CLAIM TO FAME: As senior programs and communications manager for the Office of the First Deputy Mayor, Jennifer Ruvolo ’07 reports every day to the “bullpen” in New York City Hall — a place of which New York Magazine has said, “Power and influence in the city stop here.” The bullpen is a large, high-ceilinged, open room filled with about 50 equally-sized desks, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s in the center, and Ruvolo’s a couple seats away. (See a picture here.)
PRO SCRIBBLER: Writing is a big part of Ruvolo’s job. She works on official correspondence, helps create publications like annual reports, and is the Mayor’s Office liaison for written content produced by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. She works on major initiatives, and also writes thank-you notes to kids who send trophies to the mayor.
ANTHROPOLOGIST AT HEART: Ruvolo’s passion is anthropology, because it’s about connecting with people and helping people. She came to Wagner to study anthropology, influenced by her mentor, anthropology professor Gordon McEwan. Wagner’s focus on experiential learning — she interned with the New-York Historical Society and the American Museum of Natural History — was key to her future success. After her graduation, she worked for the New York City Sports Commission before going into in special event planning for the Mayor’s Office, which led to her current job.
INSPIRATIONS: “I’m a native Staten Islander, and the proud the daughter of a public school teacher and a firefighter — two incredible people who have dedicated their lives to serving New York City,” says Ruvolo. She also says her coworkers in the bullpen inspire her every day. “There’s no ‘can’t,’ there’s no ‘That’s not possible.’ It’s, ‘Will it help people?’” Finally, there are her fellow Wagner alums — people like her sister, Victoria Ruvolo ’05, a butcher; Eugene Statnikov ’07, working on his doctorate in public health at Imperial College in London; and Jennifer Macaluso ’07, who has her own jewelry line (look up Hey, Dollface! on Etsy). “Knowing that Wagner grads are committing themselves fully to their passions helps motivate me to go the extra mile and do the best that I possibly can.”
