President

Helen Ferrante is a dedicated educator with over 23 years of experience serving the Camden City School District. She holds a Masters of Public Administration with a specialization in Educational Policy and Leadership, along with certifications as both a teacher, Principal and Superintendent. Throughout her career, Helen has remained deeply committed to supporting the Camden community through various leadership and advocacy roles. Her work is driven by a passion for addressing both the educational and fundamental needs of Camden families, making her a trusted and compassionate leader in the field of public education.

Vice President

Tracey Reed Thompson, born on August 24th in Camden, New Jersey, is the daughter of David and Sharon Reed and the only daughter among two children. She graduated from Camden High School in 1989 and later married her high school sweetheart, Frank Thompson III, now a Captain in the Camden City Fire Department; together, they have been married for over 35 years and have four daughters: Brittany, Brianna, Brinae, and Brinya. Tracey earned degrees in Elementary Education and Social Work from Rowan University, followed by two Master’s degrees—one in Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and another in Higher Education from Rowan—and a Doctorate in Education from Widener University in 2016. She began her career teaching in Camden, later serving as a math coach and taking on administrative roles; she is currently the Deputy Assistant Superintendent in the Camden City School District. Beyond her professional work, Tracey has contributed to her community through coaching cheerleading and drill team and participating in various school and local organizations. A devoted member of Rock of Ages Worship Ministries, she enjoys exercising, reading, spending time with family, and finds inspiration in the Lord’s Prayer, which reminds her daily to seek God’s guidance, forgiveness, and protection.

Vice President

Wanda Garcia was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States in 1980 to attend Rutgers University–Camden, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science, an M.S.W. in Administration and Policy, an M.S. in Public Affairs, and a Doctorate in Public Affairs/Community Development. She has held multiple leadership roles at Rutgers–Camden and currently serves as Associate Director of the Community Leadership Center and Board Liaison for the LEAP Academy University Charter School. Her professional work spans legislative advocacy, school law, finance, policy development, and curriculum, blending scholarship with practice. In 2024, she completed her dissertation, The Charter School Movement in New Jersey: A Case Study of Dynamic Change in Public Education, which examines the transformative impact of charter schools on urban education.

Treasurer

Suzanne Dorrell earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and her Master’s degree in School Counseling. Since 2003, she has worked as an educator in the Camden City School District, where she is committed to helping students thrive academically and personally. She brings her passion for education, counseling, and community support to her work with the nonprofit.

Secretary

Marta W. Rivera, a third-generation teacher, has taught bilingual education in Camden for 31 years. With degrees and certifications in psychology and bilingual/bicultural education, she has long supported families in need. Joining Champions for Camden Families was a natural extension of her passion for teaching and helping others.