It all started with an idea that was shared in the cafeteria of a university. We came from quite different backgrounds and present situations, but somehow, it seemed to work. Through conversation, research and consultation with others, we ironed out our mission, created bylaws and filed for 501 (c) 3 status, stumbling and learning along the way. Through perseverance and a passion to help others, WAGE was born. Thankful for all those who helped make this group a reality. The foundation you set in 2013 still keeps us strong. Today, we are still that small group striving to do more and continuing to grow. Read more in this April 2023 story in The Journal.

Executive Committee 

OFFICERS

TRUSTEES

Art, a life-long educator, is the Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Operations in Holmdel, NJ, a district that ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey. He was previously an elementary principal in Holmdel for 17 years, an assistant principal, social studies department chair and Geography teacher in Willingboro Public Schools, a GED instructor for Bristol Community College and a Licensed Professional Counselor for Millhill Child & Family Development Center in Trenton (NJ), JSF Counseling Services in Lawrenceville (NJ) and for Life Reimagined Counseling Services in Robbinsville (NJ), of which he is owner. Art’s diverse background has also earned him several distinctions. Art was featured in the Monmouth University Magazine for being among a select group of alumni who have attained four degrees from the University. He received a Joint Legislative Resolution in 2016 from the State of New Jersey in recognition of leadership, charitable endeavors and outstanding service; a Friends of Education Award in 2017 from the Monmouth County Education Association for demonstrated leadership and support to the betterment of public education; and in 2020 was one of only 93 recognized by the NJ Department of Education as an Exemplary Educator. Growing up on the streets of Newark (NJ), surrounded by poverty and violence - Art is a living example that circumstances don't determine destiny and that life is like a clean canvas, upon which we can paint any future we choose.

Laura was a nursing and health professor at Monmouth University for 21 years before retiring in 2021. She currently is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Professional Studies CUNY. Before opening the school nurse program at Monmouth, she worked as a Certified School Nurse in several schools including a high school. She served as president of the Monmouth County School Nurses Association Executive Board and in various other positions, including the NJ State School Nurses Association Executive Board, Research Chair and Standards and Practice Chair; Teachers College Columbia Nursing Education Alumni Board of Directors, and Stewart Conference Co-Chair. In addition, Laura traveled to Haiti with Foundation for Peace/Sigma Theta Tau International Region 14 three times on medical missions; in 2022 she went on a medical mission to the Dominican Republic. She has also received numerous awards, including induction as a Fellow in the National Academy of School Nursing and recipient of the National Association of School Nurse Outstanding School Nurse Educator Award, NJ State School Nurses Award of Excellence, National League for Nursing Distinguished Nurse Award, NJ Child Assault Prevention Award and the Leadership in Professional & Allied Organizations Award from Teachers College Nursing Education Alumni in 2022.

Kaitlin is a an experienced children’s rights advocate and analyst, with a primary focus on juvenile justice and educational policy reform. She has an M.A. in human rights studies with a concentration in children’s rights and a B.A. in political science with a minor in gender studies and a concentration in legal studies. As a research assistant at Rutgers University’s Center for Effective School Practices and a graduate and undergraduate student, she has studied how laws, policies and programs impact children’s human rights. She also volunteers as a coach on Asbury Park High School’s policy debate team and helped found a scholarship fund to support the college and career aspirations of graduating seniors on the debate team. Kaitlin has been a dedicated member of WAGE since 2017; she coordinated WAGE’s annual fundraiser in Fall 2017 and 2018, interned in Winter 2018, and coordinated the mentoring program at Dr. MLK Jr. Middle School in Asbury Park for Summers 2019 and 2020.

Cynthia, a member of the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Tribe, has spent her lifetime helping others. As a registered dietician, she often helped people on reservations heal from diseases like diabetes. She currently leads humanitarian services at St. John United Methodist Church in Bridgeton, NJ, including its food and clothing distribution and voter registration programs. A former chair of the Greater New Jersey Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM), Cynthia serves on the board of the Native American International Caucus (NAIC) and on the board of trustees for Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. Cynthia’s experience includes Director Tricounty Head Start/Early Head Start; Nutrition Consultant for many public health programs and Tribes including TriCounty WIC, Cumberland County Office on Aging, Acelero Learning EHS/HS, Atlantic Human Resources, several Adult Day Care Centers, Margaret Winchester Center for Blind and Visually Impaired, Federal Training and Technical Assistance Consultant for more than 150 Tribal Head Start programs including her own Tribe. She also has both a BA and MS from the University of Arkansas.

Ed is a longtime educator who translates real world corporate, international finance, merchant banking, and investment management expertise into a superior learning experience for graduate and undergraduate students. He has practiced in developing lasting, trust-based relationships with people, local community businesses, corporations, and not-for-profit entities. The NJ native has a strong interest, capability, and commitment to scholarship, research, and service as evidenced by an ever-evolving research agenda; publication in high-quality, refereed journals; numerous presentations at professional conferences; and collaboration with administrators, colleagues, and students across various disciplines, organizations, and institutions.

Janice has been a public educator for 28 years. A high school social studies teacher for 28 years, Janice loved the classroom and was named Teacher of the Year, New Jersey Holocaust Educator of the Year and Kean University Human Rights Educator of the Year. After earning her first master’s degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Janice moved from public education to higher education in 2014. Working as director of the Kean University Holocaust Center and Diversity Council, Janice worked with genocide survivors and human rights leaders from across the globe. In 2017, she moved back to public education as an administrator and currently works in the Perth Amboy School District. Janice earned a second master’s degree in educational leadership in 2017 and is currently pursuing her doctorate researching the topic: Improving Advanced Placement Assessment Scores in an Urban District.

Lisa is the founder and president of Those Eyes Can Heal Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting caregivers and children affected by loss due to long-term incarceration, violence, and other traumatic events. She co-owns L & E Innovative Business Solutions LLP with her husband, where they assist both private and public sector businesses in strategic planning, scaling their operations, developing programs, managing projects, and providing comprehensive training. Lisa has also developed a flagship initiative called The Journey to My Cup. This program targets youth and families, encouraging self-exploration and well-being. With over 20 years of experience in human services, primarily serving women and children, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her work. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Springfield College and earned her Master's in Social Work from the same institution, where she was honored with Phi Alpha National Honors. Lisa is also the owner of L & E Creative Opulence. Through her commitment to helping others find success and well-being through self-exploration and strategic support, she is making a significant impact to communities and beyond.

Donny, a champion for human rights including those of women, is a proven changemaker with experience in leadership and innovation. A quiet, bright and ambitious young man, he was part of an experimental education cohort where 50 youth attended college and high school at the same time. As a result, he graduated with a high school diploma and an associate degree in 2021 from Bridgeton High School and Rowan College of South Jersey, respectively. He is currently a student at the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Donny is also the treasurer of The Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in Business club as well as a member of the Student Financial Control Board of the Student Government Association. Following graduation, he plans to enroll in an MBA program, most likely in New Jersey. Already an important community member, he created and manages Empower Cumberland, a website and resource for the underserved population of Cumberland County. Donny aspires to bring his education back to his hometown and help his fellow community members on a larger scale. Some of Donny's interests include personal finance, postmodern jukebox and investment banking.

Students Advocating Girls Education (SAGE)

WAGE also partners with our student-run organization on the campus of Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ, called Students Advocating Girls Education (SAGE), a group of Monmouth University students who are dedicated to supporting our mission and doing their part to institute change.

Every year, we host a 5K on the campus to raise funds for our projects. They are also involved with educational and awareness projects. More partnerships are being planned.

Champions of Change Associates

WAGE’s Champions of Change Associates are a vital part of facilitating what we do. They strengthen our projects with their expertise and willingness to help.

If you are interested in getting involved with WAGE but don’t have the time to devote as a board member, please consider being one of our associates!

Marie is an IT supervisor for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She was previously a Manager of IT for First Data, Sr. Database Admin for J&J, and has held many other IT roles. Prior to IT, she was a letter carrier, union steward and supervisor for the USPS. She earned her certification as a Psychiatric Technician from the College of Osteopathic Medicine. In her teenage years Marie worked as a dental assistant. Now an ordained minister, Marie has volunteered for many organizations in various roles, church secretary, events coordinator, caterer, promotor, paint instructor, mentor, Big Sister and small group facilitator. Always on a quest to grow and learn, she started her own travel agency in 2015, promotes comedy shows and sells $5 jewelry so it’s affordable to everyone! Marie raised five sons who are now and now along with her husband, Art is raising their six-year-old daughter, Arianna. You can typically find Marie cooking as she also enjoys hosting at her home and spending quality time with her family and friends. We are so grateful to have her as part of the WAGE Family. From hosting our paint and sip event to standing in as a vendor, Marie is always willing to help and share her talents.

Madhushree is an IT Program Director/Delivery Lead/Agile Leader and Coach with over 15 years of experience across multiple industries delivering business value through the management of large scale systems integration and business transformation programs. She is currently Agile Transformation Lead for Deloitte Consulting. Throughout her career in IT, she has been committed to helping others thrive.