Wilmarie Padilla began her career in social and family services shortly after receiving her Psychology and Business Administration degrees from Rutgers University. She was quickly promoted to supervise the WorkFirst N.J. (WFNJ) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) departments after working as a childcare counselor.

 

Her professional career has encompassed a broad range of roles from Resource Coordinator to Quality Assurance Manager and now Director of the county's Childcare Resource & Referral Division. Ms. Padilla considers herself to be extremely fortunate to also be able to serve on various County and State committees that further the mission of supporting families.

 

She is an active volunteer and supporter of various organizations that focus on food instability, empowerment of girls, etc. Raised in the Iron-Bound section of Newark, diversity and community support will always play a predominant role in Ms. Padilla's personal and professional life.