By Laura Warne
Communications Coordinator
If you attended September’s Voices for Children Gala, you may have noticed a woman in a plum gown juggling a myriad tasks, making sure the evening unfolded exactly as planned. From resolving tech issues to coordinating staff, she spent the evening ensuring everyone and everything was in sync.
That woman was Aileen Martinez Carper, one of Passaic County CASA’s Board Members. While our Volunteer Spotlights usually highlight the work of outstanding Court Appointed Special Advocates, today the honor goes to a different type of volunteer. Non-profit board members are a special breed of volunteer, who all too often perform their exceptional service without recognition, despite being among their organization’s greatest champions and most dedicated supporters. They bring their unique talents and expertise to an organization and help ensure it operates at peak performance day in and day out.
In Aileen’s case, it was a Google search, of all things, that led her to Passaic County CASA. Five years ago, after making a decision to transition from a successful career in journalism, she returned to school to study Strategic Communications. Her degree required the completion of a Strategic Communication Plan for a non-profit organization, and so this Wayne resident turned to Google to find some local options who might appreciate her assistance. As someone who has always loved children, the mission of Passaic County CASA particularly spoke to Aileen. She’s remained involved ever since, even after assuming a full-time role in executive communications at ADP, the Roseland-based HR technology company.
Special events, like the Voices for Children Gala, are Aileen’s forte. However, Aileen will be the first to tell you that it’s the everyday work being done at Passaic County CASA that excites her the most. Aileen enjoys helping people tell their stories, and at Passaic County CASA, that means telling the stories of the advocates who are on the frontlines of child welfare. Galas are just one platform for sharing CASA’s impact; Aileen ensures that CASA shares all impact stories, big and small.
For her part, she says that being on CASA’s Board of Trustees makes her feel hopeful that we live in a world where people still care deeply about one another. “[CASAs] are giving their time and heart and that pushes my soul,” she explains. In addition to the many advocates she’s been able to get to know, she says that she also takes great inspiration from Executive Director Erica Fischer-Kaslander and the rest of the Passaic County CASA staff. “The dedication they show is beyond measure. The extra time far beyond 9-5, regularly working evenings and weekends—it makes me feel hopeful that we really are changing children’s’ lives. It makes me feel like I can’t do enough to help this organization and its mission.”