On behalf of the Arm In Arm Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Margaret Cowell and Cynthia Mendez as Interim Co-Leaders, following the departure of long-time Executive Director Carolyn Biondi.
Margaret is a social services program director experienced in advocating for low-income community members as well as implementing programs to address food insecurity, employment, and transportation barriers. She has worked with Arm In Arm since 2006 as director of our Workforce Development, Driver’s License Restoration, Hunger Prevention, and All Kids Thrive programs. Prior to her current role, Margaret worked in corporate training as a department manager and program developer of instructor-led and web-based courses. She is a Seton Hall University graduate. As a lifelong resident of the Trenton/Hamilton area, Margaret is committed to working with her neighbors to make the community stronger.
Cynthia has more than 25 years of experience in the social services field. She currently oversees several programs at Arm In Arm: Homelessness Prevention, Housing Stability Case Management, Representative Payee, and Financial Literacy. She has been with the Arm In Arm team since 2013. Prior to joining our staff, Cynthia served as the Executive Director of the Princeton Human Services Commission and Department for thirteen years and oversaw a variety of programs and services, including the municipal welfare department. Cynthia has an MPA from Rutgers University.
We are excited Margaret and Cynthia have agreed to serve in this capacity as we continue implementing our transition plan to find a permanent executive leader. “We will miss Carolyn’s leadership and guidance. As a staff we are committed to our ongoing mission and dedicated to serving our neighbors in need,” share Margaret and Cynthia in a joint statement. Working arm in arm with those we serve as well as our partners, contributors, and champions, we persist in building a path out of poverty for all people in Mercer County.
Thank you for your support as we move on to our next chapter at Arm In Arm and continue to ensure our whole community thrives. We truly are better together.
Nick Valvanis
Board Chair, Arm In Arm
Ken Barbuscio and Peter Fasolo
Co-Chairs, Executive Director Transition Committee, Arm In Arm