Board Member Bio - Bridget Arrick
Bridget Arrick
Bridget Arrick is a trailblazing leader with over 35 years of community service and a distinguished career dedicated to education, empowerment, and advocacy. As the District-Wide Community Outreach and Special Projects Coordinator for Paterson Public Schools, Bridget has established herself as an award-winning leader with a proven ability to build relationships, implement impactful initiatives, and inspire change within her community.
In 2019, Bridget made history as the first African American woman elected official to hold the trustee/commissioner seat at Manchester Regional High School, representing Prospect Park, NJ. Over her three consecutive terms, she has tirelessly worked to enhance the school’s success by advocating for initiatives like the Community Engagement Committee and the addition of a Parent Coordinator. These initiatives have fostered better relationships between the school, families, and the broader community, promoting greater parental involvement and meaningful community engagement in the education system.
In 2024, Bridget was honored as the Grand Marshal of Prospect Park, NJ, a recognition of her decades of dedicated service and leadership in the community. This accolade celebrated her unparalleled contributions and the impact she has made on countless lives throughout the borough and beyond.
Awards and Recognitions
Bridget’s over 35 years of tireless community service have earned her numerous prestigious accolades, celebrating her impact and commitment to creating positive change:
- R.E.A.L. Woman Award from St. Luke Baptist Church, Paterson, NJ, recognizing her remarkable influence and contributions to the community.
- Quincy Battis Community Service Award from the ThinkNext Foundation, honoring her leadership and advocacy efforts.
- Community Service Award from the Paterson Cares Foundation, highlighting her dedication to community upliftment.
- Community Service Award from the NAACP Paterson Chapter, for her leadership in the Nazerah Hoop Dreams Foundation, which supports youth affected by gun violence.
- Community Service Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Lambda Upsilon Chapter), acknowledging her impact on families and children in the Paterson area.
- Pillar of the Community Award from The AHP Reunion Committee, honoring her unwavering dedication to community service and excellence.
Community Advocacy and Leadership
Bridget’s three decades of service are marked by her passion for uplifting underserved communities. From organizing neighborhood clean-ups and food drives to hosting empowerment events for couples, children, and seniors, she has left an indelible mark on countless lives. She is a dedicated advocate for education, having marched for increased public school funding and worked tirelessly to support youth empowerment through mentorship programs, teen summits, parent and women conferences and violence prevention initiatives. She currently sits on 4 boards in the community.
Bridget’s three decades of service are marked by her passion for uplifting underserved communities. From organizing neighborhood clean-ups and food drives to hosting empowerment events for couples, children, and seniors, she has left an indelible mark on countless lives. She is a dedicated advocate for education, having marched for increased public school funding and worked tirelessly to support youth empowerment through mentorship programs, teen summits, parent and women conferences and violence prevention initiatives. She currently sits on 4 boards in the community.
Her nonprofit, PIFFY AWARD Organization, which she started in 2017 has awarded over 100 scholarships to students across the United States, furthering her mission of educational access and opportunity. PIFFY Award Organization has also provided Christmas toys, gifts, and food to over 40 single-parent households in New Jersey during the holidays, helping families experiencing hardship find joy and relief during the holiday season. Additionally, PIFFY has offered mentorship and free workshops to young people aged 14 to 25, empowering them with valuable skills, guidance, and support to navigate their personal and professional journeys. Bridget has developed businesses like Arrick Property Management, My Hat Therapy, and Juices Obsession to foster healthy living, self-expression, and quality housing in her community.
Faith, Family, and Legacy
Bridget is deeply rooted in her faith and family. Married to Stacy Arrick Sr. for 23 years, they share four children—Kentrell, Kiara, Keon (Nicole), and Stacy Jr.—and three grandchildren, Aria, Ava, and Cameron. Her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother are her most cherished accomplishments, and she draws inspiration from her parents, Jeanette Bugg and Jay “Hassan” McCombs, who instilled in her a lifelong commitment to giving back.
Through her over 30 years of service, Bridget continues to empower others with her belief in the transformative power of love, faith, and education. Her leadership and legacy ensure that children, families, and communities have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive for generations to come. She looks forward to adding to her bio published author as she prepares to publish her first book in 2025.