Jemar T. Ward?
Director, Recruitment Strategies
NYC Human Resources Administration
New York, NY
Age: 34
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Jemar Ward defied the odds of his Queens, New York, environment to become the director of recruitment strategies at New York City?s Human Resources Administration. It took determination, passion, mentorship and belief in himself. Along the way, he bought a home in Harlem at the age of 27; co-founded New Yorkers for Political Action, a political action committee; and served as president of New York Urban League Young Professionals, leading it to a National Chapter of Excellence Award in 2014. He?s now taking flying lessons to earn a pilot?s license, and dreams of purchasing abandoned properties in Harlem to turn them into affordable housing. ?I grew up a foster child that was blessed enough to still live with extended family. I take that energy to touch as many people as possible. I fight for equity and parity,? he says.
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A Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. member, Ward has a bachelor?s degree in political science and a master?s in public administration from Binghamton University, and earned Society for Human Resource Management Certification at Pace University. His affiliation with the National Urban League, where he now is both executive vice president of the Young Professionals segment and Eastern Region vice president, is strategic. ?I contribute my time with the Urban League as a key factor in my personal and professional development. I?ve learned how to negotiate, build strong relationships and made lifelong friends,? he explains.
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In touching as many lives as possible, Ward also serves on the Public Safety & Transportation and Land Use & Landmark Preservation committees of Community Board 11 in New York City, and is a member of One Hundred Black Men of New York. ?I don?t have much free time, but I?ve been making a concerted effort to make time for myself and activities that matter to me,? he remarks.
