In this episode of The Hopeful Pioneers, Ali sits down with Laura Rog, Chief Service Officer of New York City. Laura leads NYC Service, the Mayor’s Office of Service and Volunteerism.
She shares how volunteerism functions as essential, often unseen infrastructure of the city — supporting nonprofits, strengthening communities, and helping New Yorkers feel more connected to one another in a city that can feel overwhelming at times. Drawing on her experience working across city agencies, nonprofits, and community partners, she reflects on how service builds agency, belonging, and trust at the local level.
Laura shares about:
* How service brings people power into government
* The growing pull toward hyper-local engagement
* The role volunteering plays in addressing loneliness and polarization
* And why people remain our greatest asset
Listen now and join the conversation about what’s possible when service becomes a shared responsibility, community is built through action, and hope is found in the everyday acts that hold a city together.
The Hopeful Pioneers is produced by Align Impact, a firm dedicated to helping families and executives align their resources with their values to create meaningful change.
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