Lisa Bruno joined Mercer Street Friends in May 2021, after a successful 17-year IT Project Management career with NJM Insurance Group. With a strong background in Information Technology, project management, and budgeting, Lisa now happily uses her skillset on community-driven work that results in social change.
She initially developed a passion for helping others through becoming a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters – Mercer County chapter. The opportunity to become a Big Sister to an adolescent was rewarding, and the relationship was reciprocal, as Lisa’s “Little” taught her valuable life lessons about resiliency, adaptability, and gratitude.
In her role as Director of IT & Project Management, Lisa oversees all of Mercer Street Friends’ technology, as well as several food-based initiatives. Her goal is to align the nonprofit’s objectives with efficient and scalable technology solutions. She is particularly enthusiastic about combating food insecurity and providing equitable educational opportunities for marginalized communities. To do this, Lisa partners with several New Jersey food banks and other agencies to combat food insecurity, develop healthy pantries best practices, institute SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and manage grants.
Lisa holds a Master of Science degree in Organizational Development & Management from Fielding University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The College of New Jersey.
Lisa is a Member of the Disruptive Innovation Board for Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business, where she advises on the latest technology and how to improve the Disruptive Innovation online course curriculum. She also holds a certificate from Drexel University in Non-Profit Management
In memory of Lisa’s mother, who was born and raised in Trenton, she continues the family tradition of serving the community through service-driven initiatives, strong values, and the equitable treatment of others. She is proud to be part of a mission-driven organization such as Mercer Street Friends.
