SFTG Associates Co-Founder Sherry Giordano Named National Academy Foundation Champion

Aug. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- The National Academy Foundation (NAF) has presented its highest honor for advisory board members to ITWomen Executive Director Sherry Thompson Giordano of Miami, Florida, for her work with IT educators and inspiring high school students, especially female students, to pursue careers in technology.

Only four of the 3,000 members serving on NAF advisory boards across the U.S. were recognized as 2011  "Advisory Board Champions" at the NAF's recent Leadership Summit in San Francisco, CA. Her award included attendance at NAF's three-day intensive staff development workshop along with Academy educators and leaders.  

“The support, leadership and mentorship that business professionals like Sherry provide are critical to bringing to life career-related material our academy students study.  She is an outstanding example to the 3,000 advisory board members serving NAF academies across the country,” says JD Hoye, NAF President.

Sherry Giordano is co-founder of the 12-year-old management consulting firm SFTG Associates, Int'l and brings more than 25 years of corporate experience in the high tech industry to AOIT.

On behalf of ITWomen, Ms. Giordano has served six years on the advisory board of the AOIT  Magnet Program of Miami Central Senior High School.  Ms. Giordano also serves on the AOIT Advisory Boards in Broward County, Florida, and South Florida's tri-county area.

"Sherry’s dynamic personality and common-sense approach to working with students have helped create a culture of female-to-female mentorship, building the confidence in female students interested in careers in technology," writes the NAF.

NAF cited Ms. Giordano as a driving force in the ITWomen Role Model Speakers Program, which annually serves more than 1,000 students and encourages girls to pursue technology degrees.  

“ITWomen is proud to have been one of the first participants on the AOIT Board, and Sherry’s work reflects our commitment not only to the Miami AOIT students but for the meaningful impact the NAF program brings through career-themed academies,” said Victoria Usherenko, President of ITWomen.  

Miami Central Lead AOIT teacher Cindy Thienard praised Sherry's leadership skills and ability to assist both students and teachers. Adds AOIT teacher Pamela Bausher, "The ripples from Sherry Thompson Giordano's guiding hand and heart has changed currents and opened doors for countless young men and women."

The AOIT operates as a 'school within a school' to prepare students for careers in programming, database administration, web design, digital networks and more.  Business professionals help AOITs by serving on local advisory boards, securing internships, and acting as mentors.  

About NAF
The National Academy Foundation (NAF) was founded in 1982 by Sanford I. Weill, Chairman Emeritus of Citigroup Inc.  The NAF is an acclaimed network of career-themed academies that open doors for underserved high school students to viable careers. The Academy focuses on Finance, Hospitality and Tourism, Engineering, and Information Technology industries. The NAF has a national graduation rate of 90%.  Visit www.naf.org.

About ITWomen
ITWomen is a not-for-profit organization based in South Florida, founded by senior executive women in IT. It is dedicated to advancing women in IT and engineering, from Miami-Dade to Broward and Palm Beach counties. Visit www.itwomen.org

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SFTG Associates Int'l is a management consulting firm for businesses and nonprofits of all sizes. Miami-based SFTG Associates creates tangible, sustainable value for its clients by making maximum use of existing assets and providing expertise in development, funding, go-to-market strategies, logistics, and leadership in implementation and execution of plans.