About

Stephanie Hoopes
Ph.D.; National Director, United For ALICE

Stephanie leads the national United For ALICE movement, having shepherded the growth and success of United For ALICE from a local pilot study in Morris County, N.J., to a nationwide initiative with data for all 3,000 U.S. counties and partners in more than 30 states. Her research has garnered local, state and national attention from media and legislators, including receiving a resolution from the NJ Legislature for her work for ALICE in 2016. Prior to joining United Way of Northern New Jersey, Stephanie taught at Columbia University and Rutgers University-Newark. Stephanie earned her Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, MA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and BA from Wellesley College.

Michelle Roers
Senior Vice President of Strategies for ALICE, United For ALICE@Work

Michelle Roers, LSW, leads the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of United For ALICE@Work and United In Care. She oversees project development, evaluating progress toward programmatic and funding goals, and strategizing for project sustainability. As a recognized leader in systems change initiatives for education and workforce development, Michelle promotes better opportunities for ALICE. Before joining United Way, Michelle championed victim rights through the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Jersey Battered Women’s Service. Michelle holds an MSW from Fordham University and a BSW in Social Work from St. Catherine University (MN).

Cary Esperanza Dawson
Director of Strategic Partnerships, United For ALICE@Work

Cary is a leader in partnership development, spearheading ALICE@Work’s efforts to build and maintain strategic relationships to scale the program nationwide. With a focus on workplace success, Cary also serves on United Way Worldwide’ s Culture Transformation Task Force and co-leads the United Way of Northern New Jersey’s Culture Initiative. Prior to joining ALICE@Work, Cary specialized in corporate and volunteer engagement, collaborating with businesses to align resource mobilization for social impact. Cary holds an MA from The New School and a BA from NYU Gallatin focused on Communication Theory, Digital Literacy & Equity.

Jen Miller
Director of Brand Development & Strategic Communications, United For ALICE@Work

Jen leverages her expertise in marketing, communications and social impact to drive ALICE@Work’s growth through innovative, multi-channel business strategies and initiatives. Prior to joining ALICE@Work, Jen navigated the intricate landscapes of Fortune 500 companies and state/national nonprofits, harnessing the power of data-driven insights and storytelling to drive results. Jen serves as a Member Emeritus on the United Way of Northern New Jersey’s Women United Leadership Council. She holds an MSJ from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Drew Abrahamson
Director of Data Analytics, United For ALICE

Drew Abrahamson brings expertise in geographic information systems, data visualization, and business intelligence to the ALICE@Work team. As part of the United For ALICE team, Drew oversees the database and developing ALICE data visualization tools. Drew’s background includes business development, technical management and data analysis. He earned a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Tom Cordasco
Director of Creative Development, United Way of Northern New Jersey

Tom serves as the creative lead for United Way of Northern New Jersey (UWNNJ) and its sub-brands. He oversees layout design, and production of all ALICE marketing materials, including United For ALICE Reports, website, and ALICE@Work assets. Prior to joining UWNNJ, Tom designed and produced both print and digital marketing and communication products, including motion graphics and presentation materials, for Hoffman-La Roche. Tom launched Cordasco Design in 2005 and started working as a freelance designer with UWNNJ in 2015, joining the staff full-time in 2020. Tom earned his BFA from William Paterson University.

Chris Nilsen
Graphic Designer, United For ALICE@Work

Chris brings her strong eye for solid and well-thought-out design solutions to the ALICE@Work team, where she serves as the graphic designer for ALICE@Work. She brings an impeccable attention to detail and enthusiastic passion for learning and understanding new and emerging technology to all aspects of her work. Prior to joining ALICE@Work, Chris held a variety of full-time and consulting positions as a creative designer, providing clients with both project-based consultation and full-service expertise in marketing and branding. Chris holds a BA in Graphic Design from Montclair State University.

Ash Schwedt
ALICE@Work Lead Trainer & Product Manager, United For ALICE@Work

Ash facilitates and continuously optimizes the ALICE@Work curriculum, while simultaneously upskilling Trainers to deliver the course nationwide. Before joining ALICE@Work, Ash built and led the equity and justice team at a large leadership training organization. Ash has worked with thousands of companies around the world, equipping them to establish just and equitable practices. Ash earned her MSW from the University of Michigan with a focus in organizations, social systems, and management of human services.

Elizabeth Yarly, DrPHc, PMP
Trainer, United For ALICE@Work

A dynamic trainer, Elizabeth addresses ALICE workers’ unique challenges through interactive discussions that spark personal and organizational growth. She equips employers with powerful, actionable strategies to achieve impactful workplace improvements. With 15 years in organizational development, Elizabeth drives sustainable change in education and global health. Known for leading initiatives and mobilizing resources in diverse cultural contexts, she collaborates seamlessly with C-suite executives to foster lasting transformation. Elizabeth holds a BS in Public Health and earned her DrPH (Doctor of Public Health), both from Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Joanne Hala
Grants & Community Impact, United Way of Northern New Jersey

Joanne spearheads grant writing, reporting, management, and compliance for ALICE@Work, United For ALICE and United Way of Northern New Jersey. Since joining United Way of Northern New Jersey in 2010, Joanne has actively supported local workforce development and advocated for quality jobs. Joanne’s experience extends to community-based English as a Second Language programs in New Jersey and rural Nicaragua, as well as faith-based programs in Costa Rica. She holds a BA from Rutger’s University’s Douglass College and was a Fulbright recipient.

Natalie O’Hagan
Sr. Director of Strategy and Culture, United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI)

Natalie represents UWSCMI in its strategic partnership with United For ALICE. She has served a pivotal role in ALICE@Work curriculum development and strategic insights on how local United Ways can best support the program in their communities. As a pilot partner in 2020, Natalie brought ALICE@Work to 10 local employers in Michigan. Natalie serves on the ALICE@Work Advisory Committee, ensuring that Michigan and local United Way partners have a voice in developing the initiative. Natalie earned a B.S., Political Science and Religion from Central Michigan university, and a master’s in public administration from Central Michigan University.

Allison Pepin
Human Resources Consultant

Allison brings her experience to ALICE@Work as a consultant and the team’s lead human resources authority. Allison supports employees’ aspirations and collaborates to ensure ALICE@Work addresses both employer and ALICE workers’ needs. Allison held senior-level HR roles for more than 30 years in several Fortune 500 companies before joining ALICE@Work. Allison holds a BBA from Loyola University New Orleans.