When Gleny Herlihy was 14 years old, she came to the United States with her family from the Dominican Republic in search of a better life and greater opportunity. Her journey has come full circle, as she now serves as Senior Director of Partner Engagement at CFBNJ, working with the organization’s community partners to help ensure the futures of her New Jersey neighbors.
When she first arrived at CFBNJ, she was struck by the overwhelming need in the community.
Gleny shared, “When I arrived at such a large building, I thought to myself, ‘The only reason why we have such a large facility is because the need is so great.’”
In more than 20 years, Gleny has grown with CFBNJ, taking on various roles that reflect both her dedication and her adaptability. Starting as an administrative assistant, she’s worked her way up. For many years, she worked in CFBNJ’s Food Sourcing department, bringing in both purchased and donated food, and today, she is Senior Director of Partner Engagement, responsible for the FoodBank’s relationships with more than 800 pantries, soup kitchens, and other local food assistance programs.
Gleny’s goal is not just to manage her team but to inspire them to carry forward the mission of CFBNJ. She encourages them to see the bigger picture and understand that every small contribution matters.
“There’s still much to be done in educating people on the importance of embracing social responsibility. It’s not always about taking the easy way out,” Gleny says. “We must ensure the food is available to those who need it most.”
For Gleny, the work she does every day has a profound impact, not just on the people who receive meals, but on her own life. “As a mom I feel proud that we are looking at the whole nutritional value of the food we are providing to our community. It means the world to me.”
CFBNJ keeps Gleny grounded and fills her with gratitude for the opportunity to help others.