Five CUNY SPS Alums Named to CUNY’s Inaugural “50 Under 50” List

First-Ever List Highlights 50 Graduates Representing Diverse Talents and Achievements

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) is thrilled to announce that five of its distinguished alumni recently were named to the University-wide 50 Under 50 list, a new program spearheaded through the central office of CUNY.

Earlier this year, the University launched this new initiative by accepting nominations from each campus for the first cohort of honorees. The 50 Under 50 alums who were ultimately selected made outstanding contributions in their respective fields over the past year. They each demonstrate the diverse talents within CUNY's community and represent numerous different job sectors such as government and policy, education, STEM, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

CUNY SPS Dean Dr. Lisa Braverman shared her excitement and pride about this new and distinct recognition, “I am so glad that CUNY as an institution created this tribute,” said Dr. Braverman. “Our CUNY SPS alums are consistently working to build and strengthen their communities. Our five extraordinary graduates who were selected for this first 50 Under 50 lineup are the best of the best, and I enthusiastically applaud them.”

The CUNY SPS alums named as the 2024 50 Under 50 are:

Kristen Lemma (Advanced Certificate Research Administration ’21), senior grants specialist, NYU Langone Health

Dominique Mendez-Rose (MA Psychology ’24), administrative events specialist, John Jay College

Kris Senior (MS Business Management and Leadership ’20), chief financial officer, Barbizon Lighting Company

Phara Souffrant Forrest (BS Nursing ’20), New York State Assembly member

Emily Towner (BA Communications and Media ’16), neuroscience researcher, University of Cambridge 

To nominate alumni for future awards, complete this online form.