News Flash

Albany, NY - Mayor Kathy Sheehan introduced the 2021 Albany Tulip Queen and her four court members at a press conference in Washington Park today. Congratulations to Ashanti Bishop who was chosen as the 2021 Albany Tulip Queen.  She will work together with her four court members on community service and literacy advocacy initiatives as the 2021 Albany Tulip Court. 

These young women were chosen from a pool of dozens of nominees by a committee of local leaders through an extensive interview process based on their volunteer service, commitment to the local community and leadership skills. 

Ashanti’ Bishop, Age 21, Latham

Ashanti’ is a Junior at the College Of Saint Rose where she studies Early Childhood and Special Education. She is also a long-time participant in New York State's Best Buddies Friendship Program as well as a devoted early intervention advocate. She hopes to someday use her knowledge and expertise to teach Special Education in the Upstate New York Area. Ashanti’ is a member of The National Society Of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi) and The College Of Saint Rose Honor Society. In her free time, she loves to travel, write poetry, volunteer in her local community, and express her love of art and fashion through cosmetology. Above all, she values time spent with her large family running their family business in Troy, New York. As a member of the 2021 Tulip Court, Ashanti’ hopes to raise awareness of unity and mental health in the Albany community.

Aadya Kaushik, Age 22, Loudonville

Aadya is a first-year medical student at Albany Medical College, where she is following her dream of being a physician. She moved to Albany in elementary school, and has since become a huge Stewart’s ice cream fan and dedicated community member, spending time volunteering in local hospitals. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, singing, reading, and trying out local cafés. Aadya is a member of the American Medical Women’s Association and Nu Rho Psi (the National Honor Society in Neuroscience); she has a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University and an MS in Bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute at Albany Medical College. As a member of the 2021 Tulip Court, Aadya is excited to reach out to and connect with Albany’s incredible youth population through literacy programs, STEAM encouragement, cultural enrichment, and more!

Sierra Liotta, Age 20, Guilderland

Sierra is a junior at the University at Albany working towards an honors degree in atmospheric science and mathematics. She aspires to be a research scientist of weather and climate to help improve weather prediction and emergency preparedness. Along with STEM, Sierra is also involved in the arts including theatre and piano. She works part-time at The Music Studio where she attended music classes beginning at four years old. 

Through the nonprofit branch of The Music Studio called The Music Studio Initiative, Sierra has performed throughout the Capital Region sharing her love of music. Her volunteer experience includes assistance at The Regional Food Bank, the Albany Soup Kitchen, and the Albany Ronald McDonald House. Hiking the Adirondack high peaks is one of Sierra’s favorite things to do with friends and family. As a member of the 2021 Tulip Court, Sierra hopes to bring the community together while inspiring children and girls who are interested in science and the arts. 

Allison Moser, Age 20, Guilderland

Allison is a senior at the College of Saint Rose where she enjoys learning about general and special education. She is a lifelong Albany County resident and competitive dancer. She is the fundraising chair of Saint Rose Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She hopes to someday become a spokesperson for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. Allison is a member of the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success and a two-time recipient of the Saint Rose Distinguished Service Award for her work with Best Buddies. In her free time, she loves to dance, go on walks, swim, and be outside. Above all, she values time with her friends and family, especially her nephew and two nieces. As a member of the 2021 Tulip Court, Allison hopes to help close the education gap caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic by putting an emphasis on learning, reading, and writing throughout Albany. 

Andrea Thomas, Age 18, Albany

Andrea is an incoming freshman at Siena College in the dual-acceptance program with Albany Medical College. She’s a lifelong resident of Albany and enjoys volunteering at local hospitals, conducting drives, and teaching cultural dance to children. Andrea serves as the American Red Cross’ NENY Youth Board Member where she presents project ideas to engage youth in the organization’s life-saving efforts. During the pandemic, she founded two volunteer initiatives: Teens Helping Seniors NY, a contactless grocery delivery service for the immunocompromised and eldery, and Camp Hi-Five, a national virtual summer camp for special needs children to exercise their motor and communication skills despite social isolation. Andrea also has a passion for science research, through which she constructed a 3D-printed electromyographically controlled prosthesis and hopes to use science and engineering to benefit others through innovation. As a member of the 2021 Tulip Court, Andrea hopes to inspire others to take up careers of service to become community advocates as well as act on their ambitions. She also aspires to call attention to the breakdown of barriers to further unite the incredible Albany community.

Photo by BDL Photography. 

For more information on the Albany Tulip Queen please visit www.AlbanyEvents.org or www.AlbanyTulipQueen.com 

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