International Affairs Team

Fernanda Perez Villarreal serves as the Special Assistant and Strategic Liaison to the Commissioner, supporting efforts to foster strong, positive relationships with local, diplomatic, and international communities. She facilitates meetings and events while managing logistics for the Commissioner’s daily engagements. Additionally, in collaboration with the Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Strategic Initiatives and the Chief of Staff, Fernanda is key in advancing strategic policy initiatives on critical issues in NYC, including climate, equity, gender, human rights, and technology.

As the Special Assistant and Strategic Liaison, Fernanda helps enhance New York City's global presence. She coordinates and participates in high-level meetings and events with the diplomatic corps, effectively promoting the city's interests on the international stage. Fernanda collaborates closely with NYC agencies, UN Permanent Missions, Consulates, foreign governments, the United Nations, and other key global stakeholders.

Before joining the International Affairs team, Fernanda served as a Youth Violence Prevention Organizer at a prominent non-profit, where she played a pivotal role in educating and mentoring young people on social justice issues and fostering healthy relationships. She also built a strong journalism portfolio, working with multiple organizations to produce impactful stories that resonated deeply within the community.

Fernanda earned a graduate degree in diplomacy from the University of Oxford, where she distinguished herself as her cohort's Student Representative and the Women’s Officer of her College. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia.

Originally from Mexico, Fernanda now resides in Manhattan, where she enjoys exploring the vibrant diversity of New York City’s five boroughs in her free time.