Lawrence-Based Womanspace Appoints First CEO & President

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Nathalie Nelson has been appointed the new CEO & President of Womanspace, the organization announced Monday. Nelson has been with Womanspace nine years, most recently in the post of Director of HR & Operations. She has been transitioning into the role since November 2021, the organization said.

Nelson said she was pleased about the promotion and has adjusted to her new position with a very little learning curve.

“As the first CEO of Womanspace, I’m excited to be working with such a dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and Board of Directors. Together we will enhance Womanspace’s capabilities to help empower survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence. I am excited what the future holds for us,” she said.

The board has formed a new leadership team to assist Nelson with her role. Lauren Nazarian, Director of Development will be promoted to Chief Development Officer.

Susan Victor, Director of Counseling will be promoted to Chief Operations Officer of Client & Community Services. Cassius Lawson, Director of Finance will be promoted to Vice President of Finance and Reyna Carothers, Director of Emergency Services will be promoted to Vice President of Emergency Services.

Meanwhile, Patricia Hart, former Executive Director of 28 years has decided to retire. “I have been grateful every day for the opportunity to work with the most talented and committed staff and to intersect with families whose incredible strength inspired me every day,” Hart said. “With each new project, I marveled at the good fortune of a strong partnership with Womanspace board and the talent of the staff, I would ask that you consider a donation to Womanspace in recognition of my contributions over the last 28 years.”

Michelle Bajwa, President of the board of directors thanked Hart for her service. “The Womanspace Board of Directors expresses great appreciation for the 28 years of significant work and commitment of Patricia Hart. Womanspace has emerged as an innovator of service for our community thanks to Ms. Hart’s contribution,” she said.

She went on to congratulate Nelson on her promotion. “A visionary rooted in Womanspace’s mission to support and protect victims and families affected by domestic violence, Ms. Nelson’s leadership shines with an ideal alchemy of compassion, inclusion, resolve, strength and resourcefulness. I have every confidence Womanspace’s ability to help victims and families recover and heal from domestic violence will further be cultivated and strengthened under Ms. Nelson’s leadership,” Bajwa said.

For information on events and updates, visit www.womanspace.org.