We would like to congratulate Lionel H. Morales, COM Manager at The Black Car Fund (www.nybcf.org), for being honored among City & State’s 2022 New York City 40 Under 40 list.
According to City & State, “Each year [we profile] 40 individuals younger than 40 who are rising stars in city politics and whose professional endeavors are truly outstanding. These 40 individuals are selected from hundreds of nominations.”
Learn more at: https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2022/10/2022-new-york-city-40-under-40-rising-stars/378276/.
In his City & State profile, Morales discussed his early introduction to local politics, and his subsequent work with local politicians. In 2019, he joined the BCF.
“[I]was excited to bring my political and communications experience to The Fund,” noted Morales. “At The Fund, I have worked to expand and improve our driver outreach and communications, as well as work closely with Ira [Goldstein] on political and policy issues that are important to the black car industry as a whole.”
When the coronavirus pandemic hit just a year after Morales joined the BCF, he quickly had to adapt the organization’s services to advocate for drivers, who were badly hit. He worked to help drivers acquire financial assistance, and the organization paired with the Independent Drivers Guild to distribute personal protective equipment to drivers.
“We knew that drivers were essentially front-line workers during the pandemic,” noted Morales. “So I felt very empowered to take a role in trying to distribute important materials to drivers.”
Since then, Morales has made efforts to expand the organization’s marketing team, streamline communication systems between drivers and increase the programs and benefits offered to drivers. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue building the organization’s services and to translate The Black Car Fund’s work to other states.
Great job, Lionel! There are more great things ahead for you and the people you work so hard to help.
