Celebrating Her Impact: Women’s History Month at NYJTL

NYJTL celebrated Women’s History Month by honoring the achievements, leadership, and voices of women who inspire change both on and off the court. The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis and Learning welcomed the women’s tennis teams from Temple University and Yale University for a clinic with NYJTL students, followed by a Q&A session. The day concluded with an exciting collegiate match between the two teams. 

NYJTL held its Holding Court Speaking Series, featuring Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO of The New York Foundling, and NYJTL Board Member Zakiyyah Salim-Williams. They shared insights on their leadership journeys, the fight against poverty and inequality, and the power of advocacy in strengthening communities. 

Lastly, NYJTL organized career talks featuring accomplished women from a wide range of industries—including tech, hospitality, STEM, nonprofit, and public service. 

Match Day: Yale Women’s Tennis vs. Temple Women’s Tennis 

On International Women’s Day, our Cary Leeds Center hosted a division 1 Women’s match up of Temple University and Yale University. Before taking the court for their match, both teams led a high-energy clinic with students from our Community Tennis Program (CTP), Scholar Athlete Program (SAP), and ACES Afterschool Program. The teams led a variety of drills, giving the students an up-close experience with high achieving athletes. The players learned more about college life during the Q&A session, where they had the opportunity to hear from the Yale and Temple athletes. They asked thoughtful questions about resilience, academic choices, and defining moments that often shape the scholar-athlete experience. 

Some of the most memorable pieces of advice shared were:  

  • “Focus on what you can control.” 
  • “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” 
  • “A ranking, UTR, or WTN number does not define you as a player or a person.” 

Lindsay Hung, Yale Women’s Assistant Coach, shared what the experience meant for the Yale Women’s Team and Coaching Staff:  

“Seeing my players, who have worked so hard to get where they are, give back to the community was truly inspiring. For them, it was a chance to not only share their love for the game but also to be role models who inspire these kids to believe in themselves, no matter their background or where they come from. I would encourage any team to participate in this event and be a part of something much bigger than themselves!” 

Holding Court Speaker Series with Melanie Hartzog 

NYJTL hosted the next Holding Court Speaker Series for all NYJTL staff, featuring a conversation with Melanie Hartzog, NYJTL Board Member and President & CEO of The New York Foundling. And moderated by NYJTL Board Member Zakiyyah Salim-Williams, a partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Gibson Dunn. 

Before leading The New York Foundling, Hartzog served as New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, overseeing the city’s social service agencies, and previously held the role of Director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget—where she managed the largest municipal budget in the country. 

Melanie credits her passion for public service and the opportunity to learn something new every day as the driving motivation behind her career. During the panel, she shared her perspective on her professional journey and her inspiration for getting involved with NYJTL. When asked about being the first woman and African American to serve as New York City’s budget director, she emphasized the importance of confronting internalized bias, “You can see structural racism and sexism, but you can’t see bias. And we all have it,” she said. “How do we acknowledge and address our own biases?” She also spoke to the power of community support, reinforcing that we don’t need to wait for systems to fail before lifting each other up. 

Later in the conversation, Melanie reflected on NYJTL’s mission and its impact on New York City children. She described sports, particularly tennis, as a true “game changer,” emphasizing how it instills discipline and provides a pathway for young people to excel. She believes that providing kids with opportunities they wouldn’t normally have, like tennis, can open doors to new experiences and impactful mentorship. 

ACES Career Talks 

NYJTL hosted a series of career talks featuring accomplished professional women from diverse industries who spoke with students across several ACES sites—including PS 187 in Manhattan, PS 148Q in Queens, and J.H.S. 383 Philippa Schuyler in Brooklyn 

PS 187 Hudson Cliffs hosted Tess Wemhoener, a Senior Product Manager at Cedar. Tess shared that career paths are rarely linear—she originally aspired to become a doctor but explored roles in banking and consulting before finding a way to combine her interests in both business and healthcare. Following her talk, students asked insightful questions like, “Do you get to be creative in your job?” and “Has anything ever not gone as planned?” 

At PS 148 in Queens, students had the opportunity to hear from Michelle Rosa, Executive Director at the Center for Youth Employment within the NYC Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development. Michelle shared how leaders like her help create opportunities for young people to play, learn, and connect during after-school hours—making a meaningful difference in their daily lives. Reflecting on her visit and her broader mission to build after-school programs across New York City, Michelle shared: 

“It was a pleasure speaking at PS 148Qs NYJTL’s Compass program and engaging with such attentive, enthusiastic young people. Their curiosity and eagerness to learn about my role in afterschool programming and as a NYC employee was truly inspiring. 

Afterschool programs play a pivotal role in youth development, offering benefits far beyond the classroom. Research shows that regular participation improves academic performance, especially in reading and math. 

As Executive Director of the Center for Youth Employment at the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development, we work to expand and align programs like these— skills, gain experience, explore potential career paths, and prepare for success in the world of work.   

Reflecting on these experiences, it’s evident that after-school and summer programs are essential in providing equitable educational opportunities. They bridge gaps, support working families, and equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive academically and personally.” 

J.H.S. 383 Philippa Schuyler welcomed Jessica Demakos, former Senior Director of Hospitality at Dorsia, a restaurant reservation platform. Jessica shared her experiences working in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of hospitality, highlighting that no two days in the industry are ever the same. Students were especially curious about the perks of her role—asking whether she has a favorite restaurant to visit and if she ever meets celebrities through her work. Lastly, Jessica spoke about the power of goal setting and how it helps turn dreams into achievable outcomes.  

Conclusion 

Throughout Women’s History Month, NYJTL celebrated the importance of representation, access, and empowerment for women. Across all NYJTL programs, students and staff participated in on-court experiences and powerful conversations with female collegiate athletes and accomplished professional women, leaving them inspired and confident about their future and expanding their sense of what’s possible. 

NYJTL Celebrates Black History Month Through Tennis, Education, Arts, and Community Service

Arthur Ashe, the founder of NYJTL, remains the only Black man to have won the US Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open. Yet, his greatest legacy extends beyond the court. Ashe was dedicated to empowering Black athletes and viewed tennis as a gateway to education and opportunity—principles that shape NYJTL’s mission today. This February, students and families across all NYJTL programs honored that legacy by coming together to celebrate Black History Month. 

ACES Afterschool Program 

All NYJTL ACES sites honored Black History Month through performances, tributes, and classroom activities celebrating Black leaders in music, dance, art, and sports.  

At PS37Q, students showcased their hard work with multiple performances. After a month of practice, various dance and singing groups took the stage in the school auditorium and performed in front of their family and friends. They honored Black artists with renditions of songs like Rise Up by Andra Day and Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson. 

Beyond perfecting their routines, students also celebrated College Awareness Month by decorating their classrooms with a Howard University theme, celebrating the legacy of this esteemed Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Although HBCUs make up only 3% of U.S. colleges and universities, they produce nearly 20% of all Black graduates and 25% of Black STEM graduates. A standout NYJTL alum, Shawn Mitchell Yon is a current student at Howard University and a member of their men’s tennis team.  

Eagle Academy hosted a Paint and Sip night for students and parents, bringing families together to create a mural. Each painting within the mural honored a significant figure or pivotal moment in Black history.  

At ICAHN 2, students honored the impact of legendary choreographer and activist Alvin Ailey. They highlighted his contributions to the dance world through a performance by NYJTL’s dance team, the Icahnics, who brought Ailey’s iconic Revelations to life.  

Alongside the dance performances, a choir group paid tribute to legendary artist, Bob Marley, by performing a medley of his most iconic songs, celebrating his lasting influence on music and culture.  

Sixth-grader Yasmene Jonas shared her thoughts on the ICAHN 2 potluck that took place before the performances: 

“I really like Black History Month because it celebrates the people that fought for our freedom. The potluck showed just that with the performances all representing different times Black people fought for our freedom and our rights. I really liked singing the Bob Marley songs because I like being on stage and showing off my voice and singing is really fun!” – Yasmene Jonas 

Scholar Athlete Program 

The Scholar Athlete Program started the year with a busy schedule, balancing SAT preparation classes while also honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal leader in the American civil rights movement. NYJTL President and CEO Udai Tambar highlighted the significance of MLK Day, stating, “It is an opportunity to honor the extraordinary legacy of Dr. King and to reflect on his teachings of equality, justice, and service to others.” 

In January, NYJTL’s Scholar Athletes honored Dr. King’s legacy by taking part in service projects across the city. Partnering with local organizations, they found ways to give back to their communities, reflecting the commitment to service that Dr. King stood for. 

  • Clayton Williams Garden – Cleared out debris to help revitalize a local green space. 
  • Randall’s Island – Worked with the Urban Farm team to prepare seed packets while learning about sustainable agriculture. 
  • Kings Bay Y – Spent time with seniors, while celebrating February birthdays. 
  • Commonpoint Queens – Assembled first aid kits. 

SAP students shared reflections on their experiences: 

“One of the highlights of the day was volunteering with seniors at a local center, where we celebrated birthdays together. It was so rewarding to see their smiles and spend time connecting with them.”Jaydel 

“I helped the Urban Farm team create seed packets for the community. It felt great to contribute to something that helps others grow their own food.”Miguel 

“We assembled first aid kits, which will be donated to those in need—it felt great knowing our work would help others in a practical way.”Joseph & Evan 

Tennis Access 

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the legacies of trailblazers on and off the court. At NYJTL, this commitment continues year-round. Beyond honoring Black leaders, we create opportunities by providing free access to tennis tournaments for youth across New York City. 

The Presidents’ Week Tournament at Cary Leeds Center showcased a doubles-only format for players across multiple age divisions, including the 10s, 12s, 14s, 16s, and 18 and under divisions, giving players the opportunity to develop their teamwork skills. On the final day, the 8 & under participants competed in a singles tournament and took part in a skills evaluation, with the hope of sparking a love for the game at a young age.  

The 2025 NYJTL ACES President’s Cup took place during Mid-Winter Break, bringing together 195 students from ACES elementary and middle schools to compete for their respective titles. Unlike traditional tennis tournaments, this event featured fitness and serving competitions, adding a unique challenge for the ACES students. 

Conclusion 

Witnessing Black athletes like Coco Gauff, the 2024 Olympic flag bearer, Madison Keys, and Frances Tiafoe competing at the highest levels of tennis is both inspiring and impactful. Their success goes beyond titles—it serves as a reminder to NYJTL students and beyond of what is possible. Representation matters. When young kids see people who look like them excelling in their field, it reinforces the belief that they can achieve greatness too. 

In his commitment to making tennis more accessible, Frances Tiafoe recently created the Frances Tiafoe Fund in partnership with the USTA Foundation. NYJTL Scholar Athlete Program alum Chantajah Mills, a student-athlete at Texas State, was recently awarded a scholarship from the fund. 

Arthur Ashe saw tennis as more than a sport—it was a vehicle for opportunity. Whether it’s celebrating a Black artist through dance, competing in a tournament that celebrates diversity, or honoring Martin Luther King Jr. through community service, the mission for NYJTL remains the same: to develop the character of youth through tennis and education for a lifetime of success, on and off the court.  

Up Next… 

On Thursday, March 13, at 1 PM, NYJTL will host the next virtual Holding Court speaker series. It will be a discussion with Melanie Hartzog, NYJTL board member and President & CEO of The New York Foundling, and NYJTL Board Member Zakiyyah Salim-Williams to celebrate Black History & Women’s History Months. Hartzog leads one of NYC’s longest-serving nonprofits, supporting over 30,000 individuals annually in child welfare, education, and health services.  

 

 

 

Pathways to Success

NYJTL’s new tennis pathway begins with grassroots programs like the Community Tennis Program (CTP) and extends to the Scholar Athlete Program and beyond. But what does “beyond” truly mean?

For NYJTL, “beyond” means supporting alumni as they transition to college and early adulthood. In recent years, NYJTL students have attended prestigious universities like Syracuse and earned athletic scholarships at schools such as Texas State, Howard, Fordham, and Dominican. The Scholar Athlete Program has seen firsthand the impact of academic support combined with high-level tennis instruction, especially for underserved youth. However, the challenges that young adults face don’t end with high school graduation.

Recognizing this, Raiyan Nafee, Scholar Athlete Academic Program Director, established an alumni network to provide support through college and the start of careers. Whether its coaches staying personally connected with former students, offering guidance on internships and resume building, or hosting alumni practices during holiday breaks, Raiyan believes in the power of maintaining strong relationships and providing ongoing support for NYJTL graduates. Raiyan says, “It’s incredibly important to me that we don’t lose touch with our students once they head off to college. I want to ensure we’re giving them the tools and support they need for a smooth transition from childhood to adulthood.”

One success story is Shawn Mitchell Yon, a Scholar Athlete Program alumnus from the class of 2023. Shawn journeyed through NYJTL’s Community Tennis Program to the Scholar Athlete Program now plays on the tennis team for Howard University, a Division 1 program. In his first year and a half at Howard, Shawn has leaned into the NYJTL alumni network to navigate new challenges that come with balancing the demands of academics and athletics.

Shawn’s journey in tennis began at age six through a gym class program at his elementary school. A Queens native, he discovered NYJTL’s Community Tennis Program in his borough, where his love for the sport started to grow. His commitment to tennis was not confined to Queens— as a young boy Shawn ventured across all five boroughs, participating at every CTP site that NYJTL offered.

Reflecting on his time in the Scholar Athlete Program, Shawn recalls the impact of meeting Ahsha Rolle, NYJTL’s Director of Tennis and a former top 80 player on the WTA tour. Shawn shares, “Seeing someone who looked like me succeed in the tennis world was incredibly inspiring.” Beyond the initial inspiration, Shawn’s tennis game improved through top-tier drills and match strategies led by Jay Devashetty, the Director of Player Development at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis and Learning. Along with the extra hours spent on the court, the Scholar Athlete Program provided academic support, including tutoring and hands-on college application assistance. For Shawn, working with Raiyan to refine his writing and perfect his college essay helped his acceptance to Howard University, while the high-level training on the court secured him an athletic scholarship.

Although Shawn’s training and academic success earned him a spot on the Howard Men’s Tennis team, his freshman year brought a new set of challenges. In his first season, Shawn was eager to secure a position in the singles lineup but found himself sidelined for most matches. Shawn leaned on his former coaches, Ahsha and Jay, for advice on navigating the pressures of college tennis. Ahsha’s advice to “stay consistent and maintain perspective” helped Shawn refocus and stay patient.

When Shawn returned home to Queens over his winter break last month, he dedicated himself to preparing for the upcoming spring season. Reflecting on his time, he shared, “I was at Cary Leeds more than I was at home.” Shawn trained with Ahsha and Jay and joined current NYJTL players for practice sessions.

When he wasn’t focused on his own training, Ahsha offered Shawn a job at the Cary Leeds Center, where he assisted her in private lessons and coached clinics for both adults and young kids. For Shawn, the Cary Leeds Center has become a true second home—a place to refine his tennis skills, earn money to support himself, and connect with people he considers “family.” While coaching and playing with current NYJTL Scholar Athletes, Shawn embraced the opportunity to mentor the next generation of players. Whether training alongside Ahsha and Jay or visiting CTP sites across the city, Shawn encouraged young NYJTL students with a clear message: “If you put in the hard work, your dreams can come true.”

Shawn’s short-term dream became a reality when he returned to Howard in early January and learned he had earned a spot as a starting player. His journey reflects the success that can come from the pathways NYJTL provides, guiding students from grassroots tennis to college athletics. Shawn’s experience at Howard reflects the importance of the NYJTL alumni network, as the challenges young adults face often grow after graduation. Raiyan Nafee recognizes that the support and sense of community provided after graduation are just as crucial as during their time as NYJTL students.