On Mar. 9th, Queens College alumna Anna Savva came to QC to talk about her journey from a college student to Community Programs Manager for the New York City (NYC) Mayor’s Office at NYC Service.
Savva graduated from QC in 2020 – where she majored in Comparative Literature and Political Science – as the Baccalaureate Commencement Speaker. Three years later, she earned her masters in Human Rights at Columbia University. After interning at the United Nations (UN) and moving to Washington D.C. to work on foreign policy issues, Savva became the Community Programs Manager in late November 2025.
Now, she reaches out to communities across the city to connect them with government resources that encourage the bolstering of civic engagement and grassroots community building.
During the talk Savva advised students to put themselves out there, become active in their communities and apply for as many opportunities as possible.
Savva didn’t become Community Programs Manager overnight. It was her qualities and experiences that led her to that position.
“I was that kid in class who was always like, ‘why’?” she said.
Her curiosity helped her overcome any shyness or anxiety she felt. She went up to students and struck up conversations. Curiosity also guided her to her mentors: Professor Clare Carroll, Professor Ali Ahmed and Professor Francois Pierre-Louis.
By staying curious, she found her way to QC’s Model UN club, eventually becoming its president. Not only did she find her community, but she also sharpened her public speaking, writing, research, problem-solving skills and ability to advocate.
“[Model UN was] one of the best experiences — I think ever — of my life because it’s really shaped who I am today,” Savva commented.
Savva encouraged students to find their community even if it may seem scary at first.
“Fight the cringe!” she urged.
Savva mentioned that so many students today are scared of looking stupid or have social anxiety. Students should talk to people, ask questions and discover what their campus has to offer. Even if it’s attending an event for free food.
All of Savva’s experiences in college — public speaking, getting involved on campus and speaking to fellow New Yorkers — influenced her job.
When speaking about her role she said, “I was really excited by the community aspect of it and the ability to speak to New Yorkers, gather information and translate that into meaningful accessibility for folks.”
However, despite all her success, Savva stressed this: “No one’s path is linear.”
While in college, she didn’t even know that working with communities was a job that existed. She didn’t know exactly which path she wanted to follow.
In April 2025, her job in Washington D.C. was terminated as a result of government cuts. Savva was at a loss for what to do. While searching for a job, she campaigned for Zohran Mamdani in Queens. She realized that she loved interacting with the communities around her and she applied for the Community Programs Manager position on NYC Government Jobs.
Staying curious and involved allowed her to succeed.
“Opportunities are out there,” Savva said. “You just have to really search for them, and you have to be genuine about them as well.”
Students looking for internships can look at the Mayor’s Office website – and the websites of specific city agencies – which regularly post positions for various divisions.
Students can also look into the Resident Volunteer Corps (RVC) program, which runs out of Savva’s office at NYC Service. The program runs three cycles each academic year and matches students with volunteer opportunities within city agencies. Applications for the Summer RVC Cohort open on April 6th and close April 27th. While applications for the Fall RVC Cohort open on July 6th and close July 31st.
Savva’s tip to stand out as an applicant: “You have to tell a story.”
She says that students should have three things they’d want someone to remember about them when they leave the room.
Savva demonstrated:
“Hi, my name is Anna. I’m a Political Science and Comparative Literature major. My interests are informed by my experiences growing up in post-conflict Cyprus and being from Queens.”
So students: be awkward, ask questions, participate in clubs and apply for that internship. Make your presence known.
As Savva emphasized at the end of the interview, “Closed mouths do not get fed!”
