The program is funded by Judge Judy Sheindlin, known to the world as "Judge Judy," from the television show of that name, and Patricia Lanza of the Lanza Family Foundation. Developed by Judge Sheindlin's daughter Nicole Sheindlin, it is administered by the Westchester County Office for Women and the Women's Research and Education Fund.
The program matches promising young women from five local high schools with professional women who provide hands-on work experience, advice and guidance about succeeding in the workplace. These schools are: Nellie Thornton High School, Mount Vernon High School, Mamaroneck High School, White Plains High School and Saunders Trades and Technical High School, Yonkers.
The 40 girls met their mentors at a reception hosted by Judge Sheindlin on Thursday at the Larchmont Shore Club, One Oak Bluff Ave., Larchmont.
County Executive Robert P. Astorino praised the program, saying, "There are so many positive things that come out of a mentoring program. Not only are the girls given on-the-job training, but they make personal connections. The county's Office for Women is glad to provide support for the 'Her Honor' program."
Commented Judge Sheindlin, "As our world becomes a more challenging place for young people, I hope that the women who have spent a year with us embrace their future with new confidence and purpose."
The girls were selected with the help of their school districts and will receive stipends for their work. They will spend a minimum of four hours per week, for six months, with their mentor at her work site, and benefit from various resources and services.
The program supplements the mentee's work experience with monthly life skills workshops. MasterCard, Bloomingdale's, Dr. Ann Engelland, My Sister's Place, the Ritz Carlton, Judith Re of Social Savvy, the College of Westchester, MTC Transportation and the Pace University School of Law have generously agreed to underwrite a portion of the life skills program. The girls will take courses in everything from budgeting money, business attire, professional expectations, healthy relationships, dining etiquette, public speaking and advocacy.
Introducing mentees and mentors of Her Honor Class of 2011-2012:
Mamaroneck High School
Rosa Boone - Deputy Commissioner, Westchester County Dept. of Social Services
Aliza Alexander – Aliza considers many professions for her future. Her personal philosophy is to work hard and always strive to be a better person.
Maria DiLeonardi, Owner and Jamie Levine, Store Manager, Siren Boutique
Tiffany Chan – Tiffany is interested in anything art related. Her current passion is fashion, costume design and SFX cosmetics.
Evelyn Garcia - Community Education Manager, Hispanic Resource Center
Joseline Cuateco – Joseline is excited to be the first person in her family to pursue a college degree. She cares deeply for other people and looks forward to a career that involves helping others.
Catherine Bucci - Director, St. John's Nursery School
Barri Symone Epps – The birth of Barri's son has encouraged her to strive for excellence. She is determined to be a wonderful parent and achieve personal success.
Honorable Kathie E. Davidson - Supervising Judge of Family Courts, Ninth Judicial District
Jazmine Danyelle Gaddis – Jazmine has always been attracted to the legal field. She plans to study criminal justice in college.
Colette Rodbell and Melissa Schoen - Sales Managers, Etcetera Clothing Company
Stephanie Katz – Stephanie carries on her family legacy of kindness and compassion. She is passionate about both art and children.
Renata Donaghy and Maria Garzona, Co-Owners, Sweet Teez Candy Shoppe
Gina Landi – Gina is an active member of FBLA. She recognizes the unique traits and leadership styles that women bring to the work force.
Maria Diaz – Owner, Creative Enterprises (E.nopi, JW Tumbles, FasTracKids)
Liliana Mendoza - Liliana will be the first person in her family to graduate high school and attend college. She volunteers her time with local organizations that focus on the needs of children.
Nancy White – President, The Flower Bar
Sandra Menendez – Sandra recognizes that the difficult times in life have shaped her to become a strong, responsible person. Her motto is that "anything is possible with belief and faith."
Myra Hafetz - Former Co-President, Chair of Small Works, Mamaroneck Artist's Guild
Vanessa Alicia Menendez – Vanessa is always on the lookout for opportunities to further her education. She aspires to be a strong, independent, career minded woman.
Zoe Colon - Executive Director, Hispanic Resource Center
Gabbriela Monroy - Gabbriela is of Mexican and Guatemalan descent. Learning about different cultures and customs has given her a unique perspective and open mind.
Maria Valente - Owner, Chocolations
Brianna White - Brianna dreams of owning her own bakery. Baking brings her a sense of enjoyment and pride
Mount Vernon High School
Cheryl Archbald - Deputy Commissioner, Division of Community Health, Westchester County Department of Health
Danielle Grant – Danielle is determined to reach her personal goal of becoming a physician. She is inspired by her mother's fortitude and persistence.
Joanne Mongelli - Deputy Director, Programs and Policy, ArtsWestchester
Ala Lockhart – Ala's love of drawing started in Kindergarten. She finds it easiest to express herself through images and continues to explore her creativity through various mediums.
Lauren Satterfield - Farm Director, Rainbeau Ridge Farm
Kenisha Lowery – Kenisha is passionate about animals and wishes to become a veterinarian. Her mother always set an incredible example of strong work ethic and community involvement.
Caroline Van Ryn - Business Leader, Franchise Development; Rules, Standards & Strategy, MasterCard Worldwide
Yovani Moreno – Yovani enjoys going above and beyond for others in her daily life. She is described by her school counselor as "responsible, self assured and conscientious."
Marion Anderson - Executive Director, Heartsong
Shaneille Phillips - Shanielle's mother and grandmother always encouraged her to help others. She envisions a career as a pediatrician and plans to work in a third world country.
Delores Brathwaite – Commissioner, Westchester Human Rights Commission
Chanel Thomas - Chanel is focused on excelling in school and overcoming the obstacles that immigrants face. Her goal in life is to "make the world a better place."
Nellie A. Thornton High School
Lea Cullen-Boyer - Sustainability Coordinator for Westchester County
Imelda Cruz Avellan - Despite personal adversity, Imelda remains completely dedicated to school and strives for excellence in all facets of her life. Her dream is to obtain a doctorate degree in electrical engineering.
Anne Janiak - Executive Director, Women's Enterprise Development Center, Inc.
Shaneequa Bennett – Shaneequa enjoys all of her school subjects and considers herself a jack-of-all-trades. Her future aspirations include owning her own restaurant.
Renee Fleuranges-Valdes - Business Development Executive, IBM Software Group
Jowanna Jenkins – Jowanna has the highest regard for education. She easily grasps logic concepts and is interested in pursuing a career in computer engineering.
Bert Littlejohn - Site Manager, Family Ties Westchester
Lailaa Surita - Lailaa's family continues to encourage her hard work and determination.She plans to follow her desire to help people by pursuing a career in nursing.
Saunders Trades and Technical High School
Noel D'Allacco - Executive Director and Founder, Operation PROM
Rachelle Campos - Rachelle is dedicated to her school work and currently serves as President of the Key Club. She has worked in a business environment and aspires to be a social entrepreneur.
Arle Sklar-Weinstein - Director, Blue Door Association
Thalia Garcia - Thalia has always loved drawing and making things with her hands. She dreams of attending Pratt Institute to pursue a career in art.
Elisa Volpati - Architect, Sullivan Architecture, P.C.
Francesca Messina – Francesca is the proud winner of her school's architecture open house award. She wants to pursue a career in architecture to combine her love of physics, art and design.
Honorable Janet C. Malone - Westchester County Family Court Judge, Yonkers
Cynthia Muñoz – Cynthia takes full advantage of her education and is excited to be the first person in her family to attend college. She hopes to have a career involving criminal justice.
Christie Verschoor - HR Specialist, Stew Leonard's - Yonkers
Virginia Nuñez Quezada - Virginia's parents have impressed the importance of a strong work ethic. She dreams of becoming a female leader who is admired by many people.
Victoria Garufi - Director of Education and Outreach, Beczak Environmental Education Center
Catherine Ramirez - Catherine takes full advantage of her American education and plans to attend a four year university. She is always looking to learn new things and enjoys working in the school lab.
Wendy Nadel - Executive Director, Yonkers Partners In Education
Michelle Ramos - Michelle aspires to have a career in education. Her favorite subject is math and she routinely tutors other classmates.
Elizabeth Best - Yonkers Site Supervisor, Family Court Legal Program, Pace Women's Justice Center
Jazmil Genao Sosa - Jazmil plans on going to university and then pursuing a degree in law. She is passionate about helping people in need.
Katherine Harris - Manager of Workforce Development, Greyston Foundation
Melissa Vazquez - Melissa is proud to be the first person in her family who will attend college. She wants to pursue a career that helps people better their lives.
Nancy Shenker - CEO and Founder, theONswitch
Ashley Williams - Ashley's favorite subject in school is graphic design. She is inherently creative and inspired by many forms of art.
White Plains High School
Cathy Schauber – Owner, Cathy's Biscotti
Lila Abanto – Lila is described by her school counselor as "eager, introspective and dedicated." She is interested in a career involving culinary arts.
Carol Robinson - Director of Child Care Center, YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester
Brittany McKenzie – Brittany appreciates that education is the key to success. She is a volunteer with her local youth bureau and enjoys working with children.
Martha Anderson - Spanish Speaking Program Specialist, Westchester County Office for Women
Michelle Gonzalez – Michelle has learned to balance and blend her Latino and American heritage. She has served as class Vice President for the past three years and her career path will involve "helping the world".
Katherine Palacico - Registered Nurse, Critical Care Unit, White Plains Hospital Center
Diana Naulaguari - Diana is extremely enthusiastic about learning and is very serious about her school work. The idea of helping others in need captivates Diana. She plans to pursue a career in nursing.
Jane Aoyama-Martin - Executive Director, Pace Women's Justice Center
Leslie Garfield - Professor of Law, Pace Law School
Danielle Berkman - Danielle is intrigued and inspired by the American Judicial System. She dreams of enrolling in law school to become a criminal attorney.
Pamela Coleman - Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing, White Plains Hospital Center
Ania Campbell - Ania is passionate about working with people in need of assistance. She is determined to graduate college as a registered nurse.
Jane Corcoran – Owner, E-Administrative Services
Elizabeth Hernandez - Elizabeth enjoys working with numbers and problem solving. She plans to pursue a degree in mathematics education.
Daphne Swinton - Child Welfare Manager III, Child Welfare Program, Policy and Training Academy, Westchester County Department of Social Services
Yan Yun Lin - Yan works hard at school and has high hopes for her future. She is passionate about connecting with children and dreams of becoming a pediatrician.