For Michele Francesconi, Gloucester Catholic was never just a school. It was a community that shaped her values, sparked her passion for service, and instilled a spirit she still carries forward today. A proud member of the Class of 1980, Michele quite literally embodied Ram pride when she was selected to serve as the school’s mascot during her senior year, an honor she still holds close.
“I was the Ram in my senior year,” Michele shared. “It’s the spirit of the school and the spirit of the community. It’s how we keep that spirit alive beyond our time within Gloucester Catholic’s four walls.”
A Ram Through and Through
During her years at Gloucester Catholic, Michele was actively involved in student life. She served on Student Council, contributed to the school newsletter, and fondly recalls being a “gleeful bench rider” for the girls’ basketball team as a freshman. Some of her favorite memories include the infamous GCHS Friday night dances, sorority “meetings”, strong school spirit, and sharing her senior year with friends.
Michele credits several teachers and coaches with leaving a lasting impact, including her religion teachers, who helped her connect faith to daily life; One of her favorites was Mr. Paolina in geometry; and she has fond memories of so many of the other teachers including Sister Lisa; Tom Iacovone, Dave Coghlan, and John Coleman. Their influence helped reinforce lessons that would guide her long after graduation.
A Career Rooted in Service
After graduating from Gloucester Catholic, Michele pursued higher education at Glassboro State College, now known as Rowan University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree, and Gloucester County College, now RCSJ, where she earned an associate’s degree in computer science. Her early career included work at a major Philadelphia law firm, banking, followed by several roles in technology during the dot.com era, including a major role at a local tech startup.
“I was never afraid of technology, and I was also never afraid to start over,” Michele said. “My career path grew with my passion to learn more, I was always willing to move on and try something new.”
That openness eventually led her to the nonprofit sector, where she found deeper fulfillment than she ever experienced in the corporate world. Today, Michele serves as Vice President of Capacity Building, Training, and Strategic Initiatives with the Volunteer Center of South Jersey, a program of Jersey Cares (Livingston).
Her work centers on strengthening the nonprofit sector through effective volunteer engagement, connecting individuals with meaningful service opportunities while helping organizations build the systems, strategies, and capacity needed to succeed. She also partners with community groups on targeted collection drives, including diapers and coats, and collaborates closely with nonprofits to respond to the evolving needs of communities across South Jersey. Before her nonprofit work, Michele held leadership positions in tech, banking, and higher education, including her roles at Rowan University, South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University, and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.
Rising to the Moment
Michele also works with NJ State agencies that address disaster preparedness and response, and volunteerism initiatives. One of Michele’s proudest professional accomplishments came during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Michele worked with the NJ Department of Human Services to develop and implement a Senior Shoppers Program, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to shop and deliver groceries to thousands of Seniors during and post-pandemic.
The program ran for two years and provided critical support during a time of isolation and uncertainty. Additionally, the Team at Jersey Cares designed a program that partnered corporate sponsors with local restaurants, enabling meals to be prepared and distributed to people in need while supporting small businesses.
“These moments confirmed for me that this is the work I am meant to do,” she said.
Living the Mission
Michele believes her time at Gloucester Catholic laid the foundation for a life of service.
“We were taught to live a purposeful life,” she shared. “Serving others was part of our everyday. It’s not about doing things for accolades (i.e. money). It’s about doing what feels right.”
An advocate for her community, Michele has served on multiple municipal and nonprofit boards, dedicating 40+ years to the communities where she has lived and worked. A champion for volunteerism, she has not only donated countless hours of personal time but also inspired others to get involved and give back. And her Faith continues to guide her daily life and decision-making.
Outside of work, Michele enjoys relaxing at home, planning events, spending time with her family and her sister Maria, a fellow Gloucester Catholic graduate and Ram from the Class of 1982, traveling to the beach, and staying active in her 55-plus community. She recently returned from a trip to Portugal with her daughter, Nicolette, and is always planning her next adventure.
A Legacy That Continues
Family remains a central source of pride for Michele. She credits her strong support system and shares a particularly meaningful proud parent moment. When her daughter was young, Michele often brought her along to volunteer activities. Since then, her daughter has gone on to major in Civic Engagement and Social Change in college, and she is now traveling the world, continuing the family’s commitment to service.
Michele still feels closely connected to her Gloucester Catholic roots. She remains close with high school friends Annamarie, and one of her best friends from high school, Regina. Michele recently attended her class’s 45th reunion, with Regina, Eleanor and Andy, and continues to reconnect with classmates who remain an important part of her life.
Words of Wisdom for Today’s Rams
For current students and families considering Gloucester Catholic, Michele offers heartfelt advice.
“Don’t be afraid to get involved. Be innovative and offer new ideas,” she said. “GCHS is a student-centered school. The staff will always listen and support your goals. And don’t forget the amazing Ram alumni network, it is strong, do not be afraid to use it.”
As for what lies ahead, Michele has no plans to slow down.
“I do not see myself retiring anytime soon,” she said. “I want to keep growing, serving, and mentoring young people. I am always open to new possibilities.”
True to her days as the Ram, Michele Francesconi continues to carry the spirit of Gloucester Catholic forward, proving that once a Ram, always a Ram.
