Maryann Tharappel

Maryann Tharappel is the Attorney-in-Charge for Immigrant & Refugee Services, Catholic Charities Community Services (CCCS), Archdiocese of New York, where she oversees the legal services delivery of over 115 attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff; and provides programmatic and contractual management for numerous key programs, including: CCCS’ state-wide Pro Bono Project, the Immigration Court Helpdesk and Family Group Legal Orientation Program, ActionNYC in Schools, CCCS’ Unaccompanied Minors Program, and Day Laborers programming. She is a passionate leader with exemplary communication skills and a strong history of successful management experience providing strategic, program, operations, and fiscal leadership in uniquely challenging situations. Maryann is an inspiring and motivational legal director with dynamic interpersonal skills, capable of resolving multiple and complex (fundraising, partner engagement, community services, legal representation, human resources, operational, financial) issues. She possesses the abilities to develop and execute the vision of any organizations she manages, and she thrives in high-paced workspaces. Born in India, beginning her first migration at two months old, she and her family then fled civil war in Central Africa to seek refuge in the United States. Her story proves that education is a foundational priority for success and that no challenge is insurmountable with willpower and community support. An immigrant and a woman of color, she brings over a decade of direct services experience and a lifetime of advocacy for vulnerable communities seeking equity and justice.