Maria Mercado is AERDF’s People Experience Manager. She is a New Jersey native who has spent ten years as a Human Resources leader in the non-profit sector. Most recently, Maria was the Senior Human Resources Manager at Mindlance. Previously, she was the Human Resources Director at Alpine Country Club and a Human Resources Business Partner at Valley National Bank. Maria spent eight+ years at Everas Community Services as the Director of Human Resources, using her talent management expertise to build the Human Resources team and help the organization triple in size. Maria earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Princeton University, where she was a coxswain for the Men’s Rowing Team. Maria also holds certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Maria volunteers as an Alumni Interviewer supporting the Princeton University Admissions Office in the selection process of prospective students. In her spare time, Maria enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, going to the beach, reading, cooking, and going on road trips. She resides in Morristown, New Jersey.