Building the City’s Future: Baruch Alum Named a Future Innovator in Real Estate Fellow

Building the City's Future: Baruch Alum Named a Future Innovator in Real Estate Fellow

December 17, 2025

Baruch College alumnus Rishin Thomas Roy (BBA,'25) is participating in the New York City Economic Development Corporation's Future Innovators in Real Estate (FIRE) Fellowship Program, a highly competitive initiative that cultivates the next generation of leaders within the field.

The 16-month FIRE program-which began in September and concludes January 2027-provides recent CUNY and SUNY graduates hands-on experience, mentorship, and career development within one of the world's most dynamic real estate markets.

"Joining an organization that leads with purpose and impact feels incredibly meaningful, and I am eager to contribute to a place where my passion for equitable development can translate into tangible, citywide change," Roy says.

Deep Professional Engagement

Roy is among four Fellows in the 2025-27 cohort receiving a $70,000 stipend and rotating through key NYCEDC departments, including asset management, neighborhood strategies, and real estate transaction services.

In additional to team-based work, FIRE Fellows participate in educational programs such as a speaker series, industry events, and capstone projects. The program introduces Fellows to core business, real estate, and leadership concepts, while deepening engagement with NYCEDC and the NYC's broader real estate community.

Passion for Urban Development

Roy's interest in the FIRE Fellowship started in June 2024 when he joined the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation as a Planning and Development Associate intern. There, he worked on projects aimed at uplifting the Brooklyn community through strategic planning, financial assistance, public space development, and community engagement.

Motivated to make an impact across all five boroughs, Roy's career goals align closely with the FIRE program's mission: to make New York City a global model for inclusive innovation and economic growth.

'Strengthening Overlooked NYC Communities'

Roy is pursuing a career in real estate because it allows him to "change the environment where we work, play, and have fun." His interests lie in the intersection of development and social impact, as he believes real estate can foster significant progress for local communities.

"Real estate needs to be more accessible, equitable, and future-focused," Roy said. "I want New York to be a place where local entrepreneurs and residents don't just survive but thrive-where development doesn't push communities out but strengthens their roots."

He added, "Through the Fellowship, I look forward to contributing to initiatives that strengthen overlooked communities, promote sustainability, and revitalize city assets in ways that reflect New York's rich diversity. Ultimately, my goal is to be part of a new generation of urban professionals who view real estate not just as buildings and tall infrastructures but as catalysts for inclusive innovation and lasting community resilience."

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