FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEER PARK, NY — Gabriela Castillo, a member of the Girls Inc. of Long Island Advisory Board
and a longtime advocate for educational equity and youth empowerment, has been elected to
serve on the Freeport Public Schools Board of Education following the May 19 school board
election, earning 1,352 votes from the Freeport community.
Castillo played an instrumental role in helping Girls Inc. of Long Island launch its first Nassau
County Bold Future Leaders program in Freeport, expanding access to leadership development,
mentorship, and college and career readiness opportunities for girls in Nassau County.
Originally launched in Suffolk County, expanding the program into Nassau County communities
like Freeport represented an important strategic priority for Girls Inc. of Long Island and
reflected Castillo’s commitment to increasing opportunities for girls across Long Island.
Castillo, who previously served on the Board of Education from 2019 to 2022, will begin her new
three-year term on July 1, 2026, with service continuing through June 30, 2029.
Her election reflects a longstanding commitment to advocacy, educational access, and
community engagement in Freeport.

“Gabriela’s leadership, advocacy, and deep commitment to girls and families have already made
a meaningful impact through her service on the Girls Inc. of Long Island Advisory Board,” said
Dr. Patricia Charlemagne, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Long Island. “We are incredibly
grateful for her partnership and support of our mission, vision, and values, particularly her role in
helping expand Bold Future Leaders into Nassau County. Her election is a tremendous win not
only for the residents of Freeport, but for girls and families across Long Island.”
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust the residents of Freeport have placed in me,”
said Castillo. “This election reflects our community’s shared commitment to transparency,
accountability, and ensuring every student in Freeport has access to the highest quality
education and opportunities for success.”

Castillo was elected alongside Edward Gordon and Michael Pomerico. Together, the candidates
campaigned on a platform centered on strengthening communication with residents, increasing
transparency in district operations, and prioritizing student achievement.

A longtime advocate for Freeport students and families, Castillo emphasized the importance of
collaboration among educators, parents, administrators, and community members.

“Our schools are strongest when we work together,” Castillo said. “I look forward to listening to
our community, supporting our teachers and staff, and helping move our district forward in a
positive and productive direction.”

In addition to electing new trustees, Freeport voters approved the district’s $260 million school
budget for the 2026–27 school year.

Castillo said she is eager to begin the work ahead and remain focused on supporting students,
strengthening partnerships, and helping ensure Freeport schools continue to move forward in
service of the community.

“For me, this has always been about our students and our future,” Castillo said. “I am ready to
get to work.”
Media Contact:
Patricia Charlemagne, Executive Director
(516) 824-9800
pcharlemagne@girlsinclongisland.org