SOMA Community Leaders: Nonprofit Advocate Fights For Justice, Equity

SOUTH ORANGE-MAPLEWOOD,NJ — Without community leaders, South Orange and Maplewood wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as they do. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Anita Gundanna, a Maplewood Patch reader who nominated Kelly Quirk Ceperly.

How do you know this community leader?

Close friend and fellow nonprofit worker

What does this community leader do?

What doesn't Kelly do? She is a caring and strong leader of 2 nonprofits (Board President of South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race AND Senior Leadership at BRC in NY), mother, wife, volunteer, advocate, and friend. In her roles, she thoughtfully centers justice and equity for People of Color, immigrants, and those suffering from addiction and homelessness.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

I believe Kelly embodies everything this award is created for because she has been such a strong community and nonprofit leader, but has never taken the spotlight. Kelly is the type of leader that pushes forward the nonprofit organizations that she works for, and fights to recognize individuals who are advocating alongside her. She does so much without recognition. She is also a wife and mom of three young children. As a local volunteer community advocate for racial justice and immigrant rights, Kelly would wear her newborn (3rd) baby as she led community rallies. In fact, Kelly's volunteer work at that time was vital to the beginning of a currently thriving local nonprofit, SOMA Action. Now, Kelly can be seen running efficient and thoughtful Zoom board meetings for the Community Coalition on Race, where she is a highly esteemed Board Chair, while wrangling her children for dinner. She finds evening time to testify at local public hearings on voting rights, immigrant rights, and other issues that matter to the community. And she does so with words that elicit deep thought and that pierce the hearts of community members and elected officials. And her day job - she is now a senior leader in one of the largest nonprofits in New York, BRC, that is focused on housing and rights of those struggling with addiction. She doesn't half-ass anything. And she also doesn't ask for or get recognized. But she deserves all the kudos for everything she has and will commit herself to do to support those who struggle, those who face injustice, and those who are most marginalized.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Kelly is a fabulous mom, caring wife, and tremendous friend. This in on top of all the community work she dives into. I don't think there's a person in town who is involved in community service or activism, and who hasn't crossed paths with Kelly. She is a fabulous networker and community builder. Our SOMA (South Orange/Maplewood) would not be the same place without her.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out? Nominate them here.