In this edition, we are pleased to present
a curated selection of inspiring stories and valuable resources designed to inform, engage, and strengthen our vibrant alumni community.
Join us as we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni and highlight opportunities to give back through meaningful volunteer experiences. We are also proud to share details about new program offerings at The College of Westchester, created to support both personal enrichment
and professional advancement.
We hope you enjoy this issue and find it both inspiring and informative.
Alumni Achievements
Congratulations to Sonia Montano, recipient of the 2025 CW Alumni Achievement Award at our 109th Commencement Ceremony. Her exceptional accomplishments and commitment to excellence inspire us all. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor!
Sonia Montano, Class of 2002, exemplifies perseverance, purpose, and service.
A native of Peru and the youngest of ten siblings, she came to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. While
raising two children, supporting her family’s growing business, and managing a household, Sonia earned her Business Administration degree Magna Cum Laude from The College of Westchester, crediting CW with giving her the tools and confidence to succeed.
Beyond her business success, Sonia is President of the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where she advocates for education,
entrepreneurship, and expanded opportunities for Hispanic and minority communities. From launching a newspaper early in her career to leading in both business and civic life, Sonia remains committed to uplifting others—a legacy that began at CW and continues to inspire.
New Program Launch!
The College of Westchester is proud to introduce the new School of Human and Social Services, led by Dr. Ann Rodier, along with the launch of our Bachelor of Science in Public Health, beginning Fall 2025.
This program is designed for students who want to build a purpose-driven career promoting health and wellness in their
communities and beyond. Join us in preparing the next generation of public health leaders—be part of the solution and make a lasting impact.
Please feel free to share this announcement with friends or family who may be interested. We look forward to welcoming you to CW’s community of future changemakers.
One Step Closer to Launching an MBA Degree!
On Thursday, July 17, CW hosted the MBA Readiness Evaluation team, an important milestone in our progress toward launching a graduate-level business program. As part of the State Education Department’s (NYSED) approval process, institutions must complete a comprehensive self-study and undergo an external evaluation conducted by a review team composed of peer reviewers and NYSED staff. This visit provided an opportunity to showcase CW’s academic plans, student support systems, and overall
institutional readiness as we advance through this multi-step process.
During the visit, members of our community participated in scheduled Zoom meetings with the evaluation team to discuss our vision, student support initiatives, and institutional preparedness. The team was highly impressed by the contributions of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff, commending CW’s commitment to excellence and giving us the green
light to move forward.
Our next step is the submission of a detailed self-study and program proposal to the Office of College and University Evaluation at NYSED. This marks step three in the approval process, bringing us closer to making the MBA program a reality.
The Readiness Visit reflects CW’s continued growth and our dedication to expanding
career-focused educational opportunities for students. A special thank-you to the alumni who participated, you left a lasting and positive impression. Together, we are building something extraordinary!
Advance Your Career with the SkillsFirst Career Mobility Platform. Complimentary Access for
CW Alumni
Are your resume, cover letter, and interview skills truly reflecting your full potential? The SkillsFirst Career Mobility Platform is an AI-powered resource designed to help you approach your next career move with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Through SkillsFirst, you can:
Optimize your resume in minutes, tailored to your career goals
Craft personalized, impactful cover letters for each opportunity
Build a professional digital portfolio to showcase your work
Practice interview techniques with real-time, job-specific simulations
Complete career assessments to uncover strengths and explore new directions
Prepare for interviews with customized guidance based on any job
description
As a CW alumnus, you can access SkillsFirst at no cost. Whether you’re preparing for a new role or simply keeping your professional materials up to date, this is your opportunity to leverage modern career tools designed to help you succeed.
Our inaugural Alumni Exhibit brought CW graduates back to campus to inspire current students with their exceptional career achievements and successful entrepreneurial ventures. This
dynamic event showcased a diverse group of CW Alumni Warriors who have excelled across a variety of industries, each sharing valuable insights on navigating the professional world, overcoming challenges, and turning entrepreneurial visions into reality.
Through engaging conversations, they offered practical advice, personal stories, and strategies for success—demonstrating the lasting impact of a CW education. We invite you
to watch the short video below to experience their inspiring journeys and see how our alumni are making a difference far beyond our campus.
Inspire the Next Generation Become a CW Warrior Alumni Mentor!
As a CW graduate, you understand the dedication, challenges, and victories that come with completing a program. Now, you have the opportunity to transform that experience into guidance for current students by becoming a mentor.
Mentoring doesn’t require a large time commitment, sometimes a single piece of advice, a shared strategy, or a few words of encouragement can make all the difference. Whether it’s offering tips on staying motivated, balancing school with life, or navigating career decisions, your insights are invaluable.
Feel free to contact The Office of Alumni Relations at [email protected] or
914-831-0495 with any questions you may have.
If you’re ready to help a student chart their path and make a lasting impact, click the button below to complete the mentor interest survey.
In this feature, we highlight the remarkable journey of Mezaun Ramjohn, President of the CW Alumni Association. Her story exemplifies perseverance, compassion, and leadership, all qualities that have shaped her personal and professional success. Discover how Mezaun’s experiences continue to inspire others and make a lasting
impact.
"My experience at The College of Westchester was pivotal in building my real-world skills and strengthening my educational foundation, ultimately leading me to where I am today. Receiving two degrees from CW and completing multiple internships through the school has put me on a path to opening my own non-profit organization and Grief Doula
business.
My footing at The College of Westchester also led me to a road of attaining two Masters degrees, certifications and a paralegal degree.
Six years ago, my daughter and I founded Double A Charity, named after our shared middle names with a mission to help animals in need across the nation. Our organization hosts fundraisers, collection drives, and animal assistance events, and we mobilize volunteers to support shelters directly. Through these efforts, we work to make a lasting
difference in the lives of animals.
Our mission is to be ready, available and help in any way, shape, or form to aid these animals in need. In a world full of so much chaos, we offer some relief to animals that need care, access, and an open heart.
It was a proud day when I started my Grief Doula business called Weeping Willow Grief Doula Services. My life posed many instances of struggle for myself to push through and heal. Learning from my journey, I decided to become certified and share my techniques and wisdom
to help others. I have always had a passion for helping others and I decided to use this in conjunction with my knowledge and training to make a difference in clients' lives. Grief can strike at any moment and working through any type of trauma is one of the most difficult things to do, especially alone. My services help people to heal and thrive in a life that was meant to be enjoyed in its entirety.
I owe my
achievements to The College of Westchester for creating a mindset that fostered my ability to grow my ideas and become an abundantly proud and successful person."
