Q&A with Sunita Manjrekar ’98GEd, LEAD Honoree

Sunita Manjrekar ’98GEd, Deputy Commissioner for Public Assistance and Employment Services, Nassau County Department of Social Services, will be among several alumni honored by The School of Education at the 13th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (LEAD) on April 11 in the D’Angelo Center on St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus.

Congratulations! What does it feel like to receive this award?

I am completely overwhelmed and honored to be even considered for this award.

Please tell us a little about yourself and your current profession?

I currently work as the Deputy Commissioner for the Nassau County, NY, Department of Social Services. In this capacity, I have developed innovative and creative programs to help the public assistance population achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. I also oversee the SNAP (food stamps), Temporary Assistance, Day Care, and Youth Employment Program for the county. I am a member of Hofstra University’s Professional Advisory Board. I am an Adjunct Professor at Hunter College (CUNY) and an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University.

How has a degree from The School of Education impacted your career path?

Without the School’s master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling, I would not be where I am in my career. The School gave me a strong foundation in counseling and taught me much about working with individuals with disabilities. It prepared me to enter the workforce with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities to be successful. 

Were there any professors in The School of Education who influenced your life? 

Dr. Eugene Sampson, who taught a class on Vocational Rehabilitation, was a true mentor who greatly influenced me. His dedication and passion for the field and the interest he took in the students made the class so much more meaningful! It opened up my mind about the world of rehabilitation and working with individuals with disabilities. 

What are your most cherished memories from your days as a student in The School of Education?

I remember the beautiful campus and the library where I spent many an hour. My most vivid memory would be sitting on the Great Lawn and studying with my friends as we were getting ready to take our comps!

What wisdom would you like to share with the next generation of alumni? 

Do not ever doubt yourself! I was an immigrant who came to this country. Even though I had a master’s degree from India, I chose to go back to school at St. John’s University for my second master’s at the age of 27. With hard work, dedication, and commitment, I was able to reach my goal—and so can you!