March 17, 2026
St. John’s University recognized the contributions of an inspirational group of alumnae at the annual Celebrating the Women of St. John’s luncheon, a spirited gathering held March 7 at Jericho Terrace in Mineola, NY.
Sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations, the event paid tribute to four women whose commitment to the University’s Vincentian mission embodies what it means to be a “woman of St. John’s.” Linda S. Sanford ’74ED, ’98HON, a pioneer in the technology industry and an emeritus member of the University’s Board of Trustees, received the Alumnae Lifetime Achievement Award for redefining what was possible for women in a once male-dominated tech industry.
Ms. Sanford, who retired from IBM in 2014 as one of its most highly placed female executives, is a member of the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame and has been named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Business by Fortune.
Among her contributions to St. John’s was the establishment of the Sanford Family Cyber Security Lab in St. Augustine Hall, designed to educate the next generation of students in the protection of the nation’s digital infrastructure.
“The culture at St. John’s is unique,” Ms. Sanford said. “It is not only the educational system that is in place, but also how they teach you to be kind to each other, to be respectful and authentic. I was taught to be myself, and that it is important to bring who we are—our authenticity—to the world.”
Now in its fifth year, the Women of St. John’s luncheon has recognized more than 25 select alumnae for their commitment to the values of the University. Past honorees have included former St. John’s student-athletes and coaches, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the business, education, law enforcement, legal, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Carleen Kelly ’83CBA, Vice President, Business Development, at the consulting firm Trilations, served as guest speaker. Ms. Kelly told guests new in their careers to aspire to make a lasting difference.
“For the baby boom generation, the goal was never just to enter the workforce,” she said. “It was to stay modern, and to learn how to pivot. We helped change become more normal. My hope is that the next generation keeps improving on that.”
Among the other honorees was Michele Grant ’01CCPS, Executive Global Director of the New Jersey-based information technology firm Cognizant. Ms. Grant, Chair of The Loughlin Society and Women Investor’s Club at St. John’s, was honored with the Alumnae Achievement Award.
Ms. Grant is an active alumna whose best-selling book, The Power Dressers: A Women’s Guide to Professional Style, offers women empowering fashion and career insights. She is the founder of the Dr. Ava Patricia Frank Memorial Scholarship, created in honor of her mother, an alumna of the University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
“St. John’s had a tremendous influence in my growth as a woman, a leader, and as a person of faith,” Ms. Grant said. “Humility and integrity are at the foundation of my success, and I learned that there.”
Lauren Leo ’07CCPS, head coach of the Red Storm Women’s Tennis team since 2015, received the Employee Achiever award. A gifted player while at St. John’s, she compiled a 48–29 record in singles and doubles play. As coach, she has led the Red Storm to a 131–61 record, including the 2018 BIG EAST Conference championship—St. John’s only conference title in women’s tennis.
Angelica Robles, a doctoral candidate in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, received the Student Achiever award. Angelica, a pharmacy student, balances academic commitments, including lab duties, with work in the University’s Office of Alumni Relations and a local pharmacy. She earned her symbolic White Coat last fall, a proud moment for her and her family, she said.
Traditionally well attended, the annual women’s luncheon coincides with the University’s recognition of Women’s History Month. Money raised supports student scholarships, including those designed to cultivate female scholars and leaders.
To the students at the luncheon, the Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s, said: “We have here today people who have gone into the world and done amazing things with their lives. It is important for young people to have examples of what it means to be a successful person and a great St. John’s graduate. Your St. John’s education has equipped you to live an amazing life.”
The luncheon drew more than 350 St. John’s supporters to the venue in Nassau County, NY, about a half-hour from St. John’s Queens, NY, campus. Joni O’Hagan ’02M.S.Ed., Executive Director, Center for Student Success, served as master of ceremonies, and awards were presented by award-winning television journalist Aziza Shuler ’15CCPS. Ms. Shuler is the weekend morning anchor and a reporter at CBS News New York.
Sara Hunt Munoz, Ed.D., Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, said the four honorees embody the spirit and mission of St. John’s. “Each of these four achievers has demonstrated outstanding leadership, professional excellence, and a deep commitment to service, while making a meaningful impact within our University community and beyond,” Dr. Munoz said. “Their achievements reflect not only personal success, but also a dedication to lifting others and advancing opportunities for future generations.”
Corporate supporters included CVS Health, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, Maspeth Federal Savings, and NYX Professional Makeup.
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