SPOTLIGHT: Patricia Barbarito on Leadership, Community & the Power of Eva’s Village

Patricia Barbarito – co-Managing Partner of Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno, PC, seasoned family lawyer, and host of the Heartbreak & Hope with Pat Barbarito podcast – regularly balances her professional expertise with a deep commitment to the communities she serves.

In addition to her legal career, Patricia is an active member of Eva’s Village, serving on the Board of Trustees and as the co-Chair of the organization’s signature fundraising event since 2019. With a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for giving back, she exemplifies the transformative power of community, empathy and support.

Patricia’s work with Eva’s Village showcases her belief that everyone has the potential to overcome life’s obstacles, especially when offered the guidance and care of a supportive community.

In this Q&A, we delve into Patricia’s perspectives on the role of community in shaping both personal and professional growth, and how her deep connection to Eva’s Village continues to influence her approach to leadership and service.

As told by Patricia Barbarito to Stephanie Maher.

Q: You’ve mentioned that community is a “tool for survival”; can you elaborate on what that means to you?

A: Community is everything. Whether it’s family, close friends, or colleagues who share similar values and a commitment to making a difference, community has helped me through life’s challenges. Growing up in Paterson, New Jersey, I was faced with many obstacles, but I was surrounded by family, mentors, and others who genuinely cared and who helped me regain my footing when times were tough.

I’ve always believed that having people to lean on, to offer guidance and support, is what allows us to overcome adversity. It’s not always about achieving success on our own; it’s about recognizing when we need help and allowing ourselves to receive that help. To me, community is not just a group of people in the same space; it’s a lifeline. It’s a reminder that no one is truly alone. That’s why I say community has been a “tool for survival” in my life.

Q: In your work, both professionally as a lawyer and personally in your charitable efforts, how has this sense of community shaped your approach?

A: Being a lawyer often means working through complex issues that require collaboration, understanding, and empathy. The law can be daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with it, but a lawyer’s role should always be to offer clarity, guidance, and, when necessary, a hand to hold. Just as I’ve experienced community’s power to uplift me, I try to bring that same sense of support and empowerment to my clients.

In my role with Eva’s Village, this theme of community becomes even more critical. We are working with people who are often at their lowest, struggling with addiction, homelessness, or other life-altering challenges. To be able to offer them a hand to hold is transformative – for both recipient and the giver. In both my professional and personal endeavors, I try to create environments where people feel supported, heard, and uplifted, and I think that’s the essence of community.

Q: Eva’s Village plays a central role in your charitable efforts. You’ve been involved with the organization for years, and you have served as the Gala Chair since 2019. What drew you to Eva’s Village, and how does its mission align with your own values?

A: Eva’s Village is a special place. I was first drawn to the organization because of its profound commitment to offering not just food and shelter, but comprehensive services to people in need. Eva’s Village provides those who are facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges with the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives. They understand that it’s not just about immediate relief; it’s about long-term recovery and empowerment.

This philosophy deeply resonates with my own values. I believe in the power of second chances and that everyone deserves an opportunity to rebuild their lives, no matter their past. Eva’s Village doesn’t just offer a hand to hold during someone’s darkest days – they stand beside their clients until they are stable enough to walk on their own. This holistic, compassionate approach to care is something that I truly admire, and it’s why I’m so proud to be a part of it.

Q: You’ve spoken about the importance of unity for a common cause. Why do you think it’s important for people to come together, especially in times of uncertainty, as we see in the world today?

A: In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to retreat and isolate ourselves. The world feels unpredictable, and the weight of current events can be overwhelming. But now, more than ever, we need each other. Coming together around a shared mission creates strength in numbers. It turns the focus from individual fear or struggle to collective action and support.

When we unite, especially for causes like those supported by Eva’s Village, we amplify our impact. We are stronger when we work together, when we share our resources, time, and compassion. That’s why I think it’s so important to show up – to be there for others, especially when things seem uncertain. It’s that solidarity that creates lasting change.

In times of hardship, people need more than just material support; they need a sense of belonging, of purpose. That’s what we’re doing at Eva’s Village – we’re offering not only the resources needed to rebuild lives but also a place where individuals can feel connected to something larger than themselves. This is true unity in action.

Q: You’ve been in leadership positions throughout your career, both in law and in your work with nonprofits like Eva’s Village. What do you believe it takes to be an effective leader, and how do you incorporate your sense of community into your leadership style?

A: Leadership, to me, is about service. It’s about putting the needs of others before your own and leading with empathy, humility, and vision. In both my professional career and in my work with Eva’s Village, I’ve always believed that leadership means being willing to listen first and act second. It’s important to understand the people you’re working with, the challenges they face, and the best ways you can support them.

I also believe that a good leader builds a sense of community among those they lead. Leadership isn’t about being at the top; it’s about fostering collaboration and a shared sense of purpose.

In my experience, when people feel heard, valued, and supported, they are far more motivated to contribute their best efforts. A leader who builds community also builds trust – and that’s key to creating a successful team or organization.

In my work with Eva’s Village, I try to bring these same principles of leadership – serving others, listening with empathy, and creating a culture of collaboration. Whether it’s working with staff, volunteers, or those we serve, the community we build together is what makes the work meaningful.

Q: You’ve expressed gratitude for your own support system – family, friends, colleagues – who have been part of your community throughout your life. How does this personal connection influence your approach to serving others, especially in your role at Eva’s Village?

A: My community, particularly my family, partners, and dear friends, has been a constant source of strength and guidance for me. I’ve learned so much from the love and support I’ve received over the years, and I try to pay that forward by being there for others. Whether it’s in my professional life or in my volunteer work, I always think about the people who have helped me along the way.

I believe that personal connections have a ripple effect. When you have people in your life who care for you, you feel inspired to care for others. I often think about Monsignor Puma’s words, that when you take someone’s hand, you can’t let go until they can stand on their own two feet.

That’s the kind of support I’ve received throughout my life, and that’s the kind of support we aim to give at Eva’s Village. It’s about offering the hand, but also walking beside someone until they’re strong enough to walk on their own.

Q: Looking forward, what do you think is in store for Eva’s Village, and how do you hope to continue to make an impact in your community?

A: I think everyone at Eva’s Village shares a future where we can provide even more comprehensive services to the people we serve – expanding programs, offering more opportunities for recovery and growth, and ensuring that we can be there for those who need us most.

But beyond that, I hope we can inspire others to join us in our mission. The more people we can bring into the fold, the more hands we’ll have to hold, and the more lives we’ll be able to change. My hope is that our work continues to foster a culture of kindness, compassion, and support – one where everyone has a chance to thrive.

For me, that’s the true measure of success. It’s about continuing to build a community where hope is alive and where everyone, regardless of their past, has the opportunity to create a new future.