Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Carlos Zamora (NYU Wagner MPA 2027) is a first-generation college graduate and the son of a Cuban immigrant. Growing up in one of the nation’s most diverse cities shaped his belief that strong communities are built intentionally — through inclusive urban policy, equitable economic development, and public spaces that bring people together. A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Public Administration, Carlos discovered his passion for local government at the City of Orlando, where he administered the City’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise programs and saw firsthand how municipal decisions shape the built environment and the daily lives of residents and small business owners. He has since advised local governments on operational modernization at BerryDunn, evaluated transportation and infrastructure capital projects at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Management & Budget, and now serves as a Graduate Fellow at the United States Conference of Mayors, analyzing urban policy for cities across the country. After NYU Wagner, Carlos hopes to work in an executive mayoral office, managing downtown revitalization and placemaking projects that create meaningful impact for the communities they serve.