Dr. Conway

Dr. Joseph Conway is currently the co-founder of Camden’s Promise Charter School, Camden Academy Charter High School, and Camden’s Pride Charter School. Dr. Conway received his doctorate from Teacher’s College, Columbia University in 2004. Additionally, he has an M.A in Secondary Science Education from City College in New York, as well as a dual degree in Biology and in Theology from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Dr. Conway was introduced to the urban environment through Teach for America when he spent five years teaching in the South Bronx from 1992-1997. Since that time, he has dedicated his life to the education of urban youth in America.

Additionally, Dr. Conway teaches at Holy Family University, as a graduate professor, mentors other charter school principals and administrators, and serves on non-profit boards.

Ms. Nancy Cruz

Born and raised in Camden City, Nancy Cruz is a Camden Academy Charter High School alumni. After graduating from Camden Academy Nancy went on to graduate from Camden County College with an Associates in Liberal Arts, Rowan University with a Bachelors of Arts in Law and Justice, and Rutgers University-Camden with a Master’s in Public Administration. Professionally, Nancy has worked within the sectors of nonprofit, education, and government. Currently Nancy is working as a Public Affairs Specialist for the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Although Nancy has had much success professionally, her most cherished role is being a mother to her son who is a student at  Camden’s Pride.

Ms. Richelle Baughn

Richelle is the School Business Administrator for Camden’s Promise Charter School. Born in Millville, NJ and raised in Sicklerville, NJ. Richelle graduated from Eastern University where she earned her MBA in Business Administration. She began her career as a Bookkeeper for The Mental Health Association in 1990. During her business administration journey, Richelle worked for the Chubb institute where she even dabbled in teaching. Richelle also taught at Academy Computer Careers; Accounting, Business Ethics and Communications for two years. In 1997, Richelle became an Authorized IRS e-file Providers.

Richelle is also an avid member of the Mental Health Association since 2013 and has volunteered for the blind and visually impaired. When she is not working around a calculator or computer, or advocating for the Mental Health or volunteering her services, Richelle enjoys spending her down time, gardening, biking, swimming, cooking and loves a great game of pinochle! 

Ms. Crystal Caban

Mrs. Zulma Gonzalez-Lombardo

A native to Camden, Zulma Gonzalez-Lombardo graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2005 with a master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). With a career spanning over 28 years, her work in social service and organizational development began in 1987 at Volunteers of America – Delaware Valley, Inc (VOADV). During her tenure at VOADV, one of the largest nonprofit human services organizations in the tri-state area, Zulma held a number of positions, including executive coordinator to the President/ CEO. In 2005, she left VOADV to complete her master’s degree, and later launched a high-impact advisory service firm, Zed Management Consultancy, LLC in 2007. During this time she has worked with organizations in nonprofit, for profit, education, and health care sectors, facilitating improvement of administrators, operations executives and teams. Married to Daniel L Lombardo, Zulma has two daughters, Zulina Gonzalez and Yesenia Rivera, and two grandchildren.

Mrs. Maria Maldonado

Mrs. Maldonado was born in the Bronx, NY, but moved to Camden as a small child. She is happily married woman, who has raised three young men. Her two oldest boys are currently in college. Her youngest child is in middle school at Camden’s Promise. Ms. Maldonado is a parent that strongly encourages education in the lives of her boys. Ms. Maldonado served as an executive assistant for sixteen years and is now the office manager at Paris Food Corporation.

Mr. Octavio Loyola

Mr. Loyola was born in New York and raised in Puerto Rico. He studied at Catholic University in Puerto Rico and obtained his B.A. in Physical Education. He is married and has two daughters. Once daughter attends Camden’s Promise and one attends Camden’s Pride. Currently, Mr. Loyola is a Director of a Early Childhood Learning Center.

Mrs. Glenda Figueroa

Mrs. Figueroa is a Camden City resident, born and raised. She is happily married with three beautiful children who attend Camden’s Promise Charter Middle School and Camden’s Pride Charter Elementary School. As a parent she encourages education and supports her children to do their best. She is a graduate from Camden Rutgers University with a Bachelorette degree in Psychology, is employed as a Social Service Worker and is a member of Lion of Judah AG Church. Mrs. Figueroa passions are helping others, spending time with her family, reading and exercising.

Mrs. Dayna Hinson