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The Honorable Tahesha Way | Ann Nguyen |
![]() | Ann Nguyen Technical Creative Director, Whole Whale Keynote Session: Mission, Metrics and Message: How to Get Your Impact Across with Data Ann Nguyen is the Technical Creative Director at Whole Whale and has been making splashes since 2013 in the areas of design, development, and A/B testing. She keeps the New York team afloat and works directly with clients on using design and tech to scale their impact. During her time at Whole Whale, Ann has overseen site builds that include DREAM, the LAMP, and Donate Life America. Ann is also the product manager behind Lighthouse by Whole Whale and is currently working with Power Poetry on their Poetry Genome. Ann is a regular speaker and lecturer on nonprofit tech and design topics, having recently presented at Strata and NTC and guest lectured at NYU, Columbia, and Sarah Lawrence College. |
![]() | The Honorable Thomas H. Keane, Jr. New Jersey State Senate Minority Leader (R-21) Keynote Session Panel: Forging Connections, Taking Action: How Non-Profits and Government Can Work Together Senator Thomas H. Kean, Jr. represents District 21, which includes 16 towns in Morris, Somerset and Union counties. Senator Kean was chosen by his colleagues to serve as the Senate Minority Leader for the 2020-2021 Legislative Session; it is a position he has held since 2008. The senator is a member of the Senate Higher Education, the Senate Commerce and the Legislative Oversight Committees. He is a Senate appointee to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the New Jersey Israel Commission, the Legislative Services Commission and the New Jersey Amistad Commission. Prior to being named to the upper house of the State Legislature in January 2003 to fill a vacancy, Senator Kean was serving his second term in the State Assembly, where he had been Chairman of the Assembly Republican Policy Committee. Senator Kean was nominated and selected for the inaugural class of the Rodel Fellowship program by The Aspen Institute, where he finished a fellowship program for young public officials focused on ethics and responsibilities of public leadership. In 2002, Kean was named one of only 40 state leaders from the entire nation to be recognized as a Toll Fellow by the Council of State Governments for high achievement and service to state government. He is an Honorary Member of the Board of Trustees of the Paper Mill Playhouse and the New Jersey Festival Orchestra. Senator Kean graduated from Dartmouth College in 1990. He has completed his Doctoral Studies, A.B.D., in international relations at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, where he also received his M.A.L.D. and was employed as a Graduate School instructor. The Senator served in Congressman Bob Frank’s office in Washington, DC; worked for the Environmental Protection Agency during the George H. W. Bush administration; and is a former volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician. Senator Kean lives in Westfield with his wife, Rhonda, and their two daughters. |
![]() | The Honorable Carol A. Murphy New Jersey Assemblywoman (D-7) Keynote Session Panel: Forging Connections, Taking Action: How Non-Profits and Government Can Work Together Carol Murphy is serving in her first term as the State Assemblywoman representing the Seventh Legislative District comprising parts of Burlington County. Elected in 2017, Carol became the first woman in twenty years to represent the Seventh Legislative District in the state assembly and is the first Democrat from Mount Laurel to ever serve in the state legislature. Being the daughter of a Bronze Star US Army Veteran, she learned the importance of public service from an early age. For fourteen years, Carol worked in state government, where she increased transparency, helped build public schools across New Jersey and has been on the front lines fighting for working class priorities. As a local volunteer, Carol led the efforts to successfully renovate, upgrade and build parks to give children a safe place to play. Carol has a tremendous track record of making a difference. Carol, served as Community Relations Manager at the New Jersey Schools Development Authority where she established a transparent government records division, and worked closely with the community to address local and environmental concerns that resulted in the building and modernizing of public schools across New Jersey, moving classrooms into the 21st century. Carol followed her passion for service by going to work in the state legislature as a policy director fighting for the priorities of working families. Carol quickly became battle tested in the State House as she worked tirelessly to ensure pay equity, raise the minimum wage, fund women’s healthcare, reduce gun violence, fully fund our schools, pay our pension obligation, provide affordable prescription drugs for seniors, stand up for LGBTQ rights, grow our economy and reduce our property tax burden. Carol is most proud of the work she did with state lawmakers and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords to pass a groundbreaking law that removes domestic violence abusers’ access to firearms. Once she was sworn in, Carol introduced several pieces of legislation that would benefit all New Jersey residents. Her home healthcare parking privileges bill that focuses on making healthcare more accessible by allowing home healthcare workers to park in restricted residential areas was signed into law by Governor Murphy. Carol has also worked to implement a comprehensive sexual harassment policy for the New Jersey Legislature that requires a reporting mechanism for sexual harassment and assault victims. Assemblywoman Murphy is also a member of the Girl Scouts Trefoil Society, Girl Scouts Delegate for Burlington County, and the founder of Maria’s Women United, a South Jersey organization for Democratic women. Most recently, Carol has become a member of the Alice Paul Institute’s Board of Directors. Carol and her husband Michael live in the Rancocas Pointe section of Mount Laurel. |
Lauren Zyriek Deputy Chief of Staff, New Jersey Department of State Keynote Session Panel: Forging Connections, Taking Action: How Non-Profits and Government Can Work Together Lauren M. Zyriek is the Deputy Chief of Staff for New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way. Before joining the Secretary’s office in 2018 Ms. Zyriek was the Deputy Clerk for the Office of the Bergen County Clerk where she had the distinction of being the first Latina in her position, an advisor to the Guatemalan United Nations Mission, and a Specialist at the U.S. Census Bureau. Her education, along with her community involvement, have always been geared towards government, politics, and how they affect society. She always strives to be part of the decision-making process to advance ideas and guarantee that forthcoming policies are mindful of the demographics they serve. Ms. Zyriek has attained an Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, and Master’s Degree, with a focus in government and administration. Additionally, she has an Executive Education Certificate in Cybersecurity from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, is a New Jersey Registered Municipal Clerk, and is nearing completion of her Doctorate in Public Administration. She is a Board Member for the NJ American Society for Public Administration. | |
![]() | Leigh Clark Business & Funding Information Librarian, New Jersey State Library Breakout Session: NJ Funding Information Network: Researching Funding Sources As a reference librarian for the NJ State Library Information Center, Leigh provides one-on-one assistance to users doing business and nonprofit related research. She is a certified Foundation Directory Online Expert and Trainer, who coordinates the State Library’s Funding Information Network (FIN) partnership with Candid. Leigh regularly presents to nonprofits on how they can use the free resources available at the State Library’s Funding Information Center to grow their organization and find grant funding. Before becoming a librarian, Leigh worked as a secondary mathematics teacher in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Leigh holds a Masters in Library Science from Clarion University and a B.S.Ed. in Mathematics from Millersville University. |
![]() | Zachary Cole Outreach & Education Director, New Jersey Highlands Coalition Breakout Session: Incorporating More Eco-Friendly Practices at Your Non-Profit Zac holds a Masters Degree in Environment & Sustainable Development from University College London, Bartlett School of Planning. Since then he has worked in various fields related to sustainable development and climate resiliency with non-profits and university departments in Europe and the USA. Now he manages education and public awareness programs for the NJ Highlands Coalition. |
![]() | Linda Czipo President & CEO, Center for Non-Profits Breakout Session: Issues 2020 Linda Czipo is the President and CEO of the Center for Non-Profits. Linda’s non-profit sector experience spans over 30 years, and includes expertise in public policy, compliance and management issues. She writes and speaks frequently to the media, non-profit, philanthropic and business leaders, and government officials regarding the size, strength, economic and social contributions of New Jersey’s non-profit sector and current and emerging trends facing the non-profit community; and has successfully mobilized broad-based coalitions of non-profits around numerous advocacy issues. An experienced researcher and analyst, she has conducted many of the Center’s projects documenting the size, scope, economic and social contributions, and emerging issues/trends of the non-profit community. Linda was recognized in 2016 by Lead New Jersey as one of its 30 Leaders for 30 Years; as a Nonprofit Organization Advocate of the Year by the Nonprofit Development Center of Southern NJ; and by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) for Leadership in Nonprofit Regulatory and Legal Issues. She was recently listed by NJBIZ as one of the “state’s most powerful women, according to the state’s most powerful women,” and was named to the 2016 “Power 50” by South Jersey Biz. She was named one of the 2014 Top 50 Women in Business by NJBIZ. Linda is a current public policy committee member and former board treasurer of the National Council of Nonprofits; and also serves on the New Jersey Commission on National and Community Service; the advisory board of the Center for Excellence in Leadership, Governance and Philanthropy at Fairleigh Dickinson University; and the Leadership and Policy Committee of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers. She holds a degree in Political Science from Rutgers University. |
![]() | Tanuja Dehne President & CEO, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Breakout Session: Trends in Philanthropy As a former public company director and former C-level executive of NRG Energy, Inc., Tanuja brings perspective and experience from her cross-discipline roles to the C-suite and board room. She is a purpose-driven leader, cultivator of talent, and proven strategist. Tanuja is an award-winning corporate attorney, human resources professional, and community volunteer who thrives when making a positive difference in the lives of others. Tanuja is frequently called upon to share her expertise across the globe from New York, Austin, San Francisco, Brussels and Davos, Switzerland. Tanuja is a member of the Boards of Directors of Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. (NYSE: GPMT) where she serves as the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Advanced Disposal Services (NYSE: ADSW), where she serves as the Chair of the Compensation Committee. She also served on the Board of Directors of Silver Bay Realty Trust Corp. (NYSE: SBY) from 2012-2017. Tanuja is a Senior Advisor on corporate governance matters for The B Team, an NGO focused on mobilizing global leaders to drive a better way of doing business for the well-being of people and the planet. She is an active member of her community, serving on several non-profit boards including the Board of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and as Board Chair of Young Audiences New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Tanuja also serves on the Boards of the Forum of Executive Women in Philadelphia and NACD-NJ. Tanuja is a member of the Faculty of NACD’s Board Advisory Services. She is also an NACD Board Leadership Fellow and was recognized as one of the “2018 NACD Directorship 100.” In 2017, she was named a “Director to Watch” by Directors & Boards. Tanuja is also a part of BigSpeak Speakers Bureau. Ms. Dehne earned her undergraduate degree from Lafayette College, her Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, and her Juris Doctor degree with honors from Syracuse University College of Law. Tanuja is also a 200HR RYT certified yoga instructor. |
![]() | Katherine Durante Executive Director, OceanFirst Foundation Breakout Session: Trends in Philanthropy Kathy Durante is the Executive Director and Secretary of the Board of OceanFirst Foundation based in Toms River, New Jersey. She has held this post since 2003 and is one of the organization’s founding directors. OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the nation to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested more than $39 million in community initiatives and programs with more than 7,000 grants awarded to more than 750 nonprofits and schools throughout central and southern New Jersey. Ms. Durante manages the day-to-day operation and oversees all aspects of the proposal submission and review processes, chairing the Foundation’s Major Grant Committee which is charged with recommending grants to the Foundation’s Board for consideration. Under Ms. Durante’s leadership, the Foundation launched new initiatives and partnerships focused on meeting the needs of the local community including the Model Classroom Grant Program, Home Runs for Heroes, the OceanFirst Scholarship Program, the OceanFirst Charity Challenge on Crowdrise and a special grant program to support Hurricane Sandy relief and recovery efforts. Ms. Durante has helped many start-up nonprofits and new and experienced grant seekers to fine tune their skills. Prior to joining OceanFirst, Ms. Durante served as the Executive Director of United Way of Ocean County leading their community building efforts. She has served in volunteer and leadership roles with numerous organizations including the Center for Nonprofits, the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and South Jersey Cultural Alliance. Ms. Durante is the recipient of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s Women of Distinction Award, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County’s Humanitarian Award, and was named Women’s Advocate of the Year by Ocean County’s Advisory Commission on the Status of Women. Under her leadership, OceanFirst Foundation has been the proud recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for their work in the community. |
![]() | Julie Erickson Principal, Mission Advancement Consulting Breakout Session: Collaborations Made Fun and Easy: Power of Liberating Structures Julie Erickson is a career and executive coach who helps people and organizations find and do their “right fit” work – work they absolutely love to do. Since 2008, she has helped more than 1000 people. Julie also does non-profit organizational development work, facilitating strategic planning, leadership team building and board development. Prior to starting Mission Advancement Consulting, Julie was Executive Director of New York Restoration Project and served as Executive Director of City Harvest for 11 years. At City Harvest, she and her team exponentially increased City Harvest’s impact and visibility, and shifted from delivering 75% baked goods out of 4.5 million pounds of food to delivering 2/3 fresh produce out of 25 million pounds of food each year to non-profit food programs. For her work at City Harvest, Julie received the James Beard Foundation’s 2003 Humanitarian of the Year award and was one of Woman’s Day Magazine’s 2002 “Women Who Inspire Us.” Julie led Public/Private Initiatives at the New York City Department of Employment during the Dinkins administration. She was Assistant Director of Community Supports at the Community Service Society of New York and began her career as a fundraiser at Bronx FRONTIER Development Corporation in the South Bronx. A graduate of Smith College, Julie has an MBA in Leadership from New York Institute of Technology. She did graduate work in political theory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and got specialized training at Columbia University’s Institute for Non-Profit Management and NYU’s Wagner School. |
![]() | Erik Estrada Community Manager, Community Foundation of South Jersey Breakout Session: Trends in Philanthropy As the Community Manager at the Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ), Erik is responsible for the execution of CFSJ’s latest community leadership initiative, Transform South Jersey, which aims to strengthen the social, cultural and economic vibrancy of South Jersey communities by empowering residents to shape the future of their towns based on what matters most to them. Prior to joining CFSJ, Erik served in variety of roles with multiple national program offices of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). Most recently, he helped launch Forward Promise, a national program office established to promote the health and well-being of boys and young men of color. Based out of the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, Erik developed and implemented the program’s grantmaking and technical assistance strategies. Before that, he managed research and evaluation initiatives of RWJF’s statewide grantmaking program, New Jersey Health Initiatives (NJHI). In addition to studying the feasibility and impact of NJHI’s field building efforts, he worked closely with their youth-focused and capacity building programs as well. Erik’s introduction to philanthropy came by way of National Urban Fellows, a rigorous leadership development and graduate degree program in which he earned a Master of Public Administration from Bernard M. Baruch College in New York, while completing a nine-month fellowship with RWJF. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Affairs – Community Development at Rutgers University at Camden. |
![]() | Lori Fabian President, Fabian Consulting, Inc. Breakout Session: Should We Go For It? Vetting Government and Major Grant RFPs Lori Fabian has had nearly thirty years of experience as a grant professional, twenty-five of them as President and Principal Consultant of Fabian Consulting, Inc. A skilled writer, presenter, program evaluator, and project manager, her experience encompasses work with organizations involved in housing, health and behavioral health, human services, education, religion, the arts, science and nature, and strengthening the nonprofit sector. Lori Fabian and her nationwide team of professionals have helped nonprofit organizations raise over $75 million in government, private and corporate grants. She has also provided grants research, training, and counsel to dozens of agencies, and has served as an external evaluator for a number of federally-funded programs. From her experience, she brings an in-depth knowledge of: – Foundation, corporate, and government grant processes – Proposal writing styles and protocols – Funding research resources – Funders’ expectations of non-profit organizations – Trends in philanthropy and fund-raising – Common mistakes made by organizations seeking funding A frequent provider of training and technical assistance in both grantsmanship and program evaluation, Ms. Fabian was the inaugural recipient of the New Jersey/New York Girl Scout Training Cluster’s annual Compass Award for Excellence and Leadership in Learning Facilitation. You can find more information at www.fabianconsultinginc.com or www.linkedin.com/in/lori-fabian-1697b76/. |
![]() | Pola Galie, Board Member, Sustainable South Jersey Breakout Session: Incorporating More Eco-Friendly Practices at Your Non-Profit Pola Galie is the Operations Manager for the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, a member of Sustainable South Jersey’s board of directors and Medford’s Environmental Affairs Advisory Committee and more importantly (to her), a beekeeper. She has been involved in conservation and sustainable projects for many years. She has a passion for education and the outdoors. Pola became interested in and passionate about habitat and conservation issues when, as a young girl when she discovered a bird sanctuary, in the heart of North Philadelphia. The local SPCA volunteers put her feet on the path of conservation, advocacy and volunteerism. Pola coordinated the Quail in the Classroom Project for a number of years teaching students of all ages about habitat and its need for creation and maintenance as well as about New Jersey’s imperiled species of which Northern Bobwhite Quail is just one example. In the past, she was the coordinator of two consecutive Barnegat Bay Consortia related to forming both traditional and non-traditional partnerships among municipalities; non-profits and the general public to leverage volunteer hours, financial and other resources. Pola likes to make worthwhile things happen with her contacts, experience, and positive attitude. More recently, she is focusing on being part of the planning group for the annual Earth Festival organized by Sustainable South Jersey volunteers in Camden County in the Spring 2020. Pola is a conservationist in the true sense of the word as a steward of the environment and a voice for many causes that connect people with their natural resources. She “talks the talk” AND “walks the walk!” She is dedicated and determined in her steadfast support of a varied and diverse plethora of groups, activities, policies and efforts – with one thing in common – sensibility and sustainability. |
![]() | Keith H. Green Managing Director, NextStep&Beyond, LLC Breakout Session: Getting Unstuck: Focus, Time and Self-Management An accomplished senior executive, thought leader, speaker and facilitator, Keith Green leverages more than 30 years of success in the non-profit and private sectors, with extensive experience optimizing administrative structures and operational processes to achieve short and long-term objectives. With a deep knowledge of corporate life-cycles and naturally empathetic nature, Keith has proven to be a skilled trainer and facilitator to companies of various sizes, stages of growth and across industries. He has provided objective, data-based solutions to clients, such as: effective board governance; strategic and business planning; human capital management and structures; as well as policy and practice development. In 1991, Keith began a 20+ year career with United Way: beginning as a fund developer at United Way of Greater Los Angeles (UWGLA), he was quickly promoted to successive positions, including Regional Campaign Director, V.P. of Human Resources and Senior V.P. of Administration. In addition, Keith served as a Consultant & Master Trainer with the United Way’s Kellogg Training Center. In 2007, Keith was appointed President/ CEO of United Way of Essex and West Hudson. Currently, Keith is Managing Director of NextStep&Beyond, LLC and is a BoardSource Certified Nonprofit Board Consultant. The veteran of many boards of directors, Keith currently serves University Hospital-Newark, Programs for Parents, Inc. and Boys to Leaders Foundation. He also volunteers with dozens of other community organizations, schools, and nonprofits. He holds a B.S. in HRM from the Union Institute & University, completed the Executive Leadership Program at UCLA as well as United Way Worldwide’s Advanced Leadership Program. |
![]() | Amy Hansen Policy Analyst, New Jersey Conservation Foundation Breakout Session: Legislative Advocacy: What We Can Do Today Amy Hansen works at New Jersey Conservation Foundation as a policy analyst, reviewing and commenting on legislation, regulations and public policy pertaining to land and natural resources conservation and management in New Jersey, as well as at the federal level on preservation funding via the Farm Bill and Land and Water Conservation Fund. Prior to joining the NJ Conservation staff, Amy worked at the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey and Delaware Riverkeeper Network. She also helps manage the organic fruit and vegetable farm on which she lives in Hunterdon County with her husband. Amy holds a B.A. in Fine Art with emphasis in Natural Science Illustration from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In her spare time, she advocates for immediate action to address the climate crisis, enjoys time with family and friends, flowers, gardening, reading and train travel. |
![]() | Janet Hauge Director of Academic Support Services, Atlantic Cape Community College Breakout Session: NJ Funding Information Network: Researching Funding Sources Janet Hauge is the Director of Academic Support Services at Atlantic Cape Community College, overseeing the three campus libraries and tutoring services. Janet manages the Mullock Family Library at the Cape May campus, which is the location of the Nonprofit Resource Center, where the Funding Information Network (FIN) is located. Earlier this year, Janet, with colleagues, organized three days of programs for nonprofits, including college staff and community members. Janet is dedicated to ensuring that the library is able to educate the public about the resources that are available through the Nonprofit Resource Center. Janet received her BS in Business from TCNJ, and an MLS from Rutgers University. After working in public libraries including Princeton Public Library as a department manager, she moved to academic libraries. |
![]() | Bok Jeong Assistant Professor, Kean University Breakout Session: Embracing Social Entrepreneurship Dr. Jeong is an Assistant Professor at Kean University in New Jersey. He received his doctoral degree from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs of the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Jeong is currently teaching Social Entrepreneurship, Analytical Methods for Public Management, and Capstone Seminar at Kean. Dr. Jeong is the President-Elect of the Nonprofit Section of the American Society for Public Administration. Dr. Jeong serves as one of the organizers of the 1 Million Cups-Union, a national program designed to support and promote entrepreneurship, and he leads the Social Entrepreneurship Section in it. He serves on the board of the ASA Social Fund for Hidden Peoples, which is a social enterprise that supports women via micro-financing and needy children in war-torn regions in Africa. His research interests include nonprofit management, philanthropy, voluntarism, social entrepreneurship, international development, and comparative civil society. He participated in the comparative study project titled International Comparative Social Enterprise Model (ICSEM) Project. He has written multiple book chapters and published his research in multiple peer-reviewed journals including VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, Journal of Nonprofit Education and Leadership, and Social Enterprise Journal. |
![]() | Amy Karson Chief Executive Officer, Brand K Partners Breakout Session: Value of Monthly Fiscal Forecasting Amy is the Co-Founder and CEO of Brand K Partners. She has extensive financial management and reporting experience through her work with IBM, UBS and hundreds of nonprofit agencies throughout the metro-New York area. She was formally the Vice President of Client Services for an outsourced accounting firm focused on nonprofits. Amy has worked as a management consultant with several organizations including the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York, Family Reach Foundation and Charley’s Fund. Amy holds a BS in Finance from Penn State University and an MBA with a focus in Nonprofit Management from Yale University. |
![]() | Janet Kotsakis Talent Management Administrator, Food Bank of South Jersey Breakout Session: Raising the B.A.R. (Belonging – Achievement – Relationships) Janet Kotsakis, Food Bank of South Jersey’s Talent Management Administrator, has transformed her life-long dedication for learning into a passion for sharing professional development with others. Throughout her almost five years with the food bank, she has worked directly with all levels and departments of the staff to ensure that the skills and talents of the organization are maximized. Janet has an extensive professional background in corporate philanthropy and marketing, and has formally transitioned into the Human Resources field. She, like so many nonprofit professionals, wears many hats at the food bank, and finds collaborating with the staff on a wide array of projects, including internal communications, compliance and events to be the most satisfying part of her job. She is a key member of the team leading FBSJ into the future, as they work to develop a new multi-year strategic plan and core values. She holds a Master of Arts in Professional Communication from LaSalle University and Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Arcadia University and is preparing to take her SHRM certification exam. Find her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/janet-kotsakis-5061683/. |
![]() | Brooke Lewis Trustee Social Justice Legal Advocacy Fellow, NJ Institute for Social Justice Breakout Session: How Your Organization can be a Census 2020 Partner Brooke is the Trustee Social Justice Legal Advocacy Fellow at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. Brooke’s work focuses on police reform and economic justice. Throughout law school, Brooke gained significant experience working in public interest law, with a particular focus on areas related to criminal justice. As a certified legal intern at the Rutgers Children’s Justice Clinic, she represented New Jersey children facing delinquency charges in Camden’s juvenile court and provided post-disposition representation to youth at several of New Jersey’s secure facilities. She also worked as a legal intern at the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender and in the Capital Habeas Unit of the Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. As a graduate of the Rutgers B.A./J.D. Dual-Degree Program, Brooke received a B.A. in Political Science Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University—Camden, and a J.D. and Certificate in Criminal Law & Procedure Cum Laude from Rutgers Law School. Following graduation, Brooke served as a law clerk in the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. |
![]() | Laurel Molloy Chief Consultant, Innovations Quantified Breakout Session: M.M.O.M.s Always Right: 5 Steps for Meaningful and Manageable Outcome Measurement Laurel Molloy is Founder & Chief Consultant of Innovations Quantified (IQ), a consulting firm that has been helping organizations increase their impact since 1999. IQ provides training and ongoing support on outcome-focused planning, assessment and reporting to nonprofits and grantmakers throughout the US and internationally. She is known for her practical approach and her ability to make topics relevant and engaging to her audience. Laurel holds an MPA from NYU Wagner and a BA in Sociology and Women’s Studies from the College of the Holy Cross. She has written a number of pieces about impact measurement, including the widely utilized instructional guidebook, Finally – Outcome Measurement Strategies Anyone Can Understand. |
![]() | Lisa Moore Assistant Regional Census Manager, U.S. Census Bureau Breakout Session: How Your Organization can be a Census 2020 Partner Lisa Moore is the Assistant Regional Census Manager overseeing the 2020 Partnership Engagement Program for the New York Region of the U.S. Census Bureau. Lisa joined the Census Bureau in 2009 and has worked on both economic and demographic census programs which allow for bridging the importance of census data for community and business partners alike. Together with the 2020 New York regional partnership staff, Lisa is committed to working with every partner on becoming a trusted voice of the 2020 Census as we work to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place. |
![]() | Maxine Neuhauser, Esq. Member, Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. Breakout Session: Time Is Money: Dealing with Compensation and Benefits Issues in a Changing World Maxine Neuhauser is a member of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. in the firm’s Employment, Labor & Workforce Management and Health Care & Life Sciences practices, in the firm’s Newark office. Her practice focuses on litigation and providing strategic advice and counsel to regional, national, and international corporations, as well as social service agencies and other nonprofit organizations, in multiple areas of law, including labor and employment, and intellectual property. In addition, Ms. Neuhauser serves as a mediator and arbitrator in employment and business disputes. Ms. Neuhauser was recommended in The Legal 500 United States (2016 to 2018) for Workplace and Employment Counseling. She has also been named to the New Jersey Super Lawyers list (2005 to 2017) in the areas of Employment & Labor, Employment Litigation: Defense, and Health Care, and was recognized as one of the “Top 50 Women Lawyers in New Jersey” by New Jersey Super Lawyers Magazine (2007, 2008). She speaks and publishes frequently on a variety of employment and litigation topics, has appeared as a commentator on television, podcasts and radio, and been quoted in leading publications, including the Wall Street Journal. |
![]() | Juan Carlos Nordelo Legislative Director for Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez Breakout Session: Legislative Advocacy: What We Can Do Today Working in the non-profit, private and public sectors respectively, Juan Carlos Nordelo has a wealth of experience to share. As a former Director of Development and Grant Writer, Juan Carlos has raised over $1.5 million in philanthropic funds for programs ranging from housing counseling to disaster recovery. In the private sector, Juan Carlos worked as a Business Development Associate for UBS Wealth Management Americas, where he worked directly with Financial Advisors on their training and development goals. Most recently, leaving both sectors behind, Juan Carlos returned to his love of policy and is currently the Legislative Director to Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez. Juan Carlos is responsible for maintain the Assemblywoman’s policy portfolio as well as developing new legislation and ensuring bills remain on the track to becoming law. Juan Carlos currently resides in Cranford, NJ with his better half and fiancé Dr. Maria Luisa Rodriguez. |
![]() | Richè Outlaw Coordinator, NJ Office of Environmental Justice Program Breakout Session: Incorporating More Eco-Friendly Practices at Your Non-Profit Riché Smiley Outlaw has served in various capacities with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for over 25 years. In her current role as the State’s Environmental Justice Coordinator she passionately advocates and leads the Department’s effort in addressing the environmental impacts that disproportionately burden the most vulnerable communities in our state. She is ideally suited to this role, more as a calling than that of a career choice. With family ties that were deeply rooted in Montgomery, Alabama, during the Civil Rights Movement throughout the 1960s, Riché learned first-hand about the importance of social activism in the face of injustice and disproportionate impacts as well as the value of collective power and community engagement. Prior to her appointment to the Office of Environmental Justice, Riché garnered over 20 years of experience as a Case Manager in the Site Remediation Program working on Superfund, RCRA, NJDOT roadway projects and responsible party remediation sites. She began her career at DEP in the Division of Water Resources, Construction Grants Program where she evaluated the environmental impacts associated with the technical upgrades of wastewater treatment plants. In additional to her DEP responsibilities, Riché is actively involved in several civic and professional organizations including the Society of Women Environmental Professionals, Greater Pennsylvania and New Jersey chapter, where she is coordinates the DEP Regulatory Update meeting. Riché is a life member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Pi Omega chapter, where she was the chairman of the Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Initiative. Riché received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the prestigious Tuskegee University in Alabama. She is happily married to Dev Outlaw and they have 2 lovely daughters, Courtney and Simone. |
![]() | Dottie Pearson Librarian, Atlantic Cape Community College Breakout Session: NJ Funding Information Network: Researching Funding Sources Dottie Pearson is the Librarian at the Mullock Family Library at the Cape May campus of the Atlantic Cape Community College, the location of the Nonprofit Resource Center, where Funding Information Network (FIN) is located. She has received FD0 Expert Certification and FDO Trainer Certification for 2018 and 2019. Dottie is available to meet with representatives of nonprofits to teach them how to use FIN. Before retirement, Dottie was a librarian at Princeton University Library for 43 years. She holds a BA in English and Russian from Syracuse University, an MLS from Rutgers, and an MBA from New York University. |
![]() | Allison Peltzman Communications Director, American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey Breakout Session: Tight Messaging: Marketing the Point of your Mission Allison Peltzman, ACLU-NJ Communications Director, leads the New Jersey affiliate’s efforts to educate the wider public about the impact of the ACLU’s work. She became communications director in 2016, having served as the ACLU-NJ’s interim communications director, senior communications specialist, and communications specialist. She came to the ACLU of New Jersey in 2008 after working for two years at the ACLU’s Washington Legislative Office as a media relations associate, generating press coverage of the organization’s federal advocacy. Before starting at the ACLU in 2006, she worked for a top law firm, wrote and organized for a congressional campaign, edited on the daily student paper of her alma mater, University of Maryland, and wrote web content for a nonprofit organization to bridge the digital divide. |
![]() | Jillian Pustizzi Communications Manager, Archway Programs Breakout Session: Growing Your Grassroots Marketing |
![]() | Bill San Filippo Director of Business Development, Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Breakout Session: Growing Your Grassroots Marketing Bill SanFilippo has held a variety of rules in the nonprofit sector focusing on membership, youth development, camping, fund development, workforce development, and community partnerships. Professionally, Bill is the Director of Business Development for the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. As the largest association of YMCAs in the State of New Jersey, Bill works with the local branches to serve more people through a diverse and unique array of programs for people of all ages including child care, summer camps, wellness, aquatics and before and after school programs just to name a few. Prior to joining the YMCA, he worked for the Patriots’ Path Council; Boy Scouts of America. Serving in a variety of roles during his eight-year tenure, Bill was responsible for youth development programs, summer camps, membership growth, volunteer recruitment and development as well as fund development. Bill is active in the Tri-County and Sussex Chamber of Commerce. He is also a board member with the Area 5 Boy Scouts of America. Bill serves as a session member of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown and as a board member with the County College of Morris alumni association. In his spare time, Bill enjoys to travel, spend time outdoors and train for marathons. |
![]() | Tanja Sarett President, Synergies in Philanthropy Consulting Breakout Session: Collaborations Made Fun and Easy: Power of Liberating Structures Tanja Sarett is an experienced international nonprofit leader and development professional who worked in the nonprofit and foundation field for more than 20 years. She is the founder of Synergies in Philanthropy Consulting – a boutique fundraising and philanthropy firm that works nationally and internationally to empower innovative, visionary nonprofits, funders and professionals in the U.S., Europe, and Israel to realize long-term impact. Her expertise includes building fundraising capacity, increasing financial and programmatic viability, expanding visibility, and managing growth. Tanja’s extensive experience in organizational leadership and facilitation, strategic planning, program development, management, and communications equips her to create effective synergies between an organization’s fundraising work and its critical success drivers and to prepare nonprofits for the future. Tanja graduated with an M.A. in political science, sociology and religious studies from the University in Munich (LMU) and received a diploma in Public Relations from the Bavarian Academy of Advertising and Marketing. She received her CFRE credential in 2017 and is an AFP Master Trainer. She holds several certificates, including from IDEO U (Certificate in Advanced Design Thinking), the Institute for Cultural Affairs (ToP Facilitation Essentials), Cornell University (Certificate in Change Management), Support Center (Certificate in Management and Supervision) and NYU (Professional Certificate in Philanthropy and Fundraising). |
![]() | Doug Schoenberger Government Affairs Specialist, Center for Non-Profits Breakout Session: Legislative Advocacy: What We Can Do Today Doug Schoenberger joined the Center in December 2018 as a Government Affairs Specialist. In this role, Doug is responsible for coordinating the development and execution of the Center’s public policy objectives and advocating these goals to all stakeholders, including state legislators and staff, executive branch officials, and business organizations. Before joining the Center, Doug worked for AT&T and Verizon in a variety of roles. At AT&T, Doug held positions, among others, in international external affairs, business marketing, and systems engineering at Bell Laboratories. Doug joined Verizon in 2007, where he worked in public policy, corporate philanthropy and state government affairs. Doug’s favorite job by far, however, was a brief stint as a “Good Humor Man” in high school. An active civic volunteer, Doug currently works with The First Tee of Greater Trenton. He is the past Chairman of Lead New Jersey and past Vice-Chairman of the Council of NJ Grantmakers. Golf, tennis, two daughters, and church youth work successfully compete for his free time. Doug’s education includes a B.S. from Union College in Applied Mathematics, an M. Eng. in Operations Research from Cornell University, and a Certificate in Theology and Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. He and his family reside in Hopewell, New Jersey. |
![]() | Theresa Shubeck Executive Vice President, Ruotolo Associates Breakout Session: When Disaster Strikes: Staying Centered and Successful in your own Fundraising Theresa A. Shubeck, Executive Vice President of Ruotolo Associates Inc. (RA), has been a member of the firm for 25 years, serving educational, social service, health and arts organizations. Her background in consulting and institutional positions includes capital campaigns, pre-campaign studies, advancement program assessments, board development, planned giving and executive search. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Theresa received the Professional Fundraiser of the Year award by AFP-NJ in 2008, nominated for conducting a successful debt-reduction capital campaign. Theresa serves on the Board of Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company and the Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer and is the proud mother of Claire, a Columbia University freshman. |
![]() | Jon Shure Senior Director, Taft Communications Keynote Session: Forging Connections, Taking Action: How Non-Profits and Government Can Work Together Jon has spent his career communicating about policy and public affairs as a journalist, in state government and in the nonprofit arena. He was a reporter for The Record newspaper of Bergen County, and was Communications Director for Gov. Jim Florio before founding and for 12 years running New Jersey Policy Perspective, a state research organization based in Trenton. He spent seven years in Washington, D.C. with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a national think tank, where he developed messaging and providing media-related assistance for the State Priorities Partnership, a network of 42 state research and advocacy organizations. Jon has provided media training and strategic communications guidance to numerous public officials and policy professionals. He is a former board member of the Center for Non-Profits and was board chair of the Maryland Center on Economic Policy. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Labor relations from Cornell University and a master’s in journalism from the University of Missouri. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, and in the political science department at Rutgers taught New Jersey Politics and Mass media & US Democracy. |
![]() | Eileen Sinett President, Speaking that Connects Breakout Session: Sharing Your Story: Public Speaking Tips that Promote Confidence and Connection Eileen N. Sinett, President of Speaking that Connects, started her business over 30 years ago to help professionals and corporate leaders communicate with confidence, clarity and connection. She is a consultant, trainer-facilitator, coach and author, and wrote Speaking that Connects in 2011 to simplify the presentation planning process and to raise the bar on presentation excellence. She is currently writing her second book, Four Points of Connection: Creating Mutual Satisfaction for Speaker and Audience! Eileen has a Masters of Arts in Speech from Kean University and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences from Emerson College, Massachusetts. She has studied Improvisation, psychodrama, yoga, art and dance. She presents to many professional groups on the topics of Networking, Public Speaking and Business Communications. |
![]() | Carmela Slivinski Executive Director, DAWN Center for Independent Living Breakout Session: Accessibility for the Greater Good Carmela Slivinski has led DAWN Center for Independent Living since 2000, where she and the other staff annually serve over 3,000 individuals, children and families work towards highest level of independence. During her time as Executive Director, the agency’s budget has increased by 900%, the staff has grown, and service capacity has increased significantly. Carmela expanded DAWN services by opening a Hackettstown office to serve the more rural Sussex and Warren counties; gained contracts from NJ Division of Family Services to serve as the Early Intervention Service Coordination Units for Morris and Sussex Counties; and continues to work as a Service Coordination unit for the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities. Carmela sits on several local and state disabilities advisory councils including the Morris, Sussex and Warren Counties Workforce Investment Board Disabilities Advisory Council, the New Jersey Association of Centers for Independent Living, and United Way Caregiver Coalition Steering committees for Morris and Warren counties. She has been honored as the Non-Profit Executive of the Year (2018, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce) and the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Sussex County Council of Service Agencies. She is committed to ensuring that individuals and families are fully educated as to their rights, the availability of existing programs and services and identifying unmet needs as well as ensuring the rights of all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed. Carmela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business from Montclair State University, a Certificate in Executive Nonprofit Leadership from the Petrocelli College’s Center for Excellence at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has a broad background in management and administration. Carmela is the parent of a child with special needs, which provides her with a point of reference to her profession on a personal level. She serves as the Board President of the Roxbury Parents of Exceptional Children, and collaborates with the local school district to ensure the needs of children with disabilities are met. |
![]() | Angela Speakman Director of Development and Communications, New Jersey Council for the Humanities Breakout Session: Growing Your Grassroots Marketing Angela Speakman is the director of development and communications at New Jersey Council for Humanities (NJCH). She oversees the development and fundraising efforts, which includes the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors. She implements communications and messaging strategies, always with NJCH partnerships in mind, to build awareness of public humanities throughout the state. Angela states: “We all benefit from community members having the opportunity to explore and reflect on the human condition and what binds us. The programming that NJCH provides statewide encourages the pursuit of a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. That’s so powerful.” |
![]() | Patricia Teffenhart Executive Director, NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault Breakout Session: Trends in Philanthropy Patricia Teffenhart is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA). NJCASA elevates the voice of sexual violence survivors and service providers by advocating for survivor-centered legislation, training allied professionals, and supporting statewide prevention strategies that work to address and defy the sociocultural norms that permit and promote rape culture. Under her leadership, NJCASA has a record of success, including expansion of the sexual assault forensic evidence timeline; successfully advocating for the passing of the Sexual Assault Survivors Protection Act of 2015, which increased access to protective orders for survivors of sexual violence; creating and Co-Chairing the Governor’s appointed Campus Sexual Assault Task Force; mandating regular training for law enforcement; closing loopholes in the hiring practices of school employees to protect our children from sexual predators; expanding New Jersey’s civil statute of limitations for sexual assault; and increasing appropriations for sexual violence services in the New Jersey State Budget by over 733%. Patricia is a proud graduate of Douglass College and holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration. She has dedicated her career to the promotion and advancement of women and girls, having worked for county-wide, statewide, and national feminist organizations. Patricia was a Fellow in the Leadership New Jersey Class of 2009 and is a 2014 recipient of the Alice Paul Equality Award. In 2015, under her leadership, NJCASA received the President Ronald W. Reagan Award from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General in recognition of NJCASA’s systems advocacy on behalf of survivors. In 2016, NJBIZ recognized her as being one of New Jersey’s top Forty Under 40 professionals. In 2017, she was a recipient of Senator Menendez’s Evangelina Menendez Trailblazer Award. For the last five years, Patricia was included in the Senate Majority Leader’s New Jersey Women’s Power List and in 2018, she was included in the Insider NJ Power 100 List. She was an appointed member of Governor Murphy’s Transition Team, and at the height of the #MeToo movement, attended the 2018 State of the Union as the guest of United States Senator Menendez. The Star Ledger included Patricia as one of the “Top 25 People to Watch in 2018” and was elected Co-Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council Against Sexual Violence in 2019. Patricia lives in Holmdel, New Jersey with her husband, son, and rescue dog and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey, and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence. In her free time, she cheers for the New York Yankees, her son’s travel baseball and hockey teams, and is proud to have coached an undefeated 3 v 3 youth ice hockey team in the New Jersey Spitfire Tournament in March 2019. |
![]() | Sheila Thorne President & CEO, Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group, LLC Breakout Session: Courageous Conversations on Diversity and Inclusion Born in the South Bronx, Sheila Thorne is an international marketing strategist with specific expertise in diverse global cultures. For more than two decades, she has worked throughout North America, Latin America and Western Europe representing Fortune 500 companies in their efforts to become more diverse, inclusive and culturally competent. Her experience and work are extensive as a cross-cultural and anti-bias educator. A former high school teacher of foreign languages, she is Associate Clinical Professor at Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare, Adjunct Professor at Quinnipiac University School of Medicine and an annual guest lecturer at New York University and Rutgers on the impact of race, culture and ethnicity on public policy. Sheila is known for her expertise and unique ability to galvanize community involvement, public sector intent and the enlightened self-interest of the private sector. Sheila is the recipient of many awards for her cross-cultural educational programs, lectures extensively throughout the country and is published in numerous trade and consumer publications. |
![]() | Jeff Vega President & CEO, Princeton Area Community Foundation Breakout Session: Trends in Philanthropy Jeffrey Vega has lead the Princeton Area Community Foundation since 2015. Prior to joining PACF, Jeff managed New Brunswick Tomorrow, spearheading several large-scale public-private initiatives to propel New Brunswick’s resurgence. Jeff’s accomplishments include building partnerships with governments, corporations, and universities to address leadership and youth development, and civic planning. A Monroe Township resident, he is currently a member of the National Advisory Committee NJ Health Initiatives, a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; and has served on numerous other advisory committees in the region. Mr. Vega earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studies, Human Ecology, and International Environmental Studies from Cook College, Rutgers, and a Masters in Political Science/Public Policy from the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers. |
![]() | Maria Vizcarrondo CEO, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers Breakout Session: Trends in Philanthropy Maria Vizcarrondo, named as the CNJG’s president and CEO in March 2019, brings more than 25 years of experience transforming service organizations and has served her communities as both an appointed and elected official. Maria, who spent most of her career in northern New Jersey, came to CNJGl from Cabrini University in Philadelphia, where she most recently was Director of Community Development and External Relations. She was inaugural Executive Director of the school’s Nerney Leadership Institute, launched in 2013. In 2006, when he was first elected Mayor of Newark, Cory Booker tapped Maria to head Newark’s Health and Human Service Department, the largest of its kind in New Jersey. One of her first actions in that role was to develop a Children’s Bill of Rights to benchmark improvements in the lives of children and families throughout the city. Her accomplishments included securing state funding to establish Family Success Centers to provide neighborhood-based services, and launching a major citywide campaign to raise the immunization rates of Newark’s children. Prior to her mayoral appointment, Maria served as the first woman president and CEO of United Way of Essex and West Hudson. Her pioneer work in re-engineering the organization’s mission into community building was documented in the United Way Transformation Diaries. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, she led the New Jersey United Ways in a statewide coordination of services for affected families and managed the distribution of corporate funding for these efforts. Maria was elected Essex County Surrogate in 1993 and served four years of a five-year term before leaving to join United Way. She has been listed among the “100 Most Influential People in New Jersey” and was a founding member of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. A New York City native, Maria was raised in Newark. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Kean University and a master’s degree in public policy and administration at Columbia University. . |
![]() | Cali Woods Communications Coordinator, Presbyterian Church in Morristown Breakout Session: Growing Your Grassroots Marketing Crystal “Cali” Woods, upcoming Communications Coordinator and Associate Producer currently works at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown. Here, she collaborates with talented staff and committee members helping to strengthen and project the mission and message of the ministry. Cali is a 2016 postgraduate from Montclair State University holding a Communication’s Master Degree in Public and Organizational Relations. Cali also enjoys life in the film industry. Her passion for film has taken her from producer’s assistant at New Jersey Network to associate producer at indie feature—I’ll Be Around. Cali has a special interest in Christian cinema and plans to produce and promote a film of her own in the near future. You can reach Cali by email. |
![]() | Robin Wright Managing Director, Community Access Unlimited Breakout Session: HR 101 – for the “Accidental” H.R. Professional Upon graduating from Montclair State University with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Psychology, Robyn started her career as a direct care worker for a mental health provider. After two fulfilling years as a direct support professional, Robyn secured a position within the human resources department at this company and worked her way up to Human Resources Manager. In 2004, Robyn joined Community Access Unlimited as the Recruitment Director before being promoted to Managing Director of Human Resources in 2016. As Community Access Unlimited’s Managing Director of Human Resources, Robyn facilitates hiring and onboarding processes, oversees the cultivation of healthy employee relations, and secures high quality benefits and employee incentives, among various other responsibilities. |
![]() | Joe Zesski Assistant Director, Northeast ADA Center Breakout Session: Accessibility for the Greater Good Joe Zesski is the Program Manager of the Northeast ADA Center and has served as the New Jersey affiliate of the Northeast ADA through Resources for Independent Living since 2009. He has a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University and a Bachelors in English Communications from Cabrini University. Mr. Zesski’s focus has been on assistive technology, accessible web design, the transition of students with disabilities from high school, and accommodations in the postsecondary education environment. He is the Community Education Coordinator at Resources for Independent Living; the independent living center serving Burlington County New Jersey. Joe also chairs the Burlington County Disability Issues Committee. |
![]() | Seana Zimmer Library Assistant, Somerset County Library System Breakout Session: NJ Funding Information Network: Researching Funding Sources Seana Zimmer is an Assistant Librarian with the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ). Her FIN is located only at the Hillsborough branch, where she is the Candid-Certified FDO Expert and Trainer. She has a BSW (Moravian College) and a Masters of Non-Profit Management (Cornell University). She worked in children/family non-profits before ultimately operating her own grant writing consultant business for 15 years. Seana moved into the library sector four years ago and is delighted to combine her love for books with her passion for non-profits! |