VOTE COLUMN 1 (CARBONELL, MINNECI, FARIA) BY MAIL, EARLY, OR ON NOVEMBER 4.
VOTE FOR OUR TEAM ON COLUMN 1
1-1: DICXIANA CARBONELL
Dicxiana Carbonell brings decades of experience, insight, and dedication to her role on the Township of Union Board of Education. A proud and humble public servant, she is honored to serve the students, staff, families, and community.
A retired educator with 30 years of distinguished service, Dicxiana has held various leadership roles throughout her career. She began as a secondary math teacher and later served as WIA Supervisor, ESL/World Language Supervisor, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, and ultimately Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction. In these roles, she led key efforts to advance instructional design, professional development, and student achievement.
Dicxiana has also been recognized for her leadership beyond the district. She served as President of the Essex County Curriculum and Instruction Roundtable, held a seat on the NJTESOL/NJSBE Executive Board, and received the Althea Gibson Award for Women in Leadership. Her work has included national and state-level contributions such as mentoring for the U.S. Department of Education’s EdSim Challenge, serving as a Kappa Delta Pi grant reviewer, and receiving the NSA Next GenCyber Grant.
In January 2025, she was elected President of the Township of Union Board of Education. In May 2025, she was also elected as the alternate delegate to the Union County School Boards Association, continuing her advocacy at the county and state levels.
Dicxiana holds advanced degrees and certifications in Mathematics, ESL, Supervision, Principalship, and as a Chief School Administrator. She remains deeply committed to equity in education, instructional excellence, and building strong school-community partnerships. Her leadership is rooted in a belief that every student deserves the support, resources, and opportunities to thrive.
1-2: NANCY MINNECI
Nancy Minneci brings over 40 years of passion for education and community service to the Township of Union. A proud Seton Hall University graduate, she holds certifications in Special Education, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education. First elected in 2016, this marks her 9th year on the Board of Education.
Her teaching journey began in Newark Public Schools and spanned nearly four decades at Essex County Vocational High School. In 1993, she was honored as Teacher of the Year and has since received multiple recognitions, including awards from the Rotary Club and the Union County Education Association, which named her a Friend of Education.
Even in retirement, Nancy continues to be a tireless advocate for her community. She serves as treasurer of the Union Public Library. She is an active member of several township boards and committees, including the Mayor's Alliance Against Drug Abuse, Senior Citizen Advisory Board, Recreation Board, and the Memorial Day Parade Committee.
Her lifelong dedication continues to make a lasting impact on Union families, students, and residents.
1-3: GUIDA FARIA
Guida Faria is a passionate STEM leader and first-generation college graduate. She holds degrees in Chemistry and Education from Seton Hall University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Kean University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Teacher Education at Montclair State University.
With 14 years of classroom experience in chemistry and physics, Guida has spent the past 8 years as a Science Supervisor, championing hands-on, high-quality STEM education. As former President of the New Jersey Science Teachers Association and member of the National Science Education Leadership Association, she has worked statewide and nationally to raise science education standards.
She is also a proud mom of three students in the Township of Union Public Schools, currently in third, seventh, and ninth grade. Her commitment to education and community continues to inspire the next generation of learners and leaders.
