Nora Cronin Presentation Academy Welcomes Several Prominent Female Leaders To Celebrates Women’s History Month
Newburgh, NY – April 2, 2025 – To celebrate Women’s History Month and to help the students engage with local, female leaders in Orange County, Nora Cronin Presentation Academy welcomed several prominent, female leaders to speak at the school throughout the month of March.
On March 5th, NCPA welcomed Genesis Ramos, Orange County Legislator and Chair of the Human Services Committee for Orange County. A lifelong resident of the City of Newburgh and a first generation Honduran-American, Ms. Ramos was the first women of color, and one of the youngest people, to be elected to the Orange County Legislature. Her experience as a local leader and connection to the Newburgh community are just a few of the topics that she spoke about to the NCPA student body.
On March 12th, NCPA welcomed Anika Mohammed, City of Newburgh Court Judge and local soup kitchen operator. Judge Mohammed spoke about how she has made an impact as a women leader within the community by opening and running her own law firm, being an Assistant District Attorney in Orange County and being one of the first women of color appointed to be City of Newburgh Court Judge.
On March 19th, NCPA welcomed Chef, Evelyn Garcia. In addition to being the teaching kitchen executive chef at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in New York City, Chef Garcia’s diverse culinary background includes roles as a chef at the iconic 21 Club, food stylist for Food Network, Martha Stewart Living and Cooking Channel, and culinary educator for Hudson Valley Farm-to-School programs. She also serves on the board of Common Ground Farm in Wappingers Falls, NY. A first generation Mexican American, a native of Newburgh, and a 2006 graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Chef Garcia shared recipe books and individualized, healthy snacks with the students.
On March 26th, NCPA welcomed Inaudy Gil Esposito, MS, Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission for Orange County. Ms. Gil Esposito spoke to the students about the importance of staying true to yourself and reaching high for your dreams. The Human Rights Commission for Orange County’s primary purpose is to foster mutual respect and understanding among all groups and facilitate educational and awareness programs that promote understanding of equity, acceptance, unity, and humanity. Ms. Gil Esposito is an advocate and voice for targeted and oppressed communities here in the Hudson Valley. Born in the Dominican Republic, Ms. Gil Esposito immigrated to the United States as a child, and has lived in the Hudson Valley since 2003. She has extensive expertise in social justice, diversity and inclusion, and gender violence issues, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
On March 27th, NCPA welcomed Newburgh Police Officer Espada and Officer Rivera. Both officers shared their journey to becoming police officers with one officer coming from a long line of police officers in her family, the other became the first police officer in her family. In addition, the officers spoke about the importance of setting goals and continuing to reach for them. The students were excited to have the opportunity to ask these female officers their questions as well as learn about police work.
NCPA follows the NativityMiguel model of schooling taking a faith based, holistic approach to education. In addition to traditional academics, NCPA addresses the physical, social, emotional, moral, and spiritual needs, and develops growth of the student in all areas. These special lectures to the students from prominent, female leaders in the local community is an extension of this holistic approach to education, helping to develop a well-rounded student as future leaders.
“We were so excited to welcome all of our guests last month to NCPA and have them speak to our students. With March being Women’s History Month, I cannot think of a better opportunity to have our students be able to listen to and speak with local, female leaders. I believe their words will resonate with our young women and guide them for the rest of their lives,” said Dr. Tammy Barnett, Principal of Nora Cronin Presentation Academy.
