NYC Gazette

St. John’s University recently honored a group of distinguished alumnae during the fourth annual Women of St. John’s luncheon. The event, sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations, recognized the accomplishments of seven alumnae with Women’s Achiever Awards and posthumously awarded Catherine Camera ’65CBA the Alumnae Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Camera, who passed away in 2023, had a significant impact as Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development. Her sons, Christian and Jonathan Camera, expressed how the university influenced her life, stating, "Meeting my father there, of course, and all the success she had in her life, tie back to St. John’s University and the Queens, NY, campus."

The luncheon took place at Terrace on the Park, drawing nearly 350 attendees. Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s, noted March as Women’s History Month and emphasized that "women are the future of St. John’s, and our future is in good hands." Fr. Shanley highlighted the importance of providing students with role models who live lives of "distinction, meaning, and purpose."

Keynote speaker Stacie N.C. Grant ’92C, an accomplished entrepreneur and social activist, praised the achievers for their dedication to giving back and stated, "Achievers who were not asking for recognition, achievers who understood that when they entered the halls of St. John’s University, they were embracing St. Vincent de Paul’s mission to give back, and to know that everything we have been given is to be shared with others."

All eight honorees represented various schools and colleges of St. John’s University. Joanne Persico, coach of the St. John’s Women’s Volleyball team, served as the master of ceremonies. Among those honored was Ms. Debes, who, despite being born with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management and founded The Makeup on Wheels Foundation. "I’m very honored," she expressed, highlighting her St. John’s education as foundational to her success and emphasizing, "One hand should always wash the other. That is how you grow as a business and as a person."

The event inspired attendees with the honorees' stories. Judge Johnson became the first Black woman sworn in to serve as Queens Surrogate’s Court Judge this year. Ms. Belgrave advanced quickly at Lloyds Bank by supporting its strategic and financial initiatives. Ms. DaSilva, notable for her four-decade career in pharmaceuticals, is an advocate for women’s health. Ms. Dobis, an educator, led the Notre Dame College Alumnae Association, while Ms. Mulé transitioned from a career in publishing to serving on several nonprofit boards. Ms. Paolo, known for being the youngest principal in NYC, founded Paolo Prep Academy and advises at Lynn University.

The luncheon also featured the support of corporate sponsors including CVS Health, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, Glow Loft NYC, and others. The event raised over $1,000 for student scholarships.