Rhonda Binda
Rhonda Binda is a visionary leader with extensive tri-sector experience spanning the public, private, and social sectors, both domestically and internationally. She currently serves as Special Counsel to Public Safety and Emergency Management at the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation, where she leverages her expertise to shape smart and safe cities for the New York metropolitan area. In addition to her legal and policy work, Rhonda is deeply committed to education, teaching as an adjunct professor at Queens College and Medgar Evers College, focusing on Smart Cities, Administrative Law, Global Public Policy, and the Administration of Global Institutions.
Throughout her career, Rhonda has held influential roles including Executive Director of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy and Senior Governmental Liaison at Walton & Walton LLP. She has built a reputation for strategic leadership, project management, and fostering meaningful community partnerships. Her work extends to mentoring and empowering the next generation, exemplified by her support for programs like the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, which cultivates leadership skills among high school girls of Guyanese heritage in New York.
A Georgetown Law and Duke University alumna, Rhonda balances her professional achievements with a strong commitment to public service. She has served on the boards of organizations such as Gifts for the Homeless and the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to community development and social impact. Recognized for her contributions with awards including the Public Service Award from the World Sikh Parliament, Rhonda continues to drive innovation and civic engagement, blending her legal expertise, educational insight, and passion for building inclusive, safe, and vibrant urban communities.
• Georgetown Law- J.D.
• Duke University- B.A.
• University of Oxford
• Public Service Award
• Most Significant Home in NYC to Gracie Mansion
• Queens Urban Professionals Award
• Queens Political Power List
• Chef of the Year Award
• Power Women of Manhattan
• Lavender Court Honoree
• Phenomenal Woman of the Year
• Caribbean Life Impact Awards
• Mentor of the Year Award
• BAR Association
• Lions Club
• Rotary
• GIFTS FOR THE HOMELESS
• Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens
• Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation, Inc
• Positive Women United
• South Asian American Voice
• New York Hall of Science
• AIPAC
• Alphapointe
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support of my mentors, as well as my willingness to put myself out there for opportunities that foster growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always believe in yourself.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be bold, courageous, and authentic—embrace the endless opportunities and the rewards that come with them.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is finding strong guidance and mentorship within an organization.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are staying focused on the mission through collaboration, creativity, and innovation, while also nurturing my personal life—enjoying art exhibits, museums, concerts, and trying new cuisines—so I can bring joy, prevent burnout, and show up fully at work.