Peekskill High School Hosts Inaugural My Sister’s Keeper Leadership Conference

In its inaugural year of the My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) program, Peekskill High School proudly hosted its first-ever Leadership Conference in celebration of Women’s History Month. Centered on the theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” the conference brought together more than 40 Peekskill High School MSK students, along with 15 students from the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, for a day dedicated to empowerment and leadership development.

Launched in November 2025, Peekskill High School’s MSK program continues to grow as a cornerstone initiative focused on fostering leadership, self-confidence and community engagement among young women.

The event featured keynote speaker Lieutenant Khalia Carter, the newly appointed and first Black female lieutenant in the Peekskill Police Department. With over a decade of service in community policing, Lieutenant Carter inspired attendees by sharing her personal journey. She also spoke about her leadership experiences and her commitment to serving the Peekskill community.

Conference participants also engaged in a series of interactive breakout sessions and a panel discussion with the following accomplished women leaders:

• Shakira Wilson, Vice President of Distribution Engineering & Planning at Con Edison
• Dr. Sitembile Sales, Internal Medicine Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
• Mya Guardino, COO & Director of Social Media at PERUSE LIT
• Pam Sgroi, Retired Peekskill Police Officer and Regional Passenger Safety Supervisor at Nuvance Health
• Dr. Melanie Roman, Director of Early College Programs for the Peekskill City School District

Wilson, Sales and Guardino are all Peekskill High School alumni.

The panel discussion was moderated by two student leaders, including Peekskill High School Class of 2026 Valedictorian Lenita Esteves, who helped guide the conversation. The event highlighted the leadership of additional students who supported the program throughout the day, further demonstrating the strong voice of Peekskill High School students. The program also included special remarks from Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie and various Peekskill High School alumna.

The conference was made possible through the support of numerous community partners and organizations, including Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., My Sister’s Place, and the Peekskill Police Department. These partners also facilitated breakout sessions that focused on women’s health, mental health awareness, etiquette, financial planning and leading with purpose.

The MSK Leadership Conference concluded with a reflective activity in which participants engaged in positive affirmations. Students used mirrors as a symbol of self-recognition, and selected words to place on bracelets that represented their strength and resilience.

The inspiration for the Peekskill My Sister’s Keeper program came after the District implemented the successful My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) program, which was established in the District back in 2014. The vision to establish a similar program for young ladies at Peekskill High School was supported by District Superintendent Dr. David Mauricio and the Peekskill Board of Education.

The My Sister’s Keeper program at Peekskill CSD is supported by four dedicated teacher mentors: Patricia Johnson, Leslie Ishoo, Therese Wood-Chang and Lisa Mannion, and three district administrator advisors: Dr. Margie Daniels, Ms. Janice Reid and Dr. Jenna Ferris.

“This conference was a powerful celebration of our community and the women who inspire it,” said Dr. Jenna Ferris, Peekskill High School alumna and principal. “Seeing alumni and accomplished leaders return to guide our students, while our young women showcased their own leadership and growth through My Sister’s Keeper, filled the day with pride and the true spirit of Peekskill.”

The success of this inaugural conference highlights the program’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and strengthening partnerships throughout the Peekskill community.

For more information about Peekskill High School’s My Sister’s Keeper program, please contact Dr. Margie Daniels at the Peekskill City School District.