Rose Wong

Why PCH? Why were you interested in joining the PCH Board and working for affordable housing in Princeton?

Princeton Community Housing’s mission resonates deeply with both my professional work and my personal commitment to equity in our community. Affordable housing is foundational to opportunity. Without stable, safe housing, families face barriers to education, employment, health, and long-term economic security. In a community like Princeton, where rising housing costs increasingly threaten socioeconomic diversity, the work of Princeton Community Housing is not only essential but urgent.

My interest in joining the Board is rooted in a long-standing commitment to serving families and individuals who are too often priced out of the very communities they help sustain. Through my leadership at YWCA Princeton, I see every day how housing stability intersects with early childhood education, workforce development, health equity, and family well-being. Many of the families we serve rely on affordable housing to remain rooted in Princeton, and strong partnerships with organizations like Princeton Community Housing are critical to creating systems of support that truly work.

I am particularly drawn to Princeton Community Housing’s thoughtful, community-centered approach balancing responsible development with long-term affordability, resident dignity, and neighborhood integration. Serving on the Board feels like a natural extension of my commitment to collaborative leadership, strategic governance, and ensuring that Princeton remains a place where people of all backgrounds can live, thrive, and belong.

Ultimately, I am motivated by the belief that affordable housing is not just a housing issue - it is a justice issue. I am honored to contribute my experience, perspective, and passion to advancing Princeton Community Housing’s mission and strengthening our community for generations to come.

What is your professional background?

I am a nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience in mission-driven organizations focused on equity, education, and community well-being. I currently serve as Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Princeton, where I lead a multi-program organization dedicated to empowering women, eliminating racism, and advancing opportunity for children, families, and individuals across our community.

My professional background includes executive leadership in early childhood education, workforce development, health equity, and advocacy, as well as deep experience in organizational strategy, fundraising, capital planning, governance, and community partnerships. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with boards, municipal partners, school districts, and fellow nonprofit leaders to strengthen systems that support families and promote long-term stability.

Across all roles, my work has centered on building inclusive, sustainable organizations and advancing policies and programs that ensure individuals and families, particularly those with low and moderate incomes, can thrive in the communities they call home.

How long have you been in the Princeton area?

After moving to Princeton in 2010 from New York, my family and I have built deep roots in the Princeton and Pennington communities.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Outside of my professional work, I love traveling the world with my family in search of uncharted places and unique, immersive experiences that offer the best kind of education - learning through culture, history, and connection. Visiting my daughter while she is in college in California, sharing Broadway and theater experiences around the world with her, baking at home, and cycling through New York City, my first American home, are some of the ways I recharge and stay inspired.