Her Honor Mentoring marks 20 years with 108 new mentees

Judge Judy Sheindlin and her daughter Nicole Sheindlin have marked the 20th anniversary of the Her Honor Mentoring program, which has welcomed approximately 2,500 participants over two decades. The organization, co-founded by the pair to empower young women through mentorship and professional development, has drawn 1,500 mentees from 31 high schools and more than 1,000 mentors from 400 organizations and businesses.

Sheindlin told Fox News Digital that the project began with a small group of eight or nine women in its freshman year, a figure that has since grown to over 100 in the most recent class held in September. For the 2026-27 academic year, the program consists of 108 mentees and 123 mentors spread across 14 schools in Bronx, Rockland, and Westchester counties.

The curriculum combines professional guidance with financial literacy. Sheindlin noted that mentees are paid for their work while learning to manage money, dress for success, and make first impressions. She described the combination of mentoring and financial components as "simple, but satisfying," adding that the drive of the young participants has made her hopeful for the next generation. "It sort of renews your faith that probably the vast majority of people are like these young women," Sheindlin said.

Nicole Sheindlin, the current CEO of Her Honor Mentoring, credited her stepmother as the engine keeping the project running. She explained that the program reflects their professional relationship, as they attended law school together and worked in family court. "The power and the impact of having a professional woman, a strong woman be a mentor, be a guide, be a supporter," Nicole said. She added that mentors have discovered that giving back empowers their own personal wellbeing.

Mentees participate in 20 weekly meetings throughout the academic year, exploring topics related to education, career, and financial literacy. They also complete four electives, which include field trips, digital courses, and creative projects. Several former mentees have returned to the program as mentors after starting their careers.

Lilliana Mendoza, a police officer in the Mamaroneck Police Department and a 2016 Her Honor mentee, is now a mentor in the current class. Mendoza, who was the first female in her family to attend college, said the program helped her combat shyness and gain people skills. She credited the experience with providing specific guidance that impacted her career.

Her mentee Keiry Alvarez joined the program after being encouraged by her sister, who said Her Honor helped her become more confident. Alvarez and Mendoza both stated that the program helped them overcome timidity and find their voices.