‘Together, We’re Making HERstory’: Annual My Sister's Keeper Event Celebrates Young Scholars

The Mintz Auditorium on the Bronx campus was filled to capacity today as 250 young women from 11 local high schools gathered for this year’s My Sister’s Keeper event -- a powerful morning dedicated to connection, encouragement, and empowerment.

Featuring an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Empire actor and model Serayah McNeill, the event created space for meaningful reflection, open conversation, and shared stories. The atmosphere throughout the morning was one of unity and celebration, highlighting the strength and spirit of sisterhood.

The program was emceed by Dorothy Toran, Executive Director of Monroe's Entertainment Media program, who was joined on stage by University President Marc Jerome. Jerome joked with the audience that he was only permitted to serve as co-emcee because he is the father of three daughters -- a comment that drew plenty of laughter from the crowd.

Students from across the Bronx, as well as neighboring communities, stepped forward to share their hopes, experiences, and personal truths. Each time a young woman approached the microphone, the audience responded with an uplifting and unified message: 

“We’ve got you, Queen.”

Those words became a powerful affirmation repeated throughout the program, one that served as a reminder that every voice in the room was valued, supported, and heard.

This year’s theme, “Together, We’re Making HERstory,” captured the heart of the event, emphasizing the impact that comes when women encourage and uplift one another.

In her keynote remarks, Borough President Vanessa Gibson reflected on her journey to becoming the first Black woman elected to lead the Bronx. She urged the students in attendance to recognize their own potential while helping others see theirs as well.

“We need to uplift each other instead of tearing each other down, because when one of us succeeds, we all succeed,” Gibson said. “There is nothing more powerful than a woman who has made up her mind and is determined to rise and keep climbing.”

The audience was also treated to a special fireside chat between Dorothy Toran and accomplished actor and model Serayah McNeill. During their conversation, McNeill spoke candidly about the importance of owning your own narrative and staying grounded in who you are, even in the public eye.

She also encouraged the students to be mindful of the difference between reality and perception, particularly when it comes to social media. What people see online, she noted, is often a carefully curated snapshot rather than the full story. Understanding that difference can help young people avoid unfair comparisons and stay focused on their own journeys and goals.

Jaden Williams, a Monroe alumna who now works in the President’s Office supporting the administrative team, offered a heartfelt reflection on grief, resilience, and personal growth. After losing her brother, she shared that navigating college became especially difficult as she struggled through a period of deep sadness.

“I didn’t stay there,” Williams said. “To find my way forward, I returned to the values that were instilled in me growing up. I leaned on the spirituality passed down from my mother and listened for the echo of my father’s voice reminding me, ‘He can what he gets and gets what he can.’”

Williams encouraged the students to embrace self-awareness and self-love, sharing a mantra that has guided her own journey: “I am clocking me.”

For many participants, the event was more than motivating -- it was life-changing. One student from Bronx Lab High School reflected on what it truly means to be her sister’s keeper.

“Being your sister’s keeper means helping her grow,” she said. “It means reminding her that no matter who she is -- the color of her skin, the texture of her hair -- she should never feel discouraged. It means letting her know she can show up as herself, that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes, especially during hard moments. And if I ever have the chance to support my sister, I will -- because there’s nobody better in this world than your sisters.”

Students attending the event came from schools across the region, including Bronx Lab School, Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School, Charter High School for Law & Social Justice, Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School, Fordham Leadership Academy, Harry S. Truman High School, and the Women’s Academy of Excellence in the Bronx; the High School for Law Enforcement and Public Safety in Queens; Democracy Prep High School in Manhattan; the Charter School of Educational Excellence in Yonkers; and Peekskill High School in Westchester County.

Monroe University hosts My Sister’s Keeper each year as part of its ongoing commitment to empowering young women, strengthening confidence, and building a community grounded in encouragement and support.

“My Sister’s Keeper reminds us how powerful it is when young women are given the space and encouragement to speak openly about their goals and their experiences,” said Monroe University President Marc Jerome. “Seeing their confidence grow and watching them support one another throughout the day is something that makes all of us at Monroe incredibly proud.”