For Steven Raga (MPA ’15), politics is local—literally. He has spent the majority of his career working for nonprofits, advocating for his community in Queens, NY, where he was born and raised.
But now he’s experiencing politics from a different perspective: He was elected to serve in the New York State Assembly, representing parts of Woodside, Elmhurst, Maspeth, Jackson Heights, Astoria, and Middle Village.
Raga’s election was historic, as he became the first Filipino American to win an election in New York State. “I’m happy to be the first but definitely won’t be the last,” he says. “It’s important that we get representation in our offices from every corner of the city and our cultural makeup.”
Prior to taking office, Raga was executive director of Woodside on the Move—a grassroots community organization in Queens—and a regional manager for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, among other positions. In the political world, he had served as chief of staff for Assemblymember Bill Barnwell, his predecessor.
Raga is also a member of the New York State advisory committee of the U.S. Federal Commission on Civil Rights, having been appointed by then President Barack Obama. The commission tackles major issues including policing, the housing crisis, and inequity in school systems.
“That experience helped me look at federal policy from a state perspective,” he explains. “It’s been a great opportunity, especially interacting with individuals from all different parts of the political spectrum.”
Raga credits his MPA from Baruch’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs with directly helping him now as a member of the assembly, particularly during the chamber’s very hectic budget season. “We literally covered this in our ‘Public Budgeting’ course,” he explains.
Raga has been no stranger to Baruch since his graduation. He participates as a mentor in the Executives on Campus program and was honored last fall with a Baruch Alumni Changemaker Award for his impact on his community.
“It hits different to be honored by Baruch,” he notes. “Whenever I go back, I feel like I’m truly in the heart of New York City.”
—Gregory M. Leporati