FIRST-EVER STATEWIDE MENTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDED DURING STATE EDUCATION CONFERENCE

Education game-changers from around the state were recently honored with special awards during Take Stock in Children’s State Leadership Conference in Tallahassee attended by hundreds of business and community leaders. John Henry of Naples received the first-ever Statewide Mentor of the Year Award along with Richard Berkowitz of Miami who received the Champion of Education Award and India White of Gainesville who was honored with Alumni of the Year.

With January being National Mentoring Month, Henry received the honor of the first-ever Take Stock in Children Statewide Mentor of the Year award. He currently mentors three students at Immokalee High School, Elijah Arreaga, Kerby Henry and Elijah Basile, offering each of them support, guidance and encouragement. He meets with the scholars once per week, helping to build a solid foundation of values, establish goals, and improve academic and life skills while developing their self-esteem and confidence. Henry goes above and beyond to ensure they are on track and provide them with the tools necessary to be successful in life.

“Take Stock in Children is a role model organization filled with passionate leaders who work endlessly to transform the lives of our youth, and we are thrilled to recognize their efforts with these awards,” said Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, President/CEO of Take Stock in Children. “This State Leadership Conference served as the perfect platform to honor each of them, with other top education leaders and key partners from around the state in attendance.”

The Champion of Education award was given to Berkowitz, an outstanding member of the community who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness on behalf of the children of Florida while also advocating to address needs that have not yet been met. For years he has consistently devoted his time and talents to ensure that every child has an opportunity to achieve their dreams through education.

White was selected as Take Stock in Children’s Alumni of the Year for her motivating leadership and efforts of paying it forward. Her path has led her from living in a homeless shelter to eventually becoming a teacher, mother and enthusiastic spokesperson and mentor for Take Stock in Children. White currently plays a vital role in the continuing success of the organization and all those who follow in her footsteps.

Emilio Alonso-Mendoza Appointed as President/CEO of Take Stock in Children

Emilio Alonso-Mendoza has been appointed to serve as President/CEO of Take Stock in Children, a statewide non-profit organization with a solid 16 year history of working to help low-income and at-risk youth break the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, mentors and hope. The announcement was made by Richard Berkowitz, State Board Chair of Take Stock in Children.

“Emilio joins us at an ideal time when we are reaching new heights with nationally recognized programs and exciting challenges,” says Berkowitz. “His invaluable not-for-profit experience and commitment to succeed is ideal as Take Stock in Children continues to play a vital role in paving the way to ensure a bright future for our next generation of leaders.”

In his new role, Alonso-Mendoza will lead all facets of the organization, which currently serves nearly 17,000 low-income and minority students annually from middle school through college throughout 67 counties across the state. With a competent team of professionals and an active Board of Directors, he will oversee all aspects of the operations including fundraising and development, program services, board governance and strategic partnerships, as well as community and legislative affairs.

Alonso-Mendoza has built an amazing 25-year career working with vital non-profit organizations. He has spent the past five years as President of the Archdiocese of Miami Development Corporation and the Catholic Community Foundation in the Archdiocese of Miami. In this role, he successfully led many to support a vast array of charitable and social services that aim to raise funds to build churches, feed the hungry, house the homeless, and provide spiritual guidance.

“With my passion for advocacy and children’s issues, I am very excited to be joining this vital organization that helps shape the future of our next generation of leaders. Take Stock in Children has already demonstrated unparalleled success to change the lives of Florida’s at-risk youth. I look forward to growing this impactful program,” says Alonso-Mendoza.

Alonso-Mendoza’s professional experience also includes serving as President of the Children’s Home Society Foundation, helping orphaned, abandoned and neglected children throughout Florida and as President of the National Parkinson Foundation for 10 years, traveling the world and establishing 52 centers of excellence for research and treatment.

He is a law graduate of the University of Miami and resides in Miami with his wife Marina.