did you choose public service?
“I want to be in the room where the decisions are being made, especially for people who look and sound like me,” said Vilda Vera Mayuga, Commissioner of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Before her appointment to that role in 2022, she served as Deputy Secretary for Economic Opportunity at the New York State Department of State, and she was the first Latina to serve as Chair of the New York State Industrial Board of Appeals.
Commissioner Mayuga explained that the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection plays a much larger role than people may realize. “Refund policies, workplace laws, gasoline testing… it’s important to understand why these laws are in place and how our actions as individuals can affect everyone else.”
Laura Kavanagh was previously the New York City Fire Commissioner—and the first woman to hold the position since it was established in 1865. “We need engineers, mechanics, software developers and many other roles to get these fire trucks out the door and they all need support,” she said, describing her role as Commissioner. “And we need to get more women in firefighting.” Commissioner Kavanaugh said that nearly 99% of FDNY firefighters were men when she first joined the department.
Students asked the panelists how they manage priorities when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Kevin Kim, former Commissioner of the New York Department of Small Business Services, discussed the importance of trusting the people around you and building strong relationships with good communication. Under his leadership, the SBS was responsible for supporting approximately 200,000 small businesses across NYC.
Commissioner Kavanagh added that prioritization means understanding where you can make the greatest impact and then giving it your best. “Learning you can’t be perfect is as much a part of leadership for us as it is for you in Middle School.
