Baruch Alumni Selected for Legislative Fellowships in Albany

Baruch Alumni Selected for Legislative Fellowships in Albany

September 30, 2026

Two recent Baruch College graduates, Nico Antonucci (MIA '25) and Shad (Aftab) Hussain (MS Marketing '26), are applying their public affairs, communications, and policy skills as New York State Senate Legislative Fellows in Albany.

The nine-month fellowship places graduate and post-graduate students in full-time roles with New York State senators, where they conduct policy research, engage with stakeholders, draft legislative materials, and attend Senate sessions.

For many fellows, the program can serve as a pathway to careers in government working for the State Senate or Assembly, the Executive Chamber, and state agencies.

Meet the Fellows

Nico Antonucci: Turning a Lifelong Commitment to Service into Public Policy

Nico Antonucci has long been motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of New Yorkers. As a Legislative Fellow, he was assigned to the office of Senator Pete Harckham, (D-40^th District which covers communities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley), who chairs the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.

Antonucci's commitment to public service began at age 12, when he started volunteering at soup kitchens, food banks, community cleanups, and homeless shelters. He also participated in recovery efforts following Superstorm Sandy.

His political experience includes working for members of Congress and the New York City Council. At Baruch, he was chosen for the Washington Semester Fellowship, which provided an internship opportunity at the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration.

Reflecting on his selection, Antonucci said: "It is exhilarating, while also a major relief, being part of the New York State Senate Legislative Fellowship program. It was the opportunity I most wanted, but I knew it was a competitive process with over 40 applicants being invited to interview."

Antonucci received his Master of International Affairs degree at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs.

Shad (Aftab) Hussain: Advancing Public Service Through Strategic Communications

Shad (Aftab) Hussain was selected as a Richard J. Roth Journalism Fellow. He is using the fellowship to gain firsthand experience with the legislative process while bringing together his background in communications, marketing, and public policy.

Although Roth Fellows are generally placed in the Senate Majority Press Office, Hussain was assigned to Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-10^th District covering Southeastern Queens). In addition to the typical responsibilities of a Legislative Fellow, Hussain will support the Senator's internal and external communication efforts, including his online presence and in-person activities.

The Fellowship aligns with Hussain's goal of building a career in strategic communications, with a focus on public policy and legislative affairs.

"Being selected as a Roth Fellow felt like the realization of a long-standing personal and professional ambition," said Hussain, who was born and raised in Bangladesh and moved to the United States in February 2024. "This fellowship will strengthen my ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences and learn how effective communication can bridge the gap between government and the communities it serves."

Hussain received his Master of Science in Marketing degree at the Zicklin School of Business.

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