Margaret Woods is a retired nonprofit executive with over 40 years’ experience working to improve the lives of resource-limited children and families. As CEO she was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day and fiscal integrity of a multimillion dollar agency. She has experience with strategic planning, fundraising, marketing and policy advocacy on behalf of clients and ensuring program integrity and client satisfaction. She is the CEO emeritus of Independence: A Family of Services. She also served as the Associate Director of the New Jersey Governor’s Committee on Children’s Services Planning. In that role she was responsible for advocacy on behalf of at-risk and underserved children and families and was the Committee’s legislative liaison. She was also the Executive Director of the Partnership for Neighborhood Safety (PNS), a component of the New York City Partnership where she staffed the Crime Stoppers program and was responsible for the PNS’ community crime prevention grantmaking.
John is a co-founder of Caresparc Community Connections. John has been a leader in the software industry for the past 10 years. John’s expertise includes planning, executing, and paving the way for transformative growth. Throughout his career, John has been recognized as a process improvement strategist, driving sales and marketing efficiency and business impact across all organizational levels with a focus on team building, enablement, sustainable growth, and advanced operational rigor. As a nonprofit board member with over 20 years of service, John has also served on the Dean and Betty Gallo Prostate Cancer Center and Crossroads Theatre Company.
Robin Dougherty, Board Treasurer & Co-Founder: Robin Dougherty is a 30-year nonprofit leader who was formerly the Executive Director for Greater Newark Conservancy for 22 years. Robin oversaw a staff of 20+ full-time and 30+ part-time employees, college and high school interns, along with fundraising and financial management for a $2 million annual budget. She was responsible for Capital Campaign fundraising efforts and construction and design oversight for $15 million Urban Environmental and Ecological Center.
Kevin Silvestrini-Cordero, MBA Board Secretary & Co-Founder: Kevin Silvestrini- Cordero serves on the Newark Workforce Development Board, The Institute for Health and Social Equity, and Greater Newark Holiday Fund Board.
Libby Bajgerova is a results-driven business leader and SVP of Risk Governance with expertise in banking, business development, and strategic operations. An immigrant from Eastern Europe, she rose to oversee 13 Columbia Bank branches and 65 staff, consistently surpassing growth targets and delivering top-tier customer experiences. Known for her hands-on leadership and passion for mentoring, Libby drives impact through people, process, and performance.
Luz Ramirez, Board Member: Luz Ramirez is a 10-year veteran in the healthcare industry who currently works at WellCare with expertise in marketing, community outreach, and education to senior populations.
Dr. Monique S. Griffith is a licensed psychologist and former Assistant Professor of Psychology with nearly 20 years of experience serving individuals, families, and communities. She held leadership roles as Director of Health and Human Services for two municipalities in northern New Jersey, where she expanded access to care and led COVID-19 response and recovery initiatives in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies. Dr. Griffith works collaboratively across sectors to promote wellness, prevent illness, and integrate behavioral and public health strategies through innovative, community-based programs.
Keith Da Costa is an experienced business leader and community advocate in the healthcare industry who combines over three decades of expertise in home care, community program development, community engagement, strategic planning, and fund development.
Stacey Johnson is a registered nurse for over 25 years with a multifaceted skill set and experience in clinical areas ranging from Acute care, Community Care and Executive Administration.
