NJ Advisory Council

Abylash J. George serves as the Campus Director of Eastwick College - Hackensack and Corporate Director of Special Projects for Eastwick Education. With nearly two decades of leadership experience in higher education, he oversees campus operations, academic compliance, student services, workforce partnerships, and major institutional initiatives across the organization.

Abylash began his career in 2006 at the HoHoKus School of Business and Medical Sciences as Assistant to the Vice President. Since the establishment of Eastwick College in 2007, he has held a wide range of progressive roles, including positions within the Office of the Vice President and Dean of Academics, Human Resources Coordinator, Payroll & Benefits Director, Social Media Director, and Director of Graduation Ceremonies. His career reflects a long-standing commitment to improving student success and strengthening operational excellence.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Ashford University, a health sciences degree from Eastwick College, and an associate degree in business, and now he is currently pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

Abylash is deeply committed to community service and governance. He serves as the Board Chair for The Salvation Army - Hackensack Corps, sits on the Board of Directors for the Hackensack Chamber of Commerce, and holds position as treasurer on the Board of Trustees for Ebenezer Full Gospel Assembly (EFGA). In addition, he is a member of the NJ Advisory Council for Visions Federal Credit Union, supporting financial education and community outreach initiatives. He is also a member of the National Business Education Association and the New Jersey Notary Public Association.

He and his wife, Alin, are the proud parents of four boys –  Malachi, Jace, Zion, and Isaac, who keep them active, inspired, and joyful.

Chuck Kalender is an experienced educational leader with more than 20 years in public education, including service as both a principal and vice principal. As Principal of Leonia High School, he has led significant growth and innovation, expanding enrollment, development of new academy programs in areas such as fine arts, music, and career and technical education, and the addition of modern learning spaces including a culinary lab, computer labs, Media Center, and specialized classrooms.

Under his leadership, Leonia High School has earned recognition as one of New Jersey’s top high schools, with students gaining admission to some of the nation’s most selective colleges and universities. Chuck has also built strong partnerships with higher education institutions, creating dual enrollment opportunities that allow students to earn college credits while still in high school.

A recipient of the Bergen County Administrator of the Year award, Chuck is known for his commitment to student opportunity, school culture, and community collaboration. He has worked closely with Visions Federal Credit Union to establish New Jersey’s first in-school branch, providing students with real-world financial experience and expanding resources for the school community.

With over 31 years of experience in education, Jeanne Howe has dedicated her career to supporting students, staff, and the school community. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences with a concentration in Physical Oceanography from Cook Campus at Rutgers University, and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from New Jersey City University. 

She began her career as a science teacher and later joined Jefferson Township Middle School in 2004 as an Assistant Principal. Since then, she has served as Middle School Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent. Each role has strengthened her appreciation for the students, staff, and community that make Jefferson Township such a special place.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Howe has been committed to fostering an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. She is proud to be leading such a dedicated team of educators and staff who work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of students each day.

Maureen Huggins has been with the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce (mrcc) since September of 2007 and currently serves as its Executive Director. In this role, she leads the Chamber’s strategic initiatives focusing on membership growth, community engagement, and signature events – including large-scale networking programs and fundraising efforts that support local businesses and nonprofits. Under her leadership, mrcc has continued to expand its impact as a vital resource and connector within the regional business community.

A resident of Mahwah for over 30 years, Maureen and her husband raised their two children in the community she proudly serves. She has held leadership roles on the Home and School Organization (HSO) Executive Boards of George Washington School, Joyce Kilmer School, and Ramapo Ridge Middle School, and served as Treasurer for both the Mahwah High School Sports Boosters Club and the Senior Gala.

Maureen is an active member of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary, an Extraordinary Minister at St. Paul’s in Ramsey, and serves on the team for St. Paul’s Women’s Group. She also sits on the NJ Advisory Board for Visions Federal Credit Union and the Ramapo College of New Jersey Berrie Center.

Originally from Long Island, Maureen attended Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. Her professional background includes positions with Long Island MacArthur Airport, the Suffolk County Department of Labor, and Clarion Corporation of America.

Mitra Choudhury has 30 years of experience in the field of workforce development and holds a masters  in History as well as in Administration and Supervision. She started her career at Essex County College as an Adjunct Instructor in Training Inc. and was later hired as a permanent teacher advisor, promoted to Associate Director of Training Inc. and continued on to become the Director of Training Inc.

As Director, Mitra oversees Training Inc. and its vocational training programs in the Continuing Education & Workforce Development area of Essex County College. She also supervises New Jersey Pathway projects, and Corporate and Business Training for incumbent workers. Mitra consistently raises $1.5 million each year through fundraising, ensuring sufficient budgeting for the effective continuation of all her programs.

She is a member of the National Workforce Development Association, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship, the Regional Apprenticeship College Consortium, and the CompTIA National CTE Advisory Council. She is also involved with several local advisory councils and committees in New Jersey, serving on the Workforce Development Board for both Essex County and Newark. Alongside those boards, she is also a member of the Senior Continuing Education Officers group for NJ Community Colleges, a member of the Industry Sector Partners for the NJ Department of Labor, and an advisory board member of the Orange Housing Authority in Orange, NJ. 

Rafael Mata is a strategic architect of economic growth, currently serving as the President of Gambit Services and Chair of The National Center for Local Business and Workforce Development.

At Gambit Services, Rafael acts as a high-level advisor to government, corporate, and non-profit sectors, specializing in operational integrity and revenue expansion. Under his leadership, Gambit empowers underrepresented populations by navigating complex compliance landscapes, mitigating organizational risk, and preparing businesses for the rigors of government procurement.

Complementing his private-sector leadership, Rafael chairs The National Center for Local Business & Workforce Development. In this role, he steers the non-profit’s mission to fortify local economies through essential small business services and specialized workforce training.

His career is anchored by decades of high-level government service, including influential roles at the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) and various state and county offices. Rafael is widely recognized for pioneering New Jersey’s first local Set-Aside program—a landmark initiative that expanded contract access for underrepresented businesses. As a City University of New York (CUNY) graduate and certified Grant Manager and Writer, Rafael is a premier subject matter expert in bridging the gap between the private sector and government for inclusive economic development.

Robyn Davis has built a distinguished legal career spanning more than 25 years across industries including technology, retail, manufacturing, and financial services. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, she founded ProBiz Law, a boutique legal practice serving businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits.

Robyn's career includes partnership at Freeborn & Peters, an AmLaw 200 firm, senior in-house counsel roles at Fortune 250 companies such as Hill's Pet Nutrition and Circuit City, and legal positions with foreign-headquartered companies including Schott North America and Prezzee, Inc. She is currently licensed in New Jersey, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, and Missouri, with expertise in commercial transactions, corporate governance, M&A, and compliance.

An active civic leader, Robyn recently completed six years on the Ridgewood YMCA Board, including service as Board Chair, and currently serves on the Board of the League of Women Voters of Ridgewood. A longtime member of Visions Federal Credit Union, she is honored to serve on their NJ Advisory Council.

Shawn Stinnett has deep roots in Sussex County and a lifelong commitment to her community. A proud Vernon resident, she graduated from Vernon Township High School and attended Sussex County Community College before beginning a career defined by service, integrity, and the success of others.  

For more than 40 years, Shawn has helped local businesses grow as a Senior Marketing Consultant with iHeart Media’s WSUS‑FM 102.3, WNNJ‑FM 103.7, and Bear Country 106.3 WHCY‑FM. Shawn also uses her role with iHeart Media to uplift the community, supporting local nonprofit organizations through trade‑based sponsorships that provide valuable exposure and help amplify their mission and fundraising efforts. Her commitment to service extends far beyond her career, as Shawn has contributed to numerous community and nonprofit organizations, including many years on the boards of the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Kids Educational Enrichment Programs.

Born in Atlanta, she lived in Georgia, Tennessee, and Missouri before settling in Vernon’s resort region – a place she proudly calls home. An avid skier and lover of adventure and travel, Shawn appreciates the extraordinary spirit of Sussex County residents and business owners and looks forward to continuing her lifelong mission of supporting the community she loves – both personally and professionally.

Dr. Susan Gaulden is Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Passaic County Community College (PCCC), an open-admission Hispanic Serving Institution that serves over 8,000 students each year. She loved every minute of over twenty years she spent teaching mathematics, and has served as Interim Provost, Vice Provost for Academic Programs, and Executive Director of Institutional Planning and Assessment at other institutions. In her current role, Dr. Gaulden is most proud of the work she is doing to initiate and launch new partnerships to enhance the support and services PCCC is able to provide its students. 

Recent initiatives led by Dr. Gaulden include the Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement (HISPA) Leaders in College at PCCC program, and the new Laptop Upcycle site location on the College’s main campus in Paterson, New Jersey. She also fully enjoys her role as the Project Director of a US Department of Education (USDOE) Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions grant-funded program, PROSPER, which aims to increase student persistence and employment readiness by offering 3+1 programs with 4-year institutions, micro-internships, experiential learning experiences, and more. 

Dr. Gaulden has also led as Project Director on two other USDOE grant-funded programs at PCCC. Her Reconnect program sought to re-engage stopped-out students and to prevent at-risk part-time students from stopping out by providing success coaching, holistic and academic support, and career readiness programming. Pathways to Teacher Certification provided aspiring educators with support and coaching to complete their academic programs and experiential learning opportunities at local child development centers and K-6 schools.

Dr. Gaulden has received numerous awards and recognitions for her professional accomplishments, including being on the 2025 NJ Innovate 100 list and the Higher Education’s 2024 List of 40 Leading Women in Higher Education. She has also served as an invited speaker at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), and Third Way events. In addition to paneling, Dr. Gaulden is an active voice on the Paterson One Square Mile Initiative Advisory Board, the Paterson Anchor Collaborative, and the Visions Federal Credit Union NJ Advisory Council.

Susan Vigilante-Williams is a retired New Jersey public school educator with 44 years of experience. In addition to her time in the classroom, Susan served as a local and county president, negotiating contracts and working to advance benefits for her people. Susan was elected to the Board of Directors for the National Education Association (NEA) and also served eighteen years on the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Executive Committee.

For more than 25 years, Susan was a member of the Board of Directors of Tri-Co Federal Credit Union, participating in the merger between Tri-Co and Visions. She has promoted the credit union throughout her educational career and continues to do so as a member of the Advisory Council. 

Currently, Susan is president of the Morris County Retirees’ Education Association and is active in many local civic organizations, including her church which plays a significant role in her life. She serves on her church governing board, her town’s library board, and the board of PFLAG Morristown/Morris County.

Family is paramount to Susan. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons are her treasures. She and her husband are blessed to have a big, beautiful, blended family where all are always welcome. Family celebrations, family travel, and especially family gatherings are her greatest joys in life.

Theresa Capparelli is a dynamic leader, accomplished fundraiser, and passionate advocate for community impact. Theresa currently serves as a Development Specialist with the Women’s Rights Information Center in Englewood, NJ, where she works to expand community outreach and strengthen fundraising efforts. The organization supports victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, and provides vital programs including counseling and case management, financial literacy, job and computer skills training, shared housing, and wellness workshops. Last year alone, the organization served more than 2,500 women and families. 

She also consults with the Franciscan Community Development Center in Fairview, NJ, home to Bergen County’s only food pantry located in a designated food desert. The organization is entirely volunteer-run, ensuring that all donations and grants directly support community services such as food distribution, tax assistance through the VITA program, senior services, counseling, and legal aid. 

Prior to her work with the Women’s Rights Information Center, Theresa served as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Bergen County. There, she led the organization through a period of unprecedented growth, securing the largest grants in its history and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to support affordable housing initiatives. She managed a team of employees and more than 1,000 volunteers while directing fundraising, marketing, and community engagement efforts, leading signature events and campaigns to record-breaking success. Even earlier in her career, Theresa spent a decade at Lord & Taylor, building and leading the company’s highest-performing Personal Shopping Department nationwide while organizing charitable fashion events, and began her professional journey in real estate with Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty. 

A recognized community leader, Theresa serves on the Board of Directors for the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber, and the NJ Advisory Board for Visions Credit Union. Her many honors include the Congressional Certificate of Recognition, Citizen of the Year, NJBIZ ICON Honors, and the YWCA Women of Influence Award. Her career reflects an unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and strengthening the communities she serves.

Xenia Ambatzoglou is a strategist, entrepreneur, and advisor focused on expanding economic opportunity and supporting the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs. Xenia has led multiple large-scale transformation initiatives and managed cross-functional teams focused on improving customer experience, risk management, and operational performance.

She is the founder of DBA Consulting, a strategic advisory practice that works with public, nonprofit, and private sector partners to design programs that strengthen small business ecosystems, workforce development initiatives, and procurement readiness for emerging companies. Through this work, she helps organizations build practical pathways for entrepreneurs to access resources, contracts, and capital.

With her Master’s in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons School of Design, and an extensive background spanning financial services, payments, operations, and business strategy, Xenia has also taught business courses as an adjunct professor, helping students connect classroom concepts with real-world entrepreneurship and innovation.

Xenia is also the founder of 1988, a women’s empowerment apparel brand inspired by the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 — the legislation that expanded women’s access to business credit and entrepreneurial resources. The brand blends fashion and storytelling to celebrate women’s economic progress and encourage the next generation of founders to own their stories.