Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
Patti is the chief of development and community relations for Hope’s Door, co-founder of New Dawn Family Resource Center and the director of marketing and communications for The Pound Ridge Partnership. Her decades in northern Westchester have given her an authentic, intuitive understanding of our community.
Why did you choose to return as a judge?
I wanted to return because it’s a fun group. I believe in the mission of the magazine, and I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to highlight some of our local businesses.
Based on your CTB experience, what reality show would you be best suited to judge?
Probably Shark Tank. I feel I have a very practical approach to judging and focus on the business itself.
What was one thing that stood out to you during the judging process?
One thing that really stuck out to me was the incredible number of businesses in our community. The creativity and dedication they all have to their customers is inspiring.
Did you take bribes? Be honest…
No bribes—I chose to keep it a secret that I was judging to avoid that.
What was your philosophy for this year?
This year, I really tried to learn what I could about the nominees. I made sure to visit their social media pages or websites to get a flavor for what they offered.
Who was the most opinionated judge?
Definitely Jess Watts. In a good way. She really knows the communities and truly supports local businesses.
What’s more difficult: keeping the winners a secret or keeping your opinions to yourself?
Keeping the winners a secret. That’s part of why I kept it secret too; I didn’t want to risk anything.
Did you burn your notes after judging?
My notes were digital, but I’ll definitely be erasing my files.
You’re going on the judge circuit. What type of contest would you rather judge?
Ugliest ugly sweater or a preschool talent show?
Ugliest ugly sweater. I can’t judge sweet little preschoolers!
Best creative cocktail or most exquisite hula dance?
Best creative cocktail, absolutely. I’m a big fan of specialty cocktails at restaurants and bars, and I’m not so much a fan of standard bar fare.
Most creative excuse for being late or best secret handshake?
Most creative excuse for being late. My favorite is, “I lost signal, and the GPS conked out.”
Most dramatic eye roll or worst parallel parking attempt?
Worst parallel parking attempt. I grew up in Queens, and I’m very critical.
Funniest impersonation of a cat throwing up or best folded fitted sheet?
Best folded fitted sheet because I’m actually a really good fitted sheet folder, and I’d like to see who else can do it well.
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Gia Miller is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief/co-publisher of Connect to Northern Westchester. She has a magazine journalism degree (yes, that's a real thing) from the University of Georgia and has written for countless national publications, ranging from SELF to The Washington Post. Gia desperately wishes schools still taught grammar. Also, she wants everyone to know they can delete the word "that" from about 90% of their sentences, and there's no such thing as "first annual." When she's not running her media empire, Gia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, laughing at her crazy dog and listening to a good podcast. She thanks multiple alarms, fermented grapes and her amazing husband for helping her get through each day. Her love languages are food and humor.
Kayla Schmidt
Kayla Schmidt is a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School. She is part of the newspaper and the SADD club, and she is also the co-manager of the track team. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and dogs, along with reading (preferably on the beach).
