ALICE: Leveraging Data for Positive Change
Join Women in Development New Jersey and United Way of Northern New Jersey's United for ALICE team members, Catherine Connelly, Molly Debevoise Rennie, and Cary Dawson for the final roundtable of the year - ALICE: Leveraging Data for positive change.
For ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, financial stability remains out of reach no matter how hard they work. A key contributor to the 37% of households in financial hardship in New Jersey (ALICE and poverty level combined) is the mismatch between the cost of living and income. As a result, these households are forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality child care or paying the rent – choices that have long-term consequences not only for their family, but for all.
This roundtable will provide an overview of the United For ALICE metrics, data, tools and resources that capture the true extent of financial hardship in New Jersey, and how stakeholders across the state are putting this data into action to create positive change for ALICE.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of ALICE and discover how your organization can harness its insights to support development, workforce strategies, grants, advocacy and more!
Bios
Catherine Connelly is the Director of Research Engagement at United for ALICE, at United Way of Northern New Jersey, where she researches, writes, and develops reports on financial hardship. Catherine is interested in the complex interplay between social and economic factors and their impact on overall health and well-being. With a strong background in community health, education, and advocacy she facilitates the use of the ALICE data by researchers and community partners to inform solutions that eliminate inequities and promote financial stability.
Before joining the United Way, Catherine led a multi-sector partnership of healthcare, public health, and community-based organizations working together on collaborative needs assessments and strategies for building healthier communities. She has a doctorate degree from Drew University in Medical Humanities and a master’s degree in Health Administration from Hofstra University.
Molly Debevoise Rennie is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at United For ALICE and is passionate about broadening the ALICE movement. She coordinates new clients and brings new partners into the ALICE Project. She has been with the United Way of Northern New Jersey for 20 years, holding various positions, including managing the corporate workplace fundraising campaigns.
Prior to joining United Way, Rennie worked at Banker’s Trust in New York City, where she managed numerous departments within the Account Services Division. Rennie earned her bachelor's degree at Kenyon College and master's degree in Public Administration, Governance, and Leadership from Seton Hall University. She is also a graduate of LeadNJ, 2019.
Cary Esperanza Dawson is a nonprofit development and fundraising professional with a career spanning over two decades. Cary has become a driving force in resource mobilization and impact-driven fundraising. Her strategic approach to fundraising blends art and science, crafting compelling narratives that resonate with donors while leveraging data-driven insights to optimize fundraising efforts. Connecting with donors on a personal level and aligning their values with the organization's mission has been a cornerstone of Cary’s success.
In her current role with United Way of Northern NJ, Cary works tirelessly to bridge the gap between corporations and their communities. She understands the mutual benefits of collaboration: companies thrive when they actively participate in social responsibility, and communities prosper when they receive much-needed support.
In addition to her fundraising acumen, Cary is a strong advocate for transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in the nonprofit sector. She sits on the board of Women in Development NJ, a professional membership organization supporting other women in their nonprofit careers. Cary is also the President of the Board of Trustees for the Mary Jacobs Foundation based in her own community of Rocky Hill, NJ, where she lives with her husband Billy and three children.
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