Alfred Kurland has been an organizer and institutional pathfinder working for teen empowerment for the last twenty-eight years. Beginning with his first grassroots program in Washington Heights, and finishing as a lead coordinator for the NYC Teens on Community Boards, his work has been inspired and sustained by teen social justice activists, youth advisory councils, and civic mentors from collaborating agencies. He has a B.A. in Political Science from York College/CUNY and an M.A. in Education from New York University. Al has been recognized for his work on behalf of marginalized youth and under-resourced communities by the Petra Foundation, The Brooke Russell Astor Foundation, and the Silver Beaver Award from the Greater NY Boy Scout Council. He was the lead coordinator for the Teens on Community Board campaign which successfully changed NY State Public Officer Law, allowing vetted sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds to serve on NYC Community Boards.