About Us

We help single moms in NJ & NY support their kids.

S.M.A.R.T. Foundation is a 501(c)(3) run by women who've lived this — not just written about it.

Mission

S.M.A.R.T. Foundation helps single moms in New Jersey and New York get what their kids need to thrive — food, clothes, school supplies, and a real shot at getting ahead.

Vision

Every single mom in New Jersey and New York has a community behind her — so she can raise her kids without doing it alone.

Nicole Guzzardi

Founder & President

Nicole Guzzardi is the Founder and President of The S.M.A.R.T. Foundation. As an entrepreneur, business leader, and community builder, Nicole brings decades of experience in business development, leadership, real estate, marketing, and building organizations that bring people together. She is also the founder of GNO — Girls Networking Organization, a growing community of women in business and entrepreneurship built around genuine connection, collaboration, and women supporting women.

As a mother of three and a proud grandmother, family is at the center of Nicole’s life and a driving force behind her commitment to helping other women and families thrive. Her experiences as a single mother, entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader have shaped her belief that access to the right resources, relationships, and support can change the trajectory of a woman’s life — and, in turn, the lives of her children.

In her role as President, Nicole leads S.M.A.R.T. ’s vision, strategic growth, programs, community partnerships, fundraising initiatives, and Executive Board. She is especially passionate about creating programs that address immediate needs while also building opportunities for long-term stability and growth. Through S.M.A.R.T. , Nicole is committed to ensuring single mothers feel seen, supported, connected, and empowered to build stronger futures for themselves and their children.

Nadia Mascola

Co-Founder

Nadia Mascola serves as Co-Founder of The S.M.A.R.T. Foundation, helping shape the organization’s mission, programs, and long-term vision for supporting single mothers and their children. She is passionate about creating opportunities that help hardworking single moms move beyond immediate challenges and toward greater stability, independence, and long-term success.

Nadia’s own experience as a working mother inspired the BuildHer Grant. She understood what it meant to work hard and provide for her family yet still feel how difficult it could be to truly get ahead. Through BuildHER, her goal is to give a deserving single mother the opportunity to do more, be more, and create a stronger future for herself and her children.

In her role with The S.M.A.R.T. Foundation, Nadia helps guide strategy, program development, and community engagement while ensuring that the real needs of single mothers remain at the center of the organization’s work. She is committed to creating meaningful support that helps single moms not only get through difficult moments but move forward with greater opportunity and confidence.

Maria Inciardi, MS, CPA.

Development Chair

serves as Development Chair on the Executive Board of The S.M.A.R.T. Foundation. As Chief Financial Officer of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, she brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit finance, governance, and leadership experience to the organization. Throughout her career, Maria has been passionate about building strong organizations, developing sustainable resources, and creating opportunities that help families thrive.

As a single mother of two daughters and a longtime Monmouth County resident, Maria understands firsthand both the challenges and the resilience that define so many single-parent households.

Her personal experiences have strengthened her commitment to helping mothers build stability, create opportunity, and pursue brighter futures for themselves and their children.

In her role with The S.M.A.R.T. Foundation, Maria helps guide the organization's development and fundraising strategy, working to expand community support, strengthen philanthropic partnerships, and grow sustainable revenue sources. She is passionate about connecting people to purpose, generosity to opportunity, and resources to the families who need them most.

Dana Carney

Secretary

I am proud to serve as Secretary for the SMART Foundation. My journey has always been driven by family and growth; having been a single mother at a young age, I know firsthand the power of resilience and support. Today, I channel that passion into my work with the SMART Foundation. Professionally, I balance dual roles that keep me grounded and sharp—fostering a love for the outdoors as a nature preschool teacher and managing financial details as a part-time law office billing specialist. My proudest achievement is my family, which has grown to include my four children and two grandchildren. When I am not working or serving the community, you can usually find me spending time with my family and my three beloved dogs.