Excellence in Cultural Activism

Carlos M. Pomares, ‘93

Carlos M. Pomares is a veteran history educator, non-profit administrator with countless years of experience and a dedicated public servant.

One of Carlos’s biggest passions in life is promoting and supporting Cuban ancestry.  While being the inaugural Executive Director of the Cuban Artists Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting artists of Cuban ancestry, the organization made significant strides.  Pomares is responsible for the organization’s fund development efforts, educational programming, and cultural/humanitarian trips to Cuba.  Under his tenure, a variety of collaborative projects with the Times Square Alliance, Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Ford Foundation, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund have resulted in exceptional public educational programs.  He works closely with the Board and collaborative partners to raise the visibility of emerging artists and helps to nurture their professional development.

Carlos was just re-elected as Councilman At-Large in Bloomfield, New Jersey for his second term.  During his tenure, he has successfully spearheaded numerous historic restoration projects, public art installations, and environmental preservation efforts on behalf of the public interest and education.

Carlos holds a B.A. in History from Caldwell College and received a certificate in Communications.  He also holds an M.A. in Museum Professions from Seton Hall University.  He is married to Natasha Mancheno Pomares and with whom he has three children: Carlos, Felicita Rosario and Mario.  The family enjoys vintage automobile restoration and participates in a variety of vintage car clubs and events.

Excellence in Quality Technology

Elaine Bauer Zabriskie, ‘73

Elaine Bauer Zabriskie received her Bachelor of Arts from Caldwell College in History and Social Studies in 1973.  She completed her Masters of Arts in Political Science and an MBA in Management both at Montclair State University. In addition, she holds a Lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager designation from the Institute of Supply Management, a Quality Auditor Certification in ISO 9001:2008 from the Registration Accreditation Board, and a Certified Software Quality Engineer certification from the American Society of Quality. She has been recognized by Who’s Who among Executives and Professionals for Excellence in Quality Technology.  

Elaine worked in the field of Quality Technology for Verizon Communications managing the successful completion of customer requirements, effectively defining quality.  She worked in various managerial positions in retailing and telecommunications for AT&T.  She was hired to design and implement a supplier report card program in telecommunications for Verizon, identifying thresholds of performance that would meet customer demands and manage corrective actions for those metrics not meeting the required levels of performance.  The categories were system outages and feature developments for on-going improvement in customer service, the foundation of telecommunications provider’s service framework.  The program was awarded a U.S. Business Process Patent (Supplier Performance and Accountability System–US 8,311, 880 B1) on November 13, 2012 after a ten-year review process.  

Elaine is also a published author of several professional white papers on supplier performance as well as a recognition program for telecommunications suppliers.

Elaine is an American Representative for the Bronte Society for the Northeast Region.  The Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Bronte Classics as well as publishing and promoting new scholarship in the American Academia.  In addition, Elaine is a member of SOS Beagle Rescue, a national organization dedicated to the rescue and placement of beagles into permanent homes. Elaine has made significant contributions to the fundraising, fostering, and adoptions of these beautiful dogs.  She and her husband, John, are the proud parents of two beagles, Zoe and Zelda, and are currently awaiting their third dog.

Excellence in Social Justice Advocacy

Sister M. de Montfort Kinchellagh, OP ‘68

Sister M. de Montfort is a woman of compassion who has used her leadership abilities to advocate for issues of Peace and Justice throughout a long career of service within the Dominican community. In 1979, Sister was elected to the Leadership Council of the Sisters of St. Dominic as a Councilor for Ministry. One of Sister’s major contributions has been the establishment of the Commission on Global Issues on which she served as chairperson for over 15 years. This group provides information and education on issues of justice and “encourages its members to be active advocates in making a difference in the world.” During her tenure in this position she also became a Justice Promoter for the Sisters of St. Dominic. Her leadership has resulted in collaboration with the Northeast Dominican Congregations OPSCC thus widening and strengthening the outreach to the poor and marginalized.

A wide range of issues and causes are addressed by these efforts including Economic Issues related to the poor, Migration/Immigration, Trafficking, Peace and Security, and Climate.

Previous to and simultaneous with these activities, Sister held educational and administrative positions working as teacher, Principal, Supervisor of Schools, Assistant Superintendent of Schools and more.

Sister has received several honors including the 2008 Dominican Sisters Peace Award in recognition of her leadership and service in Justice and Peace as well as the 2003 West Essex Chamber of Commerce Profile in Excellence in recognition of her countless leadership roles.

Sister holds a B.A. in English/Elementary Education from Caldwell College as well as certifications as a New Jersey Teacher of Elementary Education N-8 and New Jersey Principal. She also holds an M.A. in

Supervision \Administration from Seton Hall University. Sister enjoys traveling and her hobbies include reading, knitting, walking and music.