Age: 39
Title at work/what I do: Director of development at the Mandell Jewish Community Center. I plan, implement, and oversee all fundraising efforts for the agency, including an annual and endowment campaign to support programs and services that strengthen the community. I cultivate, solicit, and steward all corporate partners and individual donors and connect them with our programs and services that they fund and support providing youth and camp scholarships, programs, classes, and services to develop healthy, confident families, children, teens, adults, and seniors. This December, the Mandell JCC launches our Centennial, celebrating 100 years of an organization that has enriched all aspects of the Greater Hartford community, and I am proud to be part of history.
Town where I work: West Hartford
Town where I live: West Hartford
College I attended: University of Arizona (undergrad); American Jewish University (MBA)
My passion, hobby or special talent: Passionate about my family and friends
Twitter handle: I prefer Facebook
No. of LinkedIn connections: Face-to-face connections are best!
Favorite place to network: Max’s Oyster Bar
Favorite drink at a networking event: Skinny Margarita
How do I create connections in my professional life?
Every day at the Mandell JCC and in the community I have the opportunity to meet new people and create connections with both donors and corporate partners that provide funding, as well as our members and participants who benefit from the varied programs and services we offer. Everyone has their own story… a senior who socializes at our luncheons, an adult with special needs who feels accepted, a child in our preschool who learns Jewish culture, or a board member who gives their time, energy, and resources to the make the Mandell JCC the cornerstone of our community.
What’s been my biggest challenge professionally?
My goal is to build a strong vibrant community for the future while realizing that it takes time and patience through the journey.
What is the best advice I received?
So fill your heart with what’s important and be done with all the rest.
What do I want my legacy to be?
I hope that I make a difference in this world, making it a better place for so many people, especially in our community. Through my commitment to my communal work, I have set a positive example that my children will recognize as my legacy and carry it forward.
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