Samuel earned an MUP with a specialization in economic development from NYU Wagner in May 2012. He was appointed by New York’s Governor Cuomo to be part of the inaugural class of Empire State Fellows.

He serves at Empire State Development as a director of industry development where he oversees the governor's one-stop shop for beer, wine, spirits, and cider producers. Samuel applied to the Bonnett Fellowship because he knew that he wanted to pursue a career in public service.

His current fellowship with the governor reinforces his choice of career paths.