The first installment of our new speaker series JCAL Talks is on February 16th at 7pm! The featured guest will be Melva M. Miller, the CEO of Association for a Better New York. If you're wondering whether you should check it out, we have you covered. Here's 3 reasons why you should absolutely RSVP to this free event!

RSVP Here: https://jcal.meeter-app.com/event/7YnuaOACvh

Melva M. Miller is a champion of Southeast Queens

A resident of Southeast Queens, Ms. Miller has dedicated her life to community development through equitable economic growth, creative organizing and inclusive stakeholder participation. Ms. Miller started her community work in 1993 when she began working with children using the arts as a tool to promote civic responsibility while fostering positive imagery of youth in her community.

“I’m delighted to be the inaugural speaker for JCAL Talks,” commented Miller. “I was raised, and still live in Southeast Queens, so Queens in very much a part of my identity. Certainly, all five boroughs are critical to New York City’s vitality, especially as we emerge from the pandemic. Yet there’s no question that Queens remains especially vital to our City’s overall economic, social and cultural recovery.”

Melva M. Miller is a trailblazer

From becoming the founding Executive Director of the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District upon graduation, to her role now as the Association for a Better New York’s first Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Miller has always been a leader who has pushed boundaries. We're looking forward to being inspired by her journey, and her perspective in JCAL Talks' inaugural program.

There is so much to talk about!

JCAL Talks has arrived during an unprecedented time, and will provide enlightening conversation on arts and culture, education and politics, and civic and community life. “Queens has always produced more than it's fair share of thought leaders and influencers,” Noted JCAL's interim Executive Director Leonard Jacobs. “At a time when our city is being re-energized by social justice and change, JCAL wishes to celebrate the great American tradition of public discourse and community building. We’re honored that Melva Miller—who embodies the pride and promise of our borough—shares this vision and will be the inaugural guest for JCAL Talks.”

JCAL Talks will be available here: