No Resident Left Behind: the High Stakes of Plainfield’s Evolution

Julienne Cherry, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Union County, and Plainfield Municipal Councilwoman, has dedicated her career to helping others, and she is showing no signs of slowing down.  New Jersey Urban News recently sat down with Julienne to learn more about her vision for the City of Plainfield and how she will continue impacting the communities she serves as a nonprofit leader.

1. Your work with United Way of Greater Union County focuses heavily on strengthening families and expanding access to essential services. What motivates you to continue this work, and how has your role shaped your understanding of community needs in Union County?  

What keeps me grounded in this work is the real, everyday impact it has on families. At the United Way of Greater Union County, we’re not just talking about issues, we’re helping people access food, stable housing, childcare, financial education, and critical healthcare. That direct connection to people’s lives is incredibly motivating. Over time, my role has deepened my understanding that community needs are interconnected. You can’t address education without thinking about housing stability, or workforce development without access to childcare or health services. It’s taught me that meaningful change requires a holistic, compassionate, and coordinated approach.

2. As President of the Plainfield Municipal Council, you’ve had a front‑row seat to the city’s growth and challenges. What accomplishments are you most proud of, and how do you see Plainfield evolving in the next few years?

Serving as President of the Plainfield Municipal Council has been both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. I’m especially proud of our efforts to promote equitable development, ensuring that as Plainfield grows, longtime residents aren’t left behind. We’ve worked to strengthen infrastructure, support small businesses, and prioritize public safety while maintaining a strong sense of community. Looking ahead, I see Plainfield continuing to evolve as a vibrant, inclusive city, one that embraces smart growth, invests in its neighborhoods, and creates opportunities for residents at every level.

3. Collaboration is a major part of both your nonprofit and public‑service leadership. Can you share an example of a partnership—either citywide or countywide—that has made a meaningful difference for residents?

One partnership that stands out is the collaboration between local government, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, and volunteers to address food insecurity, especially during the height of the pandemic, while also providing access to critical healthcare services. What made this effort meaningful wasn’t just the scale, but the level of coordination behind it. Schools helped identify families in need, nonprofits organized and staffed distribution sites, municipal teams handled logistics and outreach, and faith-based institutions provided trusted, accessible locations. At the same time, healthcare partners were present at many of these sites, offering COVID testing and vaccinations, basic health screenings, and connections to ongoing care.

4. Many young professionals and emerging leaders look up to you as a model of civic engagement. What advice would you give to someone who wants to make a positive impact in their community but isn’t sure where to begin?

My advice to emerging leaders is to start where you are and stay consistent. You don’t need a title to make an impact, just a willingness to serve and to listen. Get involved with a local organization, attend community meetings, and volunteer your time. Pay attention to the issues that matter most to the people around you, and don’t be discouraged if change feels slow, real progress takes time. Most importantly, lead with authenticity. People respond to those who are genuine, committed, and focused on lifting others.

As a wife, mother, and dedicated community leader, Julienne Cherry continues to inspire through her mentorship and unwavering commitment to creating positive change. To learn more about United Way of Greater Union County, please visit www.uwguc.org.