Center for College & Careers Director Receives 2016 Milli Award

From The Guidance Center of Westchester:

MOUNT VERNON, NY – The Guidance Center of Westchester (TGCW) announced that Daniel Bonnet, director of the Center for College & Careers, is a recipient of a 2016 Milli Award. The Milli Awards are presented annually by Westfair Communications, parent company of the Westchester and Fairfield County Business Journals, to recognize young professionals from Westchester and Fairfield counties who are “on their way to changing the world.”

“We are delighted that Westfair Communications sees what have known for years: that Daniel Bonnet is talented, motivated and changing the lives of young people in our county for the better,” says Amy Gelles, executive director of TGCW.

Ms. Gelles continues, “Daniel brings a high level of energy, enthusiasm and professionalism to his work, with his greatest passion being improving the lives of youth and young adults in our community. Under his leadership the Center for College & Careers, which is in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Nelson Mandela high schools, continues to see an increase in enrollment, reach and deliverables.”

At 28 years old, Mr. Bonnet is the youngest member of TGCW’s senior management team. The Center for College & Careers (CCC) helps youth and young adults in Mount Vernon and New Rochelle attain a high school or equivalency diploma and go on to post-secondary education, vocational training or the work force with the skills and confidence to thrive.

Noticing a growing demand to help young adults who were not on track to obtain a high school or equivalency diploma, Mr. Bonnet lead the way to include these young people in the CCC, and the program’s population now spans from 14-24 years old. The CCC provides academic support and tutoring; college exposure through campus tours; assistance with financial aid and scholarship information; and job development and placement.

Mr. Bonnet’s natural ability to build relationships has also benefitted the CCC. He established a partnership with the Food Bank for Westchester which helps ensure healthy snacks and light meals are available for the youth in the program. He also instituted an “attire for hire” closet where young people can get free professional clothing for interviews or jobs.

In addition to his TGCW responsibilities, he serves as chair and advisor for employment, training and post-secondary education for My Brother's Keeper, City of New Rochelle, is a member of the NAACP, New Rochelle Branch, the Latino/Hispanic liaison for the City of New Rochelle, and is a co-founder and a consultant to MOMSROC (Mothers on the Move to Support & Raise our Children). Mr. Bonnet is a former member of the Planning Board of the City of New Rochelle.

Mr. Bonnet will be presented with his award at the Milli Awards ceremony on Tuesday, November 15th at the Surf Club in New Rochelle. The evening of networking begins at 5:30 PM. Last year, more than 250 people attended the event. Tickets are $20 in advance, and reservations can be made at Westfaironline.com/Milli-Awards. Milli Awards are presented by Westfair Communications, parent company of the Westchester and Fairfield County Business Journals.

The mission of The Guidance Center of Westchester is to improve the well-being of people of all ages through innovative and effective programs that enable everyone to learn, work and thrive. See more at TheGuidanceCenter.org.

Photo credit: J. Maisano; photo via The Guidance Center of Westchester.