New York City’s 25th City Council District—encompassing the neighborhoods of Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst—is a mosaic of cultures, residential character, and traditions of activism. Unfortunately, the district was thrust into turmoil amid the COVID-19 pandemic, accumulating among the highest number of virus-realated casualties of all NYC neighborhoods. Now, NYC District 25 looks to the future for a new era of recovery, reform, and rebuilding. Staff writer Ana Victoria Serna sits down with former NYC Council candidate for District 25 Carolyn Tran to discuss her experiences serving as a civil servant, running as a first-time candidate, and the numerous issues facing these neighborhoods.