We caught up with BFL’s new Director of Finance, Arelis Rojas (photo above). 

“For me, finance isn’t just about budgets and spreadsheets. It’s about building a strong foundation that supports people’s dignity, healing, and hope. That connection between the numbers and the mission is what keeps me going.” – Arelis

What drew you to apply to Barrier Free Living?
I was drawn to Barrier Free Living because of its mission to support survivors of domestic violence with disabilities—an area that’s deeply underserved and incredibly important. During my job search, I focused on organizations in healthcare, education, and research, as well as mission-driven organizations. I’ve spent much of my career at Columbia University Medical Center in Senior Finance Director roles that support the medical school and the hospital. I’ve always believed that strong financial leadership can be a powerful tool.

What resonated with me about Barrier Free Living is the organization’s holistic approach—combining housing, counseling, and advocacy—which requires careful financial stewardship to ensure sustainability and impact. As a Finance Director, I see an opportunity to not only apply my expertise in budgeting, compliance, and strategic planning, but to contribute to a team that’s directly improving lives. That sense of purpose, paired with the professional challenge of supporting a complex service model, is what made this position stand out to me.

What about BFL’s mission most inspires you?
What moves me most about BFL’s mission is its focus on breaking the cycle of abuse while putting the needs of people with disabilities front and center. This community often faces so many barriers—seen and unseen—and BFL doesn’t look away. Instead, it meets people where they are, with compassion, respect, and real support.

As a Finance Director, I’m especially inspired by how much thought and care go into delivering such complex, life-changing services. It’s not just about providing safety in a moment of crisis; it’s about helping people rebuild, find stable housing, and feel empowered again. Behind the scenes, that kind of impact takes careful financial planning and a deep sense of responsibility.

I see my role as making sure every dollar is spent with purpose—so that the incredible staff on the front lines have what they need to keep doing their work. For me, finance isn’t just about budgets and spreadsheets. It’s about building a strong foundation that supports people’s dignity, healing, and hope. That connection between the numbers and the mission is what keeps me going.

Can you share a favorite hobby or pastime?
I don’t have hobbies, but I enjoy traveling and going out with friends and family.

My parents came to the United States in the 1960s, chasing the hope of a better life. I was born and raised in New York City as the oldest of four kids, and from a young age, I felt the mix of responsibility and pride that comes with being the firstborn. My dad was a quiet but steady presence—he believed in education and hard work, not just as words, but as a real way forward, no matter where you came from or what your background was. He’d often say, “It doesn’t matter where you start—it’s where you’re willing to go.

Growing up, our home was filled with the values my parents held close, and outside our door, the city buzzed with energy and opportunity. I learned how to hold onto my roots while pushing forward into new possibilities.

When I was a teenager, I worked at a coffee shop after school. It wasn’t just a job; it was where I learned patience, responsibility, and the value of hard-earned money. Then, while I was in college, I got offered a job at Columbia Medical Center. That opportunity became the foundation of my career. I spent years there, learning how complex systems work and watching how everyday people can quietly make a big difference.