Judge Judy's Her Honor Mentoring Program Marks 20 Years
The initiative has empowered thousands of young women with professional development and financial literacy.
Judge Judy Sheindlin, a familiar face on television, is celebrating a significant milestone for her Her Honor Mentoring program, which has reached its 20-year anniversary. The program, co-founded by Sheindlin and her daughter Nicole Sheindlin, aims to empower young women through mentorship and professional development.
Over the past two decades, Her Honor Mentoring has provided guidance to approximately 2,500 participants. This includes 1,500 mentees selected from 31 high schools across the region and over 1,000 mentors from 400 organizations and businesses. The program has grown considerably since its inception, starting with a small cohort of eight or nine women and recently welcoming over 100 participants in its latest class.
"It’s the combination of the mentoring and the financial part of it – which is the girls get paid for working… and learning how to dress for success, learning about making first impressions, learning how to manage your money and just knowing how to grow up financially prepared to be an adult," Sheindlin told Fox News Digital. She described the project as "simple, but satisfying."
Sheindlin expressed optimism for the next generation, stating that the program's participants make her "hopeful." She noted that witnessing young people "hoping and dreaming, wanting to work hard to realize their dream that their journey on this Earth is positive and fulfilling" renews her faith in the majority of people. Many former mentees have returned to the program as mentors themselves, embodying the program's emphasis on giving back.
Nicole Sheindlin, the current CEO of Her Honor Mentoring, explained that the program was inspired by her relationship with Judge Judy. She highlighted the impact of having a strong professional woman serve as a mentor, guide, and supporter. The program facilitates 20 weekly meetings throughout the academic year where mentees and mentors explore topics related to education, career, and financial literacy. Mentees also complete four elective courses, which can include field trips, digital learning, and creative projects.
The current Her Honor class for the 2026-27 academic year includes 108 mentees and 123 mentors from 14 schools in Bronx, Rockland, and Westchester counties. Former mentees like Lilliana Mendoza, now a police officer, have credited the program with helping them overcome shyness, improve their people skills, and find their voice, ultimately impacting their professional lives.