Sacred Heart Academy Hosts Women’s Leadership Forum Featuring Inspiring Alumnae
November 7, 2025

Alumnae return to share their stories of leadership, perseverance, and the lasting impact of a Sacred Heart Academy education.

15 Sacred Heart Academy Alumnae posing for a photo outside the school

Sacred Heart Academy proudly welcomed back 15 distinguished alumnae for the annual Women’s Leadership Forum, an inspiring event that brought together past and present generations of Sacred Heart leaders.


Throughout the day, these accomplished women spoke with current students about their personal and professional journeys and reflected on how their experiences at Sacred Heart helped shape the confident, compassionate leaders they have become. From the Speech and Debate team to the courtroom, from AP English to the Chief of Staff’s office, each alumna shared how the lessons learned at SHA continue to influence their success.


During the panel discussions, each alumnae shared stories of perseverance, passion, and purpose. They offered valuable advice to students preparing for their own futures, emphasizing the importance of community, resilience, and leadership grounded in the Sacred Heart values.


"Events like the Women’s Leadership Forum bring our Sacred Heart community full circle," said Mary Jo Hammill Clarke '79, P '12, Director of Alumnae Relations. "It is inspiring to see our alumnae return, share their journeys, and show how the education and values they received here continue to guide them as confident, compassionate leaders. Their stories remind our current students that with perseverance, purpose, and the support of the SHA community, anything is possible."


Sacred Heart Academy is deeply grateful to these alumnae for returning to campus and giving back to the SHA community by inspiring the next generation of women leaders.


Participating Alumnae


Maureen Callahan ’89, Writer, Best-selling Author and Columnist

Meaghan FitzGerald ’15, Developer Relations Engineer at Ava Labs

Katrina Florio, Ph.D. ’08, Clinical Psychologist, Northwell Health

Patrice Miller ’04, Artistic Associate/Director at Clever Girl Productions

Jennifer (Teta’90) Vitale P ’27, Assistant Principal, Plainedge High School

Julianna Holmes ’15, Senior Designer, NAINOA

Cassie (Herman ’02) Kralovec, Hospice Nurse at Capital Caring Health

Meghan McNally ’07, Chief of Staff to President and CEO at Alliance Bernstein

Rosa Pereira, D.O. ’91, Physicians Partner at Northwell Health

Jacqueline Stykes ’08, LP Associate at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan

Claudia Chieco ’12, Project Manager, CMR Civil

Caroline Kenny ’11, White House Producer with NBC News

Mary Kate (Quinn '06) Giordano, Senior Client for Financial Services at NVIDIA

Whitney (Garlick '05) Maniatty, Wholesale Director at Givenchy Americas

Rolanda (Bell '05) Silverman, Account Manager at New Balance Inc/East Coast Regional

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Sacred Heart Academy Shines at Speech Tournament with Aya’s 2nd Place Win

October 31, 2025
The Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) community is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement by one of our own at the Speech Tournament held on October 11, 2025, right here at SHA. Competing against students from prestigious schools across the island, including Chaminade, Syosset, Roslyn, Kellenberg, and Half Hollow Hills, Aya Belkharraz Idris earned an impressive 2nd place finish in the challenging Extemporaneous category. This event tests quick thinking and deep understanding, as competitors receive an unexpected topic related to the economy and must prepare, memorize, and deliver a speech within just 30 minutes. Aya’s outstanding performance showcased her intelligence and rhetorical skill, making the SHA family incredibly proud. “We are thrilled to see our students thrive in these rigorous competitions—especially since the success of our Speech and Debate team reinforces that our commitment to academic and leadership excellence extends beyond the classroom,” said President Kim Johnson. This first home tournament of the season saw enthusiastic participation from freshmen and sophomores, highlighting the growing strength and dedication of our Speech and Debate team. Tournaments are held twice a month from October through March at various schools in the region, with the season culminating in the national competition in Washington, D.C., next May. Aya’s 2nd-place finish has earned her a half qualification, putting her well on her way to representing SHA on the national stage. Speech and Debate Team Coach and English teacher Ms. Stephanie Cutrona praised her students’ dedication, sharing, “I am extremely proud of the hard work the girls are putting in—they meet with me during their lunch and study hall periods to practice, in addition to our after-school practices, and they are eager to help one another. I am often in awe of them—our girls are incredible! We are dedicated to growing our program to give our aspiring lawyers, doctors, presidents, and thespians a sphere to thrive.” Principal Maria Hecht added, “We are so proud of Aya for earning second place! These competitions do more than celebrate talent—they help our young women find their voices, grow in confidence, and learn the power of thoughtful communication.” Sacred Heart Academy fosters academic excellence and leadership for girls in grades 9–12. SHA's nationally recognized Speech and Debate team provides a powerful platform for students to develop confidence, critical thinking, and eloquence. Sacred Heart Academy looks forward to welcoming the next round of talented speakers to our home tournament at SHA on March 28. Congratulations once again to Aya Belkharraz Idris for this outstanding achievement, and to all the SHA students who participated and demonstrated true dedication. Your success reflects the heart and spirit of our community: leadership, resilience, and excellence in action.

Inspiring Excellence in Every Student

Rooted in faith and tradition, we empower young women to lead with confidence, compassion, and integrity. Through rigorous academics, spiritual growth, and a supportive sisterhood, our students are inspired to excel in college and beyond while making a meaningful impact in the world.

Sacred Heart Academy Shines at Speech Tournament with Aya’s 2nd Place Win

October 31, 2025
The Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) community is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement by one of our own at the Speech Tournament held on October 11, 2025, right here at SHA. Competing against students from prestigious schools across the island, including Chaminade, Syosset, Roslyn, Kellenberg, and Half Hollow Hills, Aya Belkharraz Idris earned an impressive 2nd place finish in the challenging Extemporaneous category. This event tests quick thinking and deep understanding, as competitors receive an unexpected topic related to the economy and must prepare, memorize, and deliver a speech within just 30 minutes. Aya’s outstanding performance showcased her intelligence and rhetorical skill, making the SHA family incredibly proud. “We are thrilled to see our students thrive in these rigorous competitions—especially since the success of our Speech and Debate team reinforces that our commitment to academic and leadership excellence extends beyond the classroom,” said President Kim Johnson. This first home tournament of the season saw enthusiastic participation from freshmen and sophomores, highlighting the growing strength and dedication of our Speech and Debate team. Tournaments are held twice a month from October through March at various schools in the region, with the season culminating in the national competition in Washington, D.C., next May. Aya’s 2nd-place finish has earned her a half qualification, putting her well on her way to representing SHA on the national stage. Speech and Debate Team Coach and English teacher Ms. Stephanie Cutrona praised her students’ dedication, sharing, “I am extremely proud of the hard work the girls are putting in—they meet with me during their lunch and study hall periods to practice, in addition to our after-school practices, and they are eager to help one another. I am often in awe of them—our girls are incredible! We are dedicated to growing our program to give our aspiring lawyers, doctors, presidents, and thespians a sphere to thrive.” Principal Maria Hecht added, “We are so proud of Aya for earning second place! These competitions do more than celebrate talent—they help our young women find their voices, grow in confidence, and learn the power of thoughtful communication.” Sacred Heart Academy fosters academic excellence and leadership for girls in grades 9–12. SHA's nationally recognized Speech and Debate team provides a powerful platform for students to develop confidence, critical thinking, and eloquence. Sacred Heart Academy looks forward to welcoming the next round of talented speakers to our home tournament at SHA on March 28. Congratulations once again to Aya Belkharraz Idris for this outstanding achievement, and to all the SHA students who participated and demonstrated true dedication. Your success reflects the heart and spirit of our community: leadership, resilience, and excellence in action.