Empowering Every Voice: How Rutgers School of Social Work Alumna Céline Fortin Is Shaping the Future of Disability Advocacy

When Céline Fortin, SSW’91 arrived at The Arc of New Jersey as a Rutgers School of Social Work intern in 1990, she couldn’t have imagined the experience would define the course of her professional life. Today, more than three decades later, Fortin serves as executive director of the organization—the state’s leading advocacy and service provider for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Her journey serves as a powerful example of how a foundation in social work education and mentorship from experienced leaders can ignite enduring impact in the field. 

Fortin’s early career began after she earned a BA in art therapy and psychology. She worked in direct care settings, including a partial care program for individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities, and she also served as a live-in in a residential program. “Those early experiences were rewarding but also showed me that I wanted to help improve the systems that support people with disabilities,” she recalls. “I wanted to make change on a broader level.” That realization led her to social work. “Growing up, I always knew I wanted a career that made a difference,” she says. “Social work offered the foundation I needed to create lasting change in people’s lives.”

Choosing Rutgers’ Master of Social Work (MSW) Program was an easy decision. “Several of my mentors and peers were Rutgers School of Social Work graduates and spoke so highly of the program,” Fortin says. “What really sold me was the dedicated tracks in developmental disabilities and in administration, policy, and practice. It was the perfect fit for the kind of advocacy work I wanted to do.”

Her MSW practicum placement at The Arc of New Jersey turned out to be transformative. After what she describes as an excellent experience, she was offered a full-time position upon graduation in 1991, and she never left.

Over the next three decades, Fortin rose through the ranks of the organization, serving in several leadership roles, including associate executive director for 26 years. When The Arc’s longtime executive director retired earlier this year, Fortin was chosen to lead the organization into its next chapter. “I’ve really grown up professionally at The Arc,” she reflects. “It’s where I found my voice as an advocate and where I’ve been able to make a difference for people with disabilities and their families.”

As executive director, Fortin now oversees a statewide network of local chapters that provide advocacy, information, and direct services across every county in New Jersey. Her role involves collaborating with legislators, state administrators, community partners, and corporations, as well as directly engaging with individuals with IDD and their families.

“Our goal is to make sure people with disabilities have access to the supports they need and that their voices are heard and respected,” she explains. “We also want to ensure that decision-makers understand who people with disabilities are and what they need to live meaningful lives in their communities.”

Leading a statewide organization can be demanding, but Fortin has learned to find balance. “It can be hard to ‘turn it off’ when you work in a caring field,” she admits. “One of my mentors told me, ‘You can’t help others if you don’t take care of yourself,’ and I’ve really taken that to heart.” She makes intentional time for family and friends and even turns to baking, particularly croissants, as her form of stress relief.

Fortin’s journey also shaped how she views mentorship and the future of the profession. “I went from being an intern at The Arc to leading the organization, and that happened because my supervisors believed in me and invested in my growth,” she says. “Now, I make it a priority to bring in MSW students every year. Right now, we have two Rutgers students who are doing amazing work and learning what it means to run a program and an agency.”

She believes that investing in emerging social workers is key to strengthening the profession. “These students are not just serving clients; they’re becoming strong, effective advocates who will drive systems change in the future,” she says proudly.

Reflecting on her career and the foundation that made it possible, Fortin says Rutgers School of Social Work continues to hold a special place in her story. “Social work gives us the tools to improve lives and strengthen communities,” she says. “Rutgers gave me the foundation and the confidence to do that. I’m proud to carry those values forward and help others find their voice along the way.”