Union County Review

Tina-Marie Lopez, a Kean University graduate, has been serving as the New York/New Jersey executive director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) since 2023. Her role involves overseeing the resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers in the United States.

“Growing up as a Catholic and also a gay, bi-racial and bi-ethnic woman, I felt I didn't fit in anywhere, and that explains my passion for working with refugees,” Lopez explained. “Like me, they’re on a journey to find their place in the world, and their fervor to succeed despite their circumstances inspires me to do as much as I can for them.”

Lopez's career began at the Union County Department of Human Services where she advanced from receptionist to deputy director over two decades. During this time, she earned her B.A. in English from Kean University in 2011 and later obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova University. It was at Human Services that she met her wife, Denise Moscaritolo.

At IRC’s offices in Elizabeth and New York City, Lopez manages 223 staff members and oversees a budget of $36.9 million. The organization assists victims of persecution or starvation by helping them secure housing, food, clothing, education for children, citizenship services, public benefits enrollment, and skills training. They also offer classes on English language proficiency, cultural orientation, health, and wellness.

“One of the most fulfilling moments for me in my tenure with IRC was during Eid when we hosted an Iftar dinner,” Lopez recalled. “A father told my team how beautiful it was to see his children play with other children. It was the first time since he had left his home country that he had a feeling of normalcy.”

Residing now in Roselle Park but originally from Elizabeth where she grew up in poverty, Lopez credits Kean University with providing her the necessary skills for success through its night classes which allowed her to work full-time while studying.

"I am so proud of Tina's humanitarian work!” said Jan Balakian Ph.D., an English professor at Kean who influenced Lopez’s understanding of coaching others.

Another mentor was Susanna Rich Ph.D., who encouraged her thinking about intersectionality.

Michele Miller from Union County’s Division of Social Services praised Lopez's dedication: “Tina-Marie Lopez is an intelligent hard-working empathetic professional who is nevertheless humble.”

Lopez attributes some of her values to lessons learned from her late mother Patricia and sister Tricia who both worked in Human Services too: “For 20 years my sister & I ran county’s holiday toy drive & food pantry which my mother started,” she shared regarding their commitment towards maintaining dignity for those they helped.