United Way of Northern New Jersey Announces New Board Members

United Way of Northern New Jersey is pleased to welcome three new members to its Board of Trustees: Mohamed Bakerywala, Dione Francis and Jennifer Kodat.  

“I’m excited to welcome these accomplished leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said

United Way CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso. “Their diverse perspectives and expertise, combined with their commitment to community, will help strengthen our work to help families in poverty and ALICE households.”

Despite working hard, ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households are living paycheck to paycheck. 

As CEO of technology consulting organization ASB Resources, Bakerywala oversees the company’s operations and strategic direction, building the firm to 200 employees across offices in the United States, Canada and India since its founding in 2013. He has led initiatives to expand the company’s footprint while managing large teams and building relationships that support business development and community engagement. 

Previously, he led talent acquisition for TD Ameritrade’s technology and operations and other major financial services firms. Bakerywala began his career as a technology consultant working with major financial institutions and global corporations.

“I am improving life for ALICE because hardworking families deserve financial stability, and I am committed to supporting solutions that create lasting impact and give them a chance to build security for their family,” said Bakerywala.

In her role as Vice President & Operations Manager of Turner Construction Company’s New Jersey office, Dione Francis oversees staffing and career development for some 190 people and safety and operational excellence across multiple active projects statewide. She began her more than 25-year career at Turner as a field engineer before advancing through various field and project management positions. Additionally, she held roles in both preconstruction and procurement. Prior to her current position, Francis served as a project executive on healthcare and higher education projects and as an interiors operations manager.  

“I joined the United Way family because of the amazing social economic research they perform, share and leverage to raise awareness of and to help raise and direct funds to programs that support struggling families known as ALICE,” said Francis, who also serves on the United Way Women United steering committee.

Jennifer Kodat brings her deep expertise in IT risk, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance to her role as principal at PwC. During her more than two decades at the global professional services firm, Kodat has led enterprise-level audit engagements, aligning technology oversight with organizational objectives and governance standards. She’s partnered with senior stakeholders and boards to assess emerging tech risks, enhance internal controls and ensure audit quality. 

“I’m inspired by United Way’s commitment to collaboration, equity and accountability,” said Kodat. “It’s meaningful to be part of a team that works together to open doors of opportunity and support those who need it most.”

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