Julissa Ferreras-Copeland is a distinguished public servant, civic leader, and policy expert with over two decades of experience in government relations, urban planning, and public-private partnerships. A champion for equity, education, and economic opportunity, she has dedicated her career to transformative leadership, fiscal stewardship, and advocacy for historically underrepresented communities.

Ferreras-Copeland made history as a New York City Council Member from 2009 to 2017, becoming the first woman, first person of color, and youngest person to chair the Committee on Finance, where she oversaw an $86 billion budget. In this role, she ensured responsible fiscal management while driving investments in education, infrastructure, and workforce development. She played a key role in negotiating multi-billion-dollar land-use deals, expanding paid sick leave, and spearheading groundbreaking social policies such as New York City’s Menstrual Equity Initiative, making it the first U.S. city to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools, shelters, and correctional facilities.

A steadfast advocate for higher education and student success, Ferreras-Copeland has worked extensively to expand access to educational opportunities, secure funding for the construction of new schools, and champion initiatives that support first-generation college students by expanding funding to CUNY Black Male Initiative, Murphy Institute for Worker Education, and the Immigrant Opportunities Intuitive. Her leadership extended beyond legislative policy—she successfully organized issue-based campaigns and led organizations that promoted educational and economic advancement such as CUNY Citizenship NOW and The NYC Council’s Young Women Initiative (YWI).

Beyond her legislative accomplishments, Ferreras-Copeland has held significant leadership roles at the national and local levels. She has served as Vice President of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) and as an Executive Board Member of the NYC Council’s Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus.

Currently, Ferreras-Copeland is a Principal and Partner at Hollis Public Affairs, a strategic consulting firm specializing in public-private partnerships, government relations, community engagement, and social impact initiatives. Under her leadership, Hollis Public Affairs has worked with a diverse portfolio of nonprofits, advocacy groups, corporations, and public institutions to advance policies that promote economic opportunity, urban planning and social justice. The firm has represented clients ranging from major developers and cultural institutions to grassroots organizations advocating for worker rights, immigrant protections, and affordable housing. Through Hollis Public Affairs, she continues to be a driving force behind transformational projects that center community voices and deliver tangible policy outcomes.

Currently residing in Maryland, with her husband and 11-year-old son, Ferreras-Copeland remains deeply engaged in civic leadership and community service. She serves as a Board Member of the Human Services Council (HSC), Make the Road Action Committee, advocating for social justice, immigrant rights, and equitable policy solutions. She is also a former Board Member of the Louis Armstrong House Museum, contributing to the preservation of an iconic cultural institution.

As an appointee to the Morgan State University Board of Regents, Ferreras-Copeland brings a wealth of experience in governance, policymaking, and advocacy, along with a steadfast commitment to advancing the university’s mission of academic excellence, student empowerment, and community impact. Her leadership, vision, and dedication to equity will be invaluable assets in shaping the future of Morgan State University and its students.