For students at Maria Regina High School in Hartsdale, New York, Career Day is more than just an event—it is a glimpse into the future, an opportunity to see the boundless possibilities ahead. In celebration of Women’s History Month, the school recently welcomed back distinguished alumnae from across six decades to share their journeys, professional successes, and invaluable lessons with the next generation of leaders. Click here to view the full press release.
This year’s keynote speaker, Judy Melillo (Class of ’94), exemplified perseverance and ambition in her journey to corporate law. As the first woman corporate officer at Fujifilm in the U.S. and now serving as General Counsel and Secretary at HomeServe USA, Judy shared how her time at Maria Regina sparked her passion for history and politics, ultimately leading her to a successful law career.
After earning a degree from Boston College and graduating as valedictorian from Pace Law School, Judy began her legal career at Davis Polk & Wardwell before joining Fujifilm, where she held leadership roles for over 16 years. Her dedication and expertise have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition in Profiles in Diversity Journal’s “Women Worth Watching” and Westchester Magazine’s Women in Business Making an Impact.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Judy is deeply committed to mentorship and giving back. She has chaired the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign and remains actively involved in supporting Maria Regina students as they chart their own career paths.
Her advice to students: “Define success for yourself and always strive to evolve. Let the Maria Regina motto—Caritate et Veritate—guide you with charity and truth throughout your life.”
Judy also challenged the students to ask themselves, “Am I doing what others expect me to do, or am I prioritizing what’s important to me?” encouraging them to pursue their own path of success.
Reflecting on her decision to step away from her career for a time to raise her family, she emphasized the importance of redefining success. “Life is unpredictable. Sometimes major events happen and change your direction, but you should also expect that you will change over time, and so will your desires and priorities.”
She added, “It’s also about being flexible as your life evolves. Keep seeking opportunities.”
“Just as success is not a one-size-fits-all concept, your career is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the twists and turns along the way,” she advised.
Judy was one of 24 distinguished alumnae who returned to campus, representing a diverse range of industries, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, education, medicine, law, government, public relations, journalism, and law enforcement. Their collective stories illustrated resilience, innovation, and the rewards of hard work.
The event featured breakout sessions tailored to specific career interests, allowing students to engage directly with professionals in fields such as law, government, psychology, social work, medicine, education, nursing, physical therapy, marketing, finance, business administration, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Among the featured speakers was Patricia McCaffrey (Class of ’90), a Principal and Mechanical Engineer at MEYERS+ Engineers in New York City. With a career that has taken her to over 40 countries across five continents, Patricia shared advice from her father: “No matter what you do, make sure you love what you do, because you are going to be doing it for a very long time.” She also discussed the real-world applications of algebra in engineering, highlighting the importance of persistence and lifelong learning.
Principal Mrs. Carozza-McCaffrey (Class of ’99) emphasized the lasting impact of Career Day, stating, “Career Day serves as an invaluable tool to help you learn more about potential career paths and interests. Today is more than just an event; it’s a chance to hear firsthand from experts about what it takes to succeed.”
As students listened, engaged, and envisioned their futures, the message of Career Day was clear: success is a personal journey, shaped by passion, perseverance, and purpose. Maria Regina High School remains committed to providing young women with the inspiration and tools they need to build fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, rooted in the school’s guiding principles of charity and truth.
About Maria Regina High School:
Maria Regina High School, an all-girls secondary school founded in 1957 by Cardinal Spellman and established by the Sisters of the Resurrection, opened its doors in a temporary location before moving to its current building in 1959. For 65 years, the school has been a cornerstone of Catholic education, graduating over 9,000 young women who are well-prepared for higher education and future careers. Learn more at https://www.mariaregina.org.
Photos taken at the 2025 Maria Regina High School Career Cay in Hartsdale, NY, on March 27, 2025:
Above: Patricia McCaffery (Class of ’90), Principal and Mechanical Engineer at MEYERS+ Engineers, leads a breakout session on the role and journey towards becoming a professional engineer.
Below: Keynote speaker Judy Melillo (Class of ’94) speaks to students, staff, administration, and fellow alumni.
Below: Keynote speaker Judy Melillo (Class of ’94) officially welcomed back to her alma mater.
Below: Students, staff, administration, and fellow alumni listen to keynote speaker Judy Melillo (Class of ’94).
Below: Group photo of 24 accomplished alumnae at the 2025.
