Celebrating Women Leaders in Our Community

In celebration of Women's History Month and this recent International Women's Day, we took a moment to ask the women leaders in the NIDC community - our staff, partners, and supporters - to reflect on their journey, look to the future, and share their wisdom.

Dr. Pascale Pierre

President, Orisha Wholeness Corp

What is something you do to help and support other women that your think more people should do?

One of the most important ways I support other women is by recognizing their talents and providing opportunities for them to develop and showcase their skills.

I actively uplift women by connecting them with resources, mentorship, and platforms where they can shine.

Encouragement is key, so I make it a point to celebrate their achievements and remind them of their potential, especially when they doubt themselves.

Collaboration over competition is essential—I create spaces where women can grow together rather than feel the need to compete.

More people should take the time to see the brilliance in the women around them, invest in their growth, and help open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Maquita Evans

Assistant Site Director at PS 89, NIDC

What leadership advice would you give young women today?

Women today are fierce, and some are a force to be displayed. Women today are powerful and some do not even know it. We set attainable goals and push ourselves further than our goals. Women today make more money and are heard. Some may look at us like we can only be housewives or mothers at home caring for our families. Believe me, we do all of those things and more - that's why us women should be proud! My advice… be who you are and prove to yourself you are more than just a WOMAN; you are also nurse, doctor, principal, construction worker, electrician, teacher, student, storyteller, confidante, singer, dancer, video gamer, chef, lover, and the list goes on. Please never doubt your skills you can do whatever you want!

Jamie Gonzalez

Parent Coordinator, Department of Education 11X089

Describe how another woman played a role in your success

The woman who played a MAJOR role in my life and success is my mom. She taught me to never give up when times are hard. She always taught me to give it my best. This is a moto she taught me, and I am passing it to my daughter: "Good, Better, Best. Never let it Rest until your good is better and your better is best.

Dr. Lauren Roth

Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

What leadership advice would you give young women today?

As a pediatrician, I am surrounded by successful, intelligent, kind, and compassionate women. I am grateful to have had women mentors throughout my medical training and career who have advocated for me, opened doors that may not have otherwise been open, role-modeled how to be effective leaders, and demonstrated how best to balance the demands of both work and family life. The greatest advice I ever received was that we are all juggling so many things and prioritization is key - some balls we juggle are rubber and some are glass, but in different stages of life, we need to decide which ones we can drop easily without harm and which ones might shatter if we drop them. Right now, my glass ball is my family. I have 5-year-old twins who are my absolute priority, and while some nights I may stay at work late to take care of a patient who needs me, I make sure to never miss an important event for my kids. That’s what keeps me grounded, and I hope to keep providing that perspective and supporting all the women and working moms I encounter at work or in my community.

Amy Shebar

Associate Executive Director, NIDC

What is something you do to help/support other women, that more people should do?

Women tend (often subconsciously) to diminish themselves and their presence in the world. This can be seen by women taking extra care to not take up physical space by putting their bags under their legs, for example, but can also be by apologizing for just...being. Women often apologize after they say smart things, or after giving an opinion. While we should all apologize when we do something wrong, we should not apologize for simply existing in a space. When I hear women apologizing for something that does not require an apology, I kindly call it out by reminding them that they do not need to apologize for that thing. A female mentor did that for me years ago; it truly helped my confidence rise, and I hope it does the same for the women I support in this way. We should all encourage others to take up space in this world - we deserve to be here!

Bergelda (Gigi) St. Louis

Site Director PS 89, NIDC

How has another woman played a role in your success?

Two years ago, when I started working in the youth department, I was fortunate to be mentored by my supervisor, a young Black woman in her 20s, just like me, who ran a high-quality program. Her guidance and mentorship laid the foundation for my growth, and today, I'm proud to supervise an afterschool program of my own. Her example of leadership and commitment continues to inspire me in my work.

Yasli Suero

Community Coordinator PS 96 & Business Owner of Berry Tipsy

Women’s History Month is significant to me as I’ve been influenced by strong women, particularly my mother, whose resilience shaped my values. As a small business owner and Latina from the Bronx, I see women increasingly taking on leadership roles and driving community change. My advice to aspiring female leaders is to remain authentic and share their ideas, as true leadership comes from one's unique perspective. The notion of female leadership has evolved to be more inclusive and diverse, paving the way for future generations!

Jessica Toro

Assistant Director, Community Engagement, NIDC

What leadership advice would you give young women today?

I would tell young women to take advantage of opportunities that allow them step outside of their comfort zone. Those will be the experiences that will help you grow. Be intentional with your roles and responsibilities, always asking clarifying questions, being open minded and thinking about the bigger picture. Surround yourself with likeminded individuals and be open to learning from other women who can inspire and motivate you to become a better version of yourself.

Toni Faiella-Salas, MPA

Assistant Director of Youth Services, NIDC

I have had the privilege of having a strong network of supportive women who have shaped my personal and professional growth. Through NIDC, directors and school leaders taught me valuable leadership skills, while professors challenged me to aim higher, make a difference in my community, and believe in myself. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to reach for higher goals. My friends provide a safe space for honest advice and balance. Each of these women has influenced my journey in meaningful ways, even if they don’t realize the profound impact they’ve had on me.

Shelly Wilson

Co-President, Orisha Wholeness

What leadership advice would you give young women today?

The advice I would give to a young woman today is to know your worth. You don’t have to shrink yourself to make others feel comfortable. Speak up, stand your ground, and share your brilliance with the world.