“The rewards are huge.  I get more out of what I do here in one day than anything else.  I make sure our state and our planet are healthier and cleaner.    Making the environment personal to people is what I get satisfaction from.”  – Paula Aldarelli, Executive Director, EarthShare New Jersey

KissMyCountry had the chance to talk with Paula Aldarelli, Executive Director, EarthShare New Jersey.  Enjoy hearing about Paula, her job as Executive Director and her love of New Jersey!  KissMyCountry’s New Jersey t-shirt –shown below – will support EarthShare New Jersey with 10% of proceeds to the organization.  We are connecting with environmental non-profits in all 50 states and New Jersey is one of the first!

Paula Aldarelli’s days are filled with talking, meeting , and working to create opportunities for the environmental programs supported by EarthShare New Jersey.  Paula works hard and clearly loves the work she does, which she does very well.  EarthShare New Jersey is lucky to have Paula Aldarelli – she’s a great voice for New Jersey’s environmental non-profits.  “The environment has become a passion for people at many different levels, and in many different ways.  Demand has increased and meeting the needs is a challenge.  But people come out of the woodwork with gifts and talents you’d never expect,” says Paula as she talked with KissMyCountry about being Executive Director at EarthShare New Jersey.

EarthShare New Jersey joined EarthShare in 2000, connecting to a national network.  The move expanded the scope of the Environmental Fund of New Jersey, founded in 1994, to benefit both local and national non-profits focusing on New Jersey.   With workplace giving a major source of funds and education and awareness programs a primary focus, EarthShare New Jersey supports over 60 non-profit organizations and offers opportunities to get involved.  “We can work with a company of any size to develop a program that is right for them and their employees.  In addition to our workplace giving program that lets employees choose where their gift goes, we offer volunteer awareness and education programs.  EarthShare New Jersey members address air, water, land and wildlife issues where people live, work and play.”

EarthShare New Jersey supports The Wetlands Institute, Hackensack River Keeper, Clean Ocean Action, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, New Jersey Audubon Society, Flat Rock Brook Nature Center and CATA, to name a few.  Organizations supported by EarthShare New Jersey are Board members.  “We screen all of our members and we review them to make sure they are all fiscally responsible”, Paula assured.

Among her many talents, Paula knows about fiscal responsibility, having come to EarthShare New Jersey after a 16-year career with Merrill Lynch.  When her department was ‘downsized’ Paula saw a positive side to the sudden change.  “I said, ‘This is an opportunity for me to decide what do I want to be when I grow up’?  I took six months to figure out what do I enjoy, and I’ve always had a finger in charitable work.”   Paula had found her new direction.

Paula took classes at a local community college in development and interviewed about a dozen people working in the non-profit world.  With that under her belt, she was ready to find her first job but came up against another challenge.  “I started applying for jobs, and as quickly as the door was being opened the door was being shut.  I was told I was overqualified and that I wouldn’t want to accept the compensation available.”  Then, during one interview Paula was told ‘We won’t offer you this job, but we know what you’re perfect for. ‘  She was connected with EarthShare New Jersey and Paula had the job of Executive Director 2 weeks later.

For Paula, being Executive Director allows her to apply skills learned in the financial world and natural people skills with her passion for the environment and love of New Jersey.  “As a child my parents took me all over New Jersey – Cape May, the Palisades, the Jersey Shore.  It was something I was passionate about,” says Paula.  “Working for a non-profit can be all consuming.  It is a big transition on many levels personally and professionally.  But I have the chance to use the things I’ve learned and that’s extremely rewarding.”

EarthShare New Jersey has many special events on the horizon for those who want to learn more and become involved.  In Trenton on June 16 from 5-7pm there will be an Environmental Awareness Fair at Waterfront Park just before the Trenton Thunder play the Altoona Curve at 7pm.  The Trenton Thunder will donate $4 per $11 game ticket to EarthShare New Jersey –a  generous donation.  So, June 16 is a day to learn more about places to visit in New Jersey to enjoy nature, get some tips for healthy living, and then enjoy a game with the New York Yankees minor league affiliate – a great way to start the summer!

September 20-30 is EarthShare New Jersey Week, and an opportunity for the public to visit member locations to learn about EarthShare New Jersey and their member network.  There will be hiking, plantings, cleanups and boat tours as well as a Fall Equinox Walk.  “We’re inviting the public to get to know us,” says Paula, “It’s a great opportunity to learn about our members.”  And save the date for EarthShare Celebrates New Jersey, their annual wine tasting fundraising event to be held on April 1, 2011 at the Laurita Winery in New Egypt, New Jersey.

When we asked Paula about the places she loves it was no surprise that it’s New Jersey all the way for Paula Aldarelli.  In fact, she shared photos of the Pine Barrens and the Jersey Shore with KissMyCountry for this interview.  “I love coming back home,” says Paula.  “There’s nothing more beautiful than the Pine Barrens.  There’s nothing like going down to the beach, especially with your kids.  Passaic Falls is a natural wonder that people don’t often think about.  The Hackensack River is a wonder to me. There’s nothing like being on the water seeing the Empire State Building and ospreys flying by.”  Paula, thank you for the work you do and for encouraging others to visit natural places in New Jersey and support EarthShare New Jersey and environmental programs in the state. 

KissMyCountry’s New Jersey t-shirt will support EarthShare New Jersey with 10% of proceeds from the sale of each shirt.  Enjoy!