Bronx Campus Welcomes 230 Young Women from 11 Local High Schools for Powerful “My Sister's Keeper” Event

The University proudly welcomed more than 230 young women to the Mintz Auditorium on the Bronx campus today for its annual “My Sister’s Keeper” event, a celebration of the promise and potential of today’s young women.



The theme this year was "Together, We Rise." In keeping with that message, speakers throughout the high-energy female empowerment program encouraged local high school students to find their purpose – their “why” – and to be relentless in pursuing their dreams with courage, confidence, and conviction.



Melissa Ramos, Monroe’s Vice President for College Readiness and Success, led the powerful two-hour program with Guylaine Harrison, Dean of the University’s School of Criminal and Social Justice.



The promising juniors and seniors from 11 Bronx, Manhattan, New Rochelle, and Yonkers high schools heard from an incredible roster of inspiring speakers who shared uplifting messages about the importance of elevating each other and surrounding yourself with people who will help you achieve personal and professional growth.



We were fortunate to have two impressive leaders working every day to improve life in NYC kick off the event – Ana Almanzar, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives for the City of New York, and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.



“When you can look at a Deputy Mayor in Ana Almanzar and you can look at this Bronx Borough President,  I want you to know that you have a seat at the table,” Bronx Borough President Gibson told the attendees. “This is your time to allow the world to see what female leadership is all about.”



She added:  “Have a purpose and have a passion; they will open doors of opportunity that you don’t even see today. So stay ready -- so you don’t have to get ready.”



Other speakers this year included staff and faculty with the University: Dr. Militza Gonzalez, Associate Dean and part of the University’s Career Services leadership team; Guylaine Harrison, Dean of the School of Criminal and Social Justice; Ayana Kone, adjunct faculty with the School of Business and Accounting; and Nygera S. Pierson Mutis and Lorna Williams, psychotherapists on staff.



Current Monroe students Jaden Williams and Tenisha Sebastian also spoke during the program about their own journeys, including the challenges they overcame to prioritize their education and stay focused on their career plans.



The University held a similar program for young high school men earlier this month.