When Cookie Howard receives her Bachelor of Arts in Family Science and Human Development at Montclair State University’s Winter 2026 Commencement, the event will mark a significant personal milestone. Howard, known for her role in founding Mr. Cory’s Cookies with her son, has faced challenges including foster care, single motherhood, entrepreneurship setbacks, homelessness, and disability.
Howard became a mother at 16 while living in Harlem’s foster care system. Seeking better opportunities for her son Cory Nieves, she moved to Englewood, New Jersey. The business began when Cory suggested selling hot chocolate and cookies to save for a car. Their venture grew quickly and gained national attention through media appearances such as O, The Oprah Magazine and The Ellen Degeneres Show. At its peak, Mr. Cory’s Cookies reportedly achieved over $1 million in sales.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their business operations and led to financial hardship and homelessness for Howard and her son. Reflecting on this period, Howard said: “I made it to the top and fell back down. That’s a part of being an entrepreneur; it’s part of being human. I just pray that with the grace of God things will get better.”
Despite these difficulties, Howard continued operating the business while returning to school as a non-traditional student at Montclair State University at age 37. She managed academic responsibilities alongside financial instability and a documented learning disability.
“There were times when everything felt dark, and I honestly didn’t see a way out,” Howard said about balancing studies with survival needs after losing reliable transportation and facing eviction again. “But by God’s grace, I was able to keep my apartment. I held on to the little bit of light I had left, and somehow, it shined right through.”
Melissa Pecora, an EOF counselor and academic advisor at Montclair State University who worked closely with Howard stated: “Cookie has overcome countless challenges with remarkable resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles she’s faced, she continues to rise above them and has shown that challenges can become opportunities for future success… I have watched her excel academically while achieving significant personal milestones.”
Without access to private transportation or home internet service during parts of her studies, Howard relied on public transit—taking three buses each morning—and used campus facilities late into the evening for assignments while leading the Adult Student Advocacy Program (ASAP). Meghan Hearns from the Disability Resource Center noted: “I’ve had students come to the office asking for her or mentioning how much she helped them.”
Howard contributed as a mentor within Montclair State University by supporting students connected to the Disability Resource Center, speaking during Disability Awareness Month events, earning scholarships such as the Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities, and founding ASAP—a support network aiding non-traditional students managing work-life balance.
“Adult students have a lot of stuff that’s going on in our lives,” said Howard. “We sometimes feel like no one cares but we have to open our mouths and say ‘Hey I need help.’ People want to help you.”
Support from university staff—including Associate Vice President Margaree Coleman-Carter—and community members helped sustain her efforts toward graduation.
“It took a tribe of people to get involved and say ‘We believe in you,’” said Howard.
Academic Advisor Natalia Pizarro-Valencia credited Howard’s dedication: “It’s been a truly humbling experience to support Cookie throughout her academic journey… Witnessing her effort growth and dedication has been both inspiring and rewarding.”
Looking ahead after graduation from Montclair State University—which enrolls more than 23,000 students across multiple New Jersey communities according to its official website—Howard plans further study at Drew University focusing on community activism: “I want to work with single mothers and at-risk kids,” she said.
Montclair State University is recognized as New Jersey’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institution serving diverse populations https://www.montclair.edu, operates as a public research institution established in 1908 https://www.montclair.edu, offers undergraduate through doctoral programs https://www.montclair.edu, spans several municipalities including Montclair itself https://www.montclair.edu, features extensive academic resources across its suburban campus https://www.montclair.edu, integrates liberal arts with professional training https://www.montclair.edu, is ranked among top public institutions nationally https://www.montclair.edu, serves approximately 18,062 undergraduates plus graduate students https://www.montclair.edu, achieved university status in 1994 https://www.montclair.edu, operates from its main address at 1 Normal Avenue in Montclair but extends into nearby areas https://www.montclair.edu.
As she graduates January 13th surrounded by supporters from both campus staff and Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack who aided along the way—Howard says: “They just didn’t give up on me… I kept holding on ,and I’m happy I did.”
