Medgar Evers College, Public Administration Department

James Viafara is a Colombian-American scholar from New York City. He is a NYC Council Peter F. Vallone Scholar and a civic commitment advocate with experience in community partnership development. Viafara served as a Voting Outreach and Research intern for the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College (CLSJ). He currently serves as President of the NAACP Medgar Evers College Chapter at the City University of New York (CUNY), where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the Baccalaureate Program for Unique & Interdisciplinary Studies. His leadership spans local, state, and national platforms, with an emphasis on youth empowerment, social justice, and educational equity.

James has been recognized nationally for his academic and leadership contributions. He is a  Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Leadership Institute Scholar, selected to represent Medgar Evers College among the top student leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) .

He is also a Strada Education Foundation HBCU Initiative Scholar, contributing to national strategies designed to support the educational and professional advancement of students of color. Viafara is a Gumbo Coalition University Scholar, an initiative of the New York Urban League that prepares rising leaders in civil rights, policy, and community development.

In addition, he serves on the Youth Advisory Council of Thrivent Financial, through the DoSomething Strategic Social Impact Consultancy. His involvement began after participating in a national hackathon. Throughout his time as a Councilmember, he created a Thrivent Action Teams Project and advised on initiatives to improve the engagement of young people.

James has shared his insights and advocacy efforts in interviews with national and local media, including ABC, CBS, New York 1, The Amsterdam News, and the BK Reader, reflecting his role as a community-centered public voice on youth leadership and policy change.

Viafara has developed partnerships with the Center for Law and Social Justice, Brooklyn Community Board 9, NYC Votes, and the New York City Council, where he has contributed to legislative advocacy, policy research, and civic education campaigns. Through mentorship and referrals, he has also helped connect dozens of students to internships and professional development opportunities.

James Viafara’s work centers on student empowerment, public service, and institutional accountability. His efforts aim to bridge academic study with community-based leadership, advancing opportunity and justice through inclusive policy and civic engagement.