Each year since 2013, the City University of New York has supported the Joseph S. Murphy Scholarship for Diversity in Labor by providing an annual challenge-grant, encouraging yearly donations from numerous outside supporters. As a result, this scholarship program is able to provide generous scholarships to students pursuing their degrees at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies.
Joseph S. Murphy Scholarship for Diversity in Labor Reception and Awards Program
Recognizing Labor’s Rising Leaders and Introducing Scholarship Recipients for the 2023-24 Academic Year
As part of the annual Diversity Scholarship Awards Ceremony, the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies honors Rising Leaders who have made a difference in the lives of workers and our communities, through their passionate commitment to worker rights, civil & human rights, and social justice in the broadest sense.
Medical ICU Nurse Montefiore Medical Center,Executive Committee, New York State Nurses Association
Associate Director of Governmental & Political Affairs Council of School Supervisors & Administrators
Toffee Clark
Joseph S. Murphy Scholarship Award
Master’s in Labor Studies
Toffee has been accepted to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Labor Studies for the fall of 2023. She is a graduate of SLU’s Union Semester program and has served as a strike organizer for Starbucks Workers United. Presently, Toffee is engaged in organizing efforts for DC 37.
Prarthana Gurung
Joseph S. Murphy Scholarship Award
Master’s in Labor Studies
Prarthana, a Nepali-American who was raised in the rural American South, has been accepted to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Labor Studies for the fall of 2023. She currently serves as the Campaign Director of Adhikaar, a social justice organization based in Queens, NY.
Lucia Gomez
Morton Bahr Scholarship Award
Master’s in Labor Studies
Lucia has been accepted to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Labor Studies for the fall of 2023. Previously, she held the position of Executive Director at the non-profit organization La Fuente. Currently, Lucia serves as the Political Director of the New York City Central Labor Council.
Naima Rock
SEIU John Reid Scholarship Award
Bachelor’s in Urban and Community Studies
Naima, a Brooklyn native, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban and Community Studies with a concentration in Labor. She is a long-time member of Local 371. Naima’s passion lies in working with criminal justice-involved youth, and she is actively involved in this field through her work with the Administration for Children’s Services in New York City.
Taylor Savary
David Livingston Memorial Scholarship Award
Master’s in Labor Studies
Taylor has been accepted to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Labor Studies starting in the fall of 2023. She has previously graduated from the union IATSE’s Officer Institute. Currently, Taylor holds the position of IATSE Business Representative, where she plays an active role in representing and advocating for the interests of the union members.
Kaarthika Thakker
Albert Neumann Scholarship Award
Master’s in Labor Studies
Kaarthika has been accepted to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Labor Studies starting in the fall of 2023. Previously, she held the position of Communications Director for Assemblymember Mamdani, where she played a key role in managing communications strategies. Currently, Kaarthika is actively involved as a tech worker organizer for OPEIU Local 1010, advocating for the rights and interests of tech workers.
Charlie Uruchima
1199SEIU Basil Paterson Scholarship Award
Master’s in Labor Studies
Charlie has been accepted to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Labor Studies starting in the fall of 2023. As a co-founder of a Kichwa community radio station in the Bronx, Charlie has actively contributed to amplifying the voices and issues of his community. Presently, he is passionately advocating for the Workers Bill of Rights, aiming to protect and improve the rights and conditions of workers.