LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative (LHI)
Contact Us
General and Event Inquiries: humani@lagcc.cuny.edu
For teaching and program inquiries, contact Prof. Tuli Chatterji (Founder-Director)
Contact Prof. Sada Jaman (LHI Chair)
Upcoming Events
LHI: Celebrating 7 Years of Transformative Impact and Growth
Part of the Office of Global and Experiential Learning (GEL), LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative (LHI) is LaGuardia’s college-wide experiential learning program that focuses on global issues as addressed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations Academic Impact Program recognized LHI’s contributions by inviting LaGuardia to join the 1,400 institutions from 145 countries that make up the United Nations Academic Impact Program membership.
Mission Statement: LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative = Classroom to Community
As the nexus of global and experiential learning, LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative foregrounds pedagogical inquiry, civic engagement, and academic service learning by facilitating an interdisciplinary year-long college-wide inquiry of a global issue(s) as addressed by the United Nations. Through partnerships with local and global organizations, students gain access to career opportunities and professional development workshops. Ultimately students are mentored on how to translate their knowledge to advocate, educate, and support their communities.
Since 2019
The ONLY community college in CUNY to partner with 3 Nobel Laureates
The ONLY community college in the US to become a member of VP Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project
Help LHI fundraise for LaGuardia CARES
Join us in supporting LaGuardia CARES, a vital program that provides food and essentials for LaGuardia students in need. LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative is fundraising and advocating to reach the goal of $1,000 by the end of the academic year.
Your donation, whether it’s $10 for meal vouchers, $25 for personal essentials, or $50 for groceries, makes a significant difference in the lives of our students. Together, let’s ensure that every student has access to the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
LHI Student Visits Capitol Hill
In early March, Carlo John Domingo, an engineering major, represented the LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative (LHI) and the college on Capitol Hill. Through LHI’s global partner, CARE International, Carlo advocated for international assistance with members of Congress and their staff. Now in its third year, the program provides student representatives the opportunity to strengthen leadership, communication skills, and advocate for global and local issues. As a “Designated Advocate” for CARE International, Carlo shared his personal story of growing up in the Philippines and how U.S. international aid helped his family overcome poverty and migrate to the U.S. This was particularly relevant as USAID funding is currently frozen.
In meetings with staff members of Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Carlo advocated to protect U.S. funds for international programs, sharing his research which highlighted the impact of humanitarian decisions on global stability and U.S. security. The LaGuardia Humanitarian Initiative’s focus on global learning helps students connect classroom knowledge, community needs, and career goals to propose solutions for both local and global issues.
Annual Themes
- UNSDG 1 (No Poverty)
- UNSDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
- UNSDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)
- UNSDG 4 (Quality Education)
- UNSDG 5 (Gender Equality)
- UNSDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- UNSDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
- UNSDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
- UNSDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
- UNSDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
- UNSDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
- UNSDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
- UNSDG 13 (Climate Action)
- UNSDG 14 (Life Below Water)
- UNSDG 15 (Life on Land)
- UNSDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
- UNSDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduce Inequalities)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduce Inequalities)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduce Inequalities)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduce Inequalities)
Highlights of 2024-2025
- 26 LHI courses in CUNY First
- 12 students received paid internship positions at various local and global organizations
- Carlo John Domingo, LHI student represented LaGuardia on Capitol Hill in March 2025 as part of LHI’s partnership with CARE International. During this fully sponsored event he participated in advocacy activities with Senators and Legislators.
- CTL Sponsored GEL seminar (Spring 2025) on LHI: Experiential Learning: Pedagogy, Community Outreach, Career Readiness
Recurring Experiential Learning Opportunity for LaGuardia faculty and staff
LHI-American Women for International Understanding (AWIU) partnership provides faculty/staff with opportunities to design experiential learning research projects with an international partner. This opportunity is offered only in Fall and extends to one faculty/staff and two female students. For questions, email Tuli Chatterji.
LHI College-Wide Committee
- Tuli Chatterji (English)–Founder and Director
- James Caldwell (Humanities)
- Ellen Quish (First Year Seminar)
- Elizabeth Jardine (Library)
- Sada Jaman (Business and Technology)–Chair
- Sandra Sze (M.C.E)
- Dana Trusso (Humanities)
- Anja Vojvodic (Social Sciences)
- Rebekah Johnson (ELA)
- Stefania Dinu (Development) – Co-Chair
- Rocio Reynoso (ASAP Program)
- Yacquelin Nava (CCPD)
Get Involved – Contact Us
For general and event inquiries email us at humani@lagcc.cuny.edu
For teaching and program inquiries email Tuli Chatterji at tchatterji@lagcc.cuny.edu (Founder-Director); On Sabbatical
Contact Prof. Sada Jaman (LHI Chair)
For library and research support email Elizabeth Jardine at ejardine@lagcc.cuny.edu
For classroom visits and student engagement email Stefania Dinu at sdinu@lagcc.cuny.edu
LHI Partners
LHI Around the World
The United Nations Academic Impact Program recognized LHI’s contributions by inviting LaGuardia to join the 1,400 institutions from 145 countries that make up the United Nations Academic Impact Program membership.
