Congratulations YPIE 2025 College Grads!

ssanchez896
5 hours ago
2 min read

We’re proud to celebrate our amazing YPIE alumni who have recently graduated from college! 🎓

Algenis J. Caba graduated from Riverside High School in 2020. He earned his B.A. in Psychology, with minors in Sociology and English Language Arts, graduating cum laude from SUNY Albany. During his time there, he received the Dr. Seth Spellman Jr. Academic Achievement Award and was inducted into the National Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi. He plans to gain work experience before pursuing graduate studies.

Catarina Mendes graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois and received a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology with a minor in German. She was able to go on an archaeological dig in Jerusalem and Galilee in 2022. Catarina is spending the summer in Germany and hopes to get a position at Wheaton College when she returns.

Janaissy Pineda (on the right) graduated from Yonkers High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Ithaca College. In 2025, she was recognized nationally as one of 50 AAF Most Promising Multicultural Students and was featured on a digital billboard in Times Square. She is currently interning with Malaika.

Brenda Sanchez-Ruiz graduated from Riverside High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Albany. She is working at White Management.

Gabrielle Lawyerr graduated from Yonkers Montessori Academy and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Nazareth College. She is staying another year to complete her Master’s Degree in Education.

Salamatu Lawal graduated from SUNY Purchase with a degree in Journalism. She has been accepted to Law Schools and is deciding on her best option.

Reem Reihani graduated from Yonkers High School and received a Bachelor’s degree from Pace University in Education. She is staying another year to complete her Master’s degree in Education.

Mebin George graduated from Mercy University in May 2024. He has been accepted to the Mercy University DPT (Physical Therapy) program and begins in September.

Maria Lozada graduated with honors from the University at Albany with a degree in Sociology and was awarded the Dr. Seth Spellman Jr. Academic Achievement Award. She is currently applying for a fellowship with the Office of the New York State Attorney General.

Lizbeth Morel graduated from Yonkers High School and received a bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Purchase. She is currently an assistant to a lawyer and is considering applying to law school.

Jaylene Anderson graduated from Roosevelt High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Sarah Lawrence College. She will continue at Sarah Lawrence for another year to attain her Master’s degree in Education.