Sister Norma Pimentel and Anne Williams-Isom, NYC Deputy Mayor for Health & Human Services, will be the featured speakers in a dialogue called “The Mayor’s Office & The Church: NYC Migrant State of Emergency,” presented by Fordham University, on Saturday, January 20 at 12 p.m.

The primary goal of this collaborative conversation is to engage in a compassionate and reflective dialogue, designed to deepen the understanding of the formidable challenges faced by incoming migrants and residents alike. It will spotlight the pivotal roles played by New York City’s communities and its religious and nonprofit organizations in offering critical support to all those in need. The dialogue will also explore and encourage potential strategies for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, aiming to address this pressing humanitarian issue effectively.

Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ, is a renowned Mexican-American nun of the Missionaries of Jesus and the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Her dedication to refugees and immigrants in the United States, acknowledged by Pope Francis and others, saw her included on Time‘s prestigious list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.

Anne L. Williams-Isom is New York City’s deputy mayor for health and human services. She was formerly the chief executive officer of the Harlem Children’s Zone, a nonprofit devoted to breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Central Harlem. She is also an alumna of Fordham University.

The dialogue will be moderated by Gemma Solimene, Professor of Law and immigration specialist.

The event is free but registration is required. Visit this website for more information and registration.