Jefferson Apuango
Commencement Speaker | School for Public Affairs and Administration
Master of Public Administration
Class of 2025
Jefferson Apuango stands at the intersection of lived experience and public service, bringing heart, insight, and action to everything he does. As the 2025 Student Speaker for the School for Public Affairs and Administration at Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY), Jefferson represents the kind of leader our communities need—rooted in purpose and driven by a deep commitment to making systems work better for those who rely on them most. His journey—from the son of Ecuadorian immigrants in Peekskill, New York, to a graduate student shaping county-level child welfare policy- proves that with clarity of purpose and the courage to keep going, real change is possible.
Jefferson works as a Social Caseworker in the Office of Child Welfare Policy, Planning, and Program Development at the Westchester County Department of Social Services. In this role, he supports and evaluates child welfare services across the county. From managing and distributing casework to conducting policy reviews and representing his department at community outreach events, Jefferson ensures that families in need have access to services that are thoughtful, effective, and responsive.
His professional path began years earlier with New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), where he found both a calling and a sense of belonging. “Working at ACS was more than a job—it became a second home,” Jefferson says. But he knew that in order to grow and lead, education would be the next step. “Earning my master’s was something I carried in my heart. It wasn’t just about a credential—it was about becoming the version of myself I knew I was capable of.”
That determination led him to MCNY. Jefferson was intrigued after spotting the College’s logo on a subway ad. “The structure of the program stood out to me. It was intense, but designed for people who are serious about making progress—and that’s exactly what I needed.” He was also inspired by a former trainer from the James Satterwhite Academy at ACS, June Berry, who spoke highly of her experience as an MCNY alum. Jefferson applied, enrolled, and never looked back.
Still, the road wasn’t easy. “There were times I felt out of place, like I didn’t belong in graduate school,” he admits. “No one in my family had ever done this. But over time, I realized I do belong—and that I was doing this not only for myself, but for them.”
Jefferson’s work and academic experience are directly aligned. His studies in MCNY’s MPA program equipped him with the tools to think critically about policy, advocate effectively, and lead with integrity. “The Purpose-Centered Education model is all about applying what you learn in real time. I wasn’t just earning a degree—I was building the skillset to help families and improve systems in the community I care most about.”
That community is personal. Jefferson is deeply connected to his roots in Peekskill, where he was born and raised. “It’s a vibrant place, full of people who care,” he says. His parents—his most incredible role models—immigrated from Ecuador and built a life through hard work and perseverance. His mother worked as a house cleaner; his father worked in construction. “They gave me everything they could with very little. That’s why I do what I do—for them and kids like me who need someone in their corner today.”
Jefferson speaks both Spanish and English, and sees his bilingualism as a bridge to better serve the growing Hispanic communities in the region. His professional and personal experience give him a unique lens into the challenges these families face, and he brings that understanding to every case, every policy, and every decision.
In Spring 2025, Jefferson was awarded the Kenneth A. Facey Memorial Scholarship, a recognition of both his academic achievement and his dedication to service. But he’s just getting started. “In the future, I see myself in leadership—helping shape policy and build programs that work for the people they’re supposed to serve. I want to grow, to keep learning, and to always remember where I came from.”
Though his early dreams included medicine and law enforcement, Jefferson ultimately found his calling in human services. And even as he steps into new roles and greater responsibility, he carries the lessons of every job he’s had—including his very first as a dishwasher. “That job taught me humility. Every experience since then has been part of the journey that brought me here.”
To those considering following a similar path, Jefferson offers this reflection: “The journey is hard, but it’s worth it. Your goals might change, but your purpose will guide you. I never imagined I’d be where I am today—but I’m proud, I’m ready, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
