Fresh Eyes, Deep Roots: Meet Cara Ng
New York City never stands still, and neither does Big Apple Greeter. Earlier this year we welcomed our new director of volunteers & communications, Cara Ng.
A seasoned nonprofit strategist with a background in advertising and a passion for the "only-in-New York" moments that define our mission, Cara is stepping in to help shape our next phase of growth.
From scaling recruitment to planning our landmark 35th anniversary, Cara is already focused on what matters most: making sure every visitor leaves having made a real connection with New York.
We sat down to talk shop, her favorite hidden chocolatier, and why—despite a little motion sickness—she’s dedicated to keeping this city moving.
What is your background and how did that path lead you to Big Apple Greeter?
My career began in advertising, but the birth of my daughter sparked a shift toward mission-driven work.
I moved into the nonprofit sector with a focus on grant writing and development, eventually landing at an organization centered on volunteerism. That’s where I met my predecessor, Gail Morse; she served on our board, and we’ve remained connected ever since. Recently, as I was finishing my masters degree in public administration, Gail contacted me about this role. It was a natural fit, bringing together everything I’ve built over the years: volunteer recruitment, marketing, and strategic communications.
What have you been focusing on during your initial time with the organization?
Right now, I’m on a "listening tour," going out on Greets and speaking with as many people as possible to learn what’s working and where we can provide more targeted support.
The team is incredible and the organization is already so well run. I’m simply using my fresh perspective to see where we can fine-tune operations to better serve our volunteers and visitors.
Has anything particularly surprised or impressed you about the Greeter community so far?
Everyone is extremely welcoming, yet each person brings a completely different energy to the table.
I’ve been struck by the sheer diversity of styles—our community isn’t just made up of outgoing storytellers or academic historians. Our Greeters prove that hospitality can be expressed in many different ways. Whether it’s a lively walk through a bustling market or a quiet discovery of a residential block, that personal authenticity is exactly what makes a Greet so memorable.
What do you most want to accomplish at Big Apple Greeter, both in your first year and in the long term?
In the short term, our primary focus is expanding our volunteer recruitment; we have set an ambitious goal to double our number of new Greeters this year to meet growing demand.
Right now, we’re only able to accommodate about thirty percent of Greet requests, so expanding capacity is urgent.
Looking ahead, our 35th anniversary in 2027 is already high on our radar. It is a major milestone that gives us an opportunity to honor our history while ensuring we are built for the next 35 years. We are already brainstorming ways to mark the occasion—not just as a celebration of where we’ve been, but as a moment to sharpen our focus and grow our reach, all while preserving that intimate, "hanging out with a local friend" feel that remains at the heart of our mission.
Do you have a favorite local hidden gem—a coffee shop, a park, or a bookstore—that you think every visitor should know about?
I’ll trust our Greeter community to share more of their secrets, but I have a few personal favorites.
I used to work near Madison Square Park, so I have a soft spot for that area—specifically the counter at Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop on 5th Avenue for an egg-and-cheese on a roll. For that "hidden restaurant at the end of an alley" vibe, I love Freeman’s off Rivington Street. I also recommend Chocolat Moderne, a tiny chocolatier tucked away on the ninth floor of a nondescript building on West 20th Street. For a moment of quiet, McNally Jackson at the South Street Seaport is the perfect place to get cozy and disappear into a book.
As someone leading a travel-centric nonprofit, do you enjoy traveling yourself? Do you have a favorite destination or a specific travel memory that shaped how you see the world?
I’ll admit, I’m a fan of the destination rather than the transit—motion sickness is a real drag!
But I absolutely love immersing myself in new cultures. My in-laws are from Hong Kong, so that city has become my home away from home. It’s a special experience to travel so far together and drop into a place that, despite the distance, feels deeply familiar and welcoming.
If you could describe the perfect Greet in just three words, what would they be?
Authentic, immersive, personal.
To me, those three words capture exactly what makes our Greeters so special—they offer a real, deep connection to New York that you simply can't find in a guidebook.