Johnathan Betancourt

Johnathan Betancourt, Vice President of Civic Engagement of the New York City Alumni Chapter, is an alumna of Fall 2022 CHCI Congressional Internship Program.

Born and raised in Woodhaven, Queens, Johnathan is the proud son of Colombian immigrants who came to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. Johnathan was the first member in his family to graduate from college. He achieved this in 2022 when he graduated from CUNY Queens College with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science as well as in Media Studies.

When he was a CHCI Intern in the fall of 2022, he had the honor of interning for Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. After a remarkable experience as a CHCI intern, Johnathan returned home and began working for the Congresswoman in the district.

As a Community Liaison for Congresswoman Velázquez, Johnathan actively engages with diverse communities across the district, focusing on fostering strong relationships with community leaders, organizations, and elected officials to address local needs effectively. In addition to building these connections, he organizes and oversees a variety of events, such as community resource fairs and virtual workshops, while providing critical assistance to constituents navigating issues with federal agencies, including the IRS, Social Security, NYCHA housing, and immigration cases.

In August 2024, Johnathan had the honor of serving as a National Delegate at the Democratic National Convention. For the son of two Colombian immigrants who came to this country in hopes of giving their future children opportunities beyond their imagination, this moment was a profound milestone. It symbolized the fulfillment of his parents’ dreams and reflected his unwavering dedication to public service and civic engagement.