Kamillah M. Hanks is a lifelong Staten Islander and proud mother of four, dedicated to advancing smart growth and economic opportunity on the North Shore for nearly two decades. With a background in marketing and finance from the College of Staten Island and more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, she has built a career defined by advocacy, innovation, and leadership.

In 2012, she founded the Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership, working with civic leaders, community organizations, and schools to strengthen cultural and economic revitalization in Stapleton and surrounding neighborhoods. She established Staten Island’s first YouthBuild program, creating pathways to vocational training, education, and job readiness for young adults. Under her leadership, YouthBuild Staten Island secured a 1.1 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2018.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kamillah partnered with local businesses and YouthBuild participants to produce and donate more than 5,000 face shields to first responders and health care workers. In 2020, she founded the Minority Women in Business Association of Staten Island to address inequities and expand opportunities for women of color in business.

Elected in 2021 as Council Member for Staten Island’s North Shore, Kamillah has delivered more than 98 million dollars in funding for schools, parks, health care, and community initiatives. She also worked with Mayor Eric Adams to secure 426 million dollars for the transformative North Shore waterfront revitalization project.

In January 2026, she was appointed Majority Whip of the New York City Council, becoming the first Staten Islander in history to serve in this leadership role. Her appointment reflects the trust of her colleagues and elevates Staten Island’s voice in citywide decision making.

Throughout her career, Kamillah has championed small businesses, expanded access to education, and supported public safety initiatives, including Staten Island’s first Community Justice Center. Her work has earned numerous honors, including being named a Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement and a Young, Gifted, and Black Entrepreneurial award honoree.

She resides in Stapleton with her family and remains committed to building a more inclusive and thriving North Shore.