From Brooklyn Boy to Mayoral Hopeful: Zellnor Myrie | NTD’s Profiles of Service

In this episode of NTD’s “Profiles of Service”, we sit down with New York state Sen. Zellnor Myrie.

Born to Costa Rican immigrants and educated in Brooklyn’s public schools, Myrie worked hard to gain entry to Cornell Law School. He highlights the impact of after-school programs and supportive middle school teachers.

Myrie remembers advice given to him by his former middle school teacher, Mrs. Randolph.

“She said that ‘If you can be diligent, if you can focus on your books, I know the potential that you have,’” he said.

She told him, “Listen, I love you, Z, but you’ve got to get your act together if you’re going to be on the path to success,” he said.

Myrie said he “never forgot her investment.”

“That inspiration is what I’m trying to give to some folks today,” he said.

“Profiles of Service” is an NTD News series that features the men and women who have chosen to dedicate themselves to public service.  We ask them about the challenges and rewards of being in office, why public service matters, and what inspiration they can offer the next generation of potential leaders.