The WLI

In the Media

Mentee Spotlight: Diane Silverman

3/25/2024

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentee, Diane Silverman, by reading the Q&A below!

Please share a few of your favorite things you have learned in the class sessions.

I truly learned a lot in my year of classes with WLI. Most importantly, I learned the skill of “active listening”; I learned that change can be difficult and uncomfortable, but very rewarding; I learned that there isn’t just one type of person who can lead, all of us can with the right mindset; I learned that it is important to not only take care of others, but to take care of ourselves (inside and out).

How have you stayed involved with WLI since your year ended?

I have participated in some of the Alumni lunch get-togethers; I always look forward to the annual retreat in January (I don’t think I’ve missed one yet); I have participated in the Alumni learning programs once a month on Tuesdays; I am the designated “wrangler” for my Cohort #4 and send out periodic e-mails to share upcoming events and announcements.

What is your occupation and have you been able to apply what you learned in WLI to your job?

100% yes!!! I am a pharmacist, and at the time that I was going through this WLI program, I was looking for additional pharmacy experience, ideally in a hospital setting. All of the posted job listings wanted the applicants to have 3 years of hospital experience, etc. I didn’t feel that I was qualified since I technically only had 1 year under my belt. My WLI friends encouraged me to simply apply and tell them about my experiences and all the other great skills that I had to offer. To make a long story short, I ended up getting the position and now it is 5 years later. Last September, I once again used my WLI skills of perseverance and leadership, and I was promoted to Pharmacy Supervisor where I oversee 2 hospital pharmacy departments.

Please tell us more about yourself, your family and/or your involvement in the Jewish community.

I keep very busy with work — with my Manager, we manage approximately 22 pharmacists and technicians. At home, I have 3 boys (Ari – age 15; Asher – age 12; and Adam – age 10) and they keep me busy between their school activities and extracurricular events. I continue to attend any and all WLI Alumni events if I am able. I was also recently asked to be involved in my temple’s Leadership Development Group (through Congregation Beth Israel), so I am attending meetings this Fall for that group. I enjoy learning and growing and, at the same time, I am trying not to take on too much. Balance was another important skill that I learned in WLI.

In your spare time, what are some hobbies or activities you like to do? (and/or share some fun facts about yourself)

For those who know me, I LOVE to travel. In fact, I just got back from a 10-day trip to Spain (Toledo, Madrid & Barcelona) and London. The main purpose was to attend a friend’s wedding, but I made a vacation out of it. I love learning about other cultures and keeping my Spanish skills up. I enjoy taking my kids on a big yearly trip too. This summer we went to New York City for a week; last year we went to San Francisco. Lots of fun! I enjoy dancing, taking part in cultural activities, festivals, and exercise (I just played pickleball for the first time, and I loved it!). I used to play violin when I was in elementary school/high school and I miss it. One of these days, I’d love to join a community orchestra and get back into it.

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Mentee Spotlight: Chi Isiogu

3/25/2024

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentee, Chi Isiogu, by reading the Q&A below!

Please share a few of your favorite things you have learned in the class sessions.

I learn through making connections with others. WLI taught me that personal relationships are even more precious than networking. And that building relationships with the women in my cohort and my mentor gave me access to an overwhelming amount of wisdom and support during my never-ending journey to be my most authentic personal and professional self.

How have you stayed involved with WLI since your year ended?

I have clicked like on several posts in our private FB group…Kidding! I have had lunch, coffee, and zooms with people I met through WLI. I was honored to speak to the new mentors about my experience as a mentee. I hope to attend some of our monthly brunches. And of course, I will remain a proud member of Rabbi Kanter’s minion army and work toward bringing as much love, joy, and kavod to my WLI family.

What is your occupation and have you been able to apply what you learned in WLI to your job?

I am the Director of Adult Programming at the Valley of the Sun JCC. I’ve relied on my WLI network for advice, feedback, and encouragement. I apply what I learned about the power of relationships to all of my interactions with JCC members, my colleagues, and community partners. I am also bringing an emphasis on collaboration that I learned from WLI to as many programs as possible.

Please tell us more about yourself, your family and/or your involvement in the Jewish community.

I am married to and still nauseatingly in love with my high school sweetheart, Matthew. Together we are raising a fiercely independent, awe-inspiring little girl, Ekwi. I feel deeply entrenched in the Jewish community as I work for the JCC, a Jewish organization, my daughter attends Chanen Early Childhood Center, a Jewish preschool, and I attend services and Jewish holiday celebrations, and Jewish networking events as often as I am able. I love the Jewish community deeply and am grateful for the love I receive in exchange.

In your spare time, what are some hobbies or activities you like to do? (and/or share some fun facts about yourself)

Can a cherished nap while my toddler naps be considered a hobby???? I am an artist and in a former life. B.E. (Before Ekwi) I created custom stained glass windows and glass mosaics for homes, gardens, and offices. Some fun facts are:

  1. My daughter is an only child but has a sister who was adopted by another family minutes before we adopted Ekwi and they are a big part of each other’s lives.
  2. I am a proud 1st generation Nigerian American.
  3. I feel energized and spiritually fulfilled by attending shivas and providing love and care for mourners and those going through a difficult time.
  4. My first job was as a cow milker on a dairy farm
  5. I’m obsessed with indoor and beach volleyball and pray that it will become more popular in the United States so that I can have people to watch it with.
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Mentor Spotlight: Nikki DeLeon Martin

1/20/2024

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentor, Nikki DeLeon Martin, by reading the Q&A below!

Please share a few of your favorite things you have learned in the class sessions.

In every class I have taken with Rabbi Elana Kanter and our instructor Kerri Robbins, I have learned so much. Along with professional topics such as goal-setting and follow through and change management, the program also develops a deeper understanding of Torah and the lessons we can harvest to apply to all areas of life. Rabbi Elana’s application of Lech L’cha to taking initiative in our own lives and progressing in our mindset and knowledge has stayed with me for many years.

How have you stayed involved with WLI since your year ended?

By participating in alumni events, volunteering for the learning center when possible, and now serving as a mentor.

What is your occupation and have you been able to apply what you learned in WLI to your job?

I serve in the C-suite of a large nonprofit in Arizona and the program has helped me to keep a mentor/mentee mindset that prioritizes learning and growth in oversight of a large team of talented professionals who I can teach and who can teach me, and to seek wisdom in non-traditional places to improve in my performance at work (and life).

Please tell us more about yourself, your family and/or your involvement in the Jewish community.

My husband and I just celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary this year. We are an interfaith couple who belong to Temple Kol Ami, where I have the privilege of serving on the Board of Trustees.

In your spare time what are some hobbies or activities you like to do? (and/or share some fun facts about yourself)

In addition to career and volunteering, I am a fiction writer, who recently earned my MFA degree in Fiction and Literature. In addition, I am a playwright whose work has been performed at festivals throughout the Valley. Scott and I and our very loud beagles live in Central Phoenix and love to travel, mostly recently to Coastal Maine and the French Riviera. (Actually, that was just me and Scott—we left the beagles at home.)

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Mentee Spotlight: Melissa Framer Black

1/20/2024

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentee, Melissa Framer Black, by reading the Q&A below!

Please share a few of your favorite things you have learned in the class sessions.

So many experiences come to mind! While I loved most of the lessons, I think my favorite thing I learned was the power of women coming together and creating community- fast. I find it incredible how quickly the women in my cohort became so close and willing to help each other grow, learn, and assist in their projects. But, if I must say, my favorite lesson was by Kerri Robbins, “Growth Mindset.” Essentially what we learned is that we are all bozos on the bus, figuring it out as we go, learning, and stumbling on the way.

How have you stayed involved with WLI since your year ended?

I plan on attending their retreat in January 2024, classes that interest me, and brunching with current and previous cohorts!

What is your occupation and have you been able to apply what you learned in WLI to your job?

While the majority of my time is spent mothering and volunteering in the Jewish community, I also do some work for my husband’s law firm helping with mitigation reports.

Please tell us more about yourself, your family and/or your involvement in the Jewish community.

David and I are proud parents to Joseph (age 6), Sophie (age 4), and a little one on the way. We are very involved with Pardes Jewish Day School and Temple Kol Ami. David and I enjoy learning with Valley Beit Midrash and supporting various Jewish organizations where we can.

In your spare time, what are some hobbies or activities you like to do? (and/or share some fun facts about yourself)

I love reading. I also like to exercise, hike, arrange flowers, and enjoy meals with good friends. Sometimes, I dream of going back to school to become a family therapist or interior designer.

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Beteavon! – Feasting on Memories: A Jewish Women’s Cookbook

12/22/2023

Welcome to Beteavon! – Feasting on Memories: A Jewish Women’s Cookbook, where tradition meets innovation in a celebration of Jewish culinary heritage. This cookbook, crafted as a Women’s Leadership project, invites you to explore a diverse array of recipes, each accompanied by personal stories from Jewish women around the world.

From beloved classics like ‘My Mama’s Brisket’ to inventive dishes like ‘Ropa Viejas’ with Spanish and Cuban influences, Beteavon! aims to expand your culinary palate. The kitchen table, a place of connection and storytelling, takes center stage as we share not only recipes but also the heartwarming narratives that accompany them.

Our project reflects a love for both food and the rich tapestry of Jewish family stories. Through the lens of the kitchen table, we explore the significance of family customs and traditions, from Bubbe’s timeless recipes to the art of crafting the perfect Hamentaschen filling and achieving airy Matzo Balls.

Beteavon! is more than a cookbook; it’s a journey into the heart of family memories, preserving the unique yet familiar threads that bind us all. Join us at the table, where laughter, storytelling, and delectable meals create lasting connections and bridge generations. 

Betavon!
Taylor Silverman and Stephanie Heller
Cohort #7

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Mentee Spotlight: Shauna Schmeisser

10/08/2023

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentee, Shauna Schmeisser, by reading the Q&A below!

Please share a few of your favorite things you have learned in the class sessions.

I loved the topic of Jacob’s ladder and the metaphor that we learn from the story as it very much resonated in my own life. Sometimes we have to fall down before we can rise up again.

How have you stayed involved with WLI since your year ended?

I recently spoke on a panel at a retreat for new cohorts.

What is your occupation and have you been able to apply what you learned in WLI to your job?

I’m an attorney and my education is very applicable to a range of topics, including many that we discussed at our monthly learning sessions.

Please tell us more about yourself, your family and/or your involvement in the Jewish community.

I’m half Israeli and grew up here in the Jewish community in Phoenix. I graduated from King David and Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School. I went to ASU for both undergrad and law school. I studied abroad in Israel for a whole year and I was very involved in pro-Israel advocacy when I was an undergrad. In law school, I was president of the Jewish Law Student Association. I founded JNF Futures in Arizona in 2013 and I’m involved in the CJP. I also served as chair for the Cardozo Society for the Jewish Federation. I am married and have three children, 2 boys and a girl.

In your spare time, what are some hobbies or activities you like to do? (and/or share some fun facts about yourself)

I love to work out, volunteer at my kids’ schools, and I’m currently working on a children’s book about food allergies.

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Passover Resources

4/14/2023

Each year, WLI marks Passover with a special gathering and activities. Check out the links below to find resources from past gatherings to help inspire and inform your Passover celebrations.

Seder Plate

Make Your Own Seder Plate

Celebrating Miriam

Miriam’s Goblet
Miriam’s Song

Recipes (All Kosher for Passover)

Brownies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Lemon Swirled Honey Cheesecake w/ Pistachio Crust
Orange Charlotte
Vegetarian Chopped Liver

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Learning About the Women of Passover

4/04/2023

By: Berry Sweet

As Pesach 2023 fast approached, alumnae of the Women’s Leadership Institute’s Mentoring Program, now in its 8th year, were offered an intriguing opportunity: Join together and spend an afternoon delving more deeply into the role of women in the Exodus story and exploring the relevance of our ancestors’ journeys to our own. Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) alumnae gatherings have always provided us with new information and insights, as well as priceless opportunities to interact with each other, and this day was no exception.

Women’s Leadership Institute

The day began with a teaching from Rabbi Elana Kanter, inspirational founder of the WLI. Most of us had never read about Serach Bat Asher, a granddaughter of the patriarch Jacob, who journeyed with him to Egypt during the great famine. Folklore has it that she lived 400 years and ultimately played a pivotal role in the Passover drama; her acknowledgment of Moses as leader was the lynchpin in the Hebrews’ decision to follow him out of Egypt, despite profound misgivings and fear. As the legend goes, Serach’s father, Asher, had entrusted her with “The Mystery of the Redemption,” a password of sorts, which would be uttered only by the one destined to lead the Hebrew slaves from slavery to freedom. Her declaration that Moses was that leader, and her disclosure to him of the location of Joseph’s remains (to be taken and buried in Eretz Israel), reinforces once again the sometimes obscure, yet important, role of women in the survival of the Jewish people.

Our discussion moved then from the comparative obscurity of Serach to the high visibility of the prophetess Miriam. For many of us, adding a water-filled wineglass to the seder table has long symbolized the integral role that Miriam played in the redemption of our people. Retelling Miriam’s story — from the banks of the Nile thick with reeds, to the tumultuous Red Sea, to the miracle of water in the desert — has always reminded us of her pivotal role in our history. This day, we dug a bit deeper, discussing “Miriam’s Goblet,” a Passover reading originally published in Lilith Magazine. This short essay guided us to a fuller understanding of Miriam’s significance as the embodiment of hope and renewal from her time forward. An excerpt:

“We place Miriam’s Goblet on the seder table to remind us (also) of Jewish women, whose stories have been too sparingly told. On Passover in particular, a holiday celebrating many kinds of birth (that of Hebrew babies in Goshen, of Moses, of the Jewish People, of springtime), we recall women, whose domain, of course, is birth. Beyond the many males in the Haggadah — Jacob, Laban, Pharaoh, Rabbi Tarfon, Rabbi Eliezer, Sisera, Elijah, even G-d as “King” — Miriam’s cup remembers others.”

Traditionally, we incorporate a craft project into our gatherings; this day, we were to design a new kind of Seder plate. Instead of using items that signified aspects of the Hebrews’ life in, and exodus from, Egypt, we each were asked to create a plate that represents our own journey and choose symbols (images, phrases or words cut from magazines) that would convey our own stories. The sharing of these narratives inevitably deepened our connection to one another.

Finally, in acknowledging that any discussion about the seder table must surely involve wine, we closed our day together with a brief wine-tasting experience. And what did we take away from this pleasant diversion? That these days, one does not have to limit “wine for Passover” to the sweet, sweet red wines remembered from seders of yore; a wide selection of kosher for Passover wines from all over the world is now available. What an intoxicating conclusion (not really) to a day of deepening friendships, learning and discovery — with the bonus of providing us all with new material and information to enrich and enhance Passover 2023. JN

Berry Sweet was a founding mentor of the Women’s Leadership Institute and has been an active WLI volunteer for the past eight years. She has held numerous leadership positions in both the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, and was a recipient of Federation’s Medal of Honor for a lifetime of service. 

This article was originally published by the Jewish News. The Jewish News is published by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, a component of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix.

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Women’s Leadership Institute Offers Introduction to Mussar

2/15/2023

By: Shannon Levitt | Jewish News Staff Writer

In the first of four “Mussar: The Jewish Way of Building Character” classes, offered in February by the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI), Sharona Silverman invited her students to explore the concept of “humility.”

Sharona Silverman

To begin, she asked them to consider whether they take up too much or too little space in their daily lives. Their homework was to examine the ways they practiced humility during the week, where they resisted it and what they could do to foster it.

She suggested they use the focus phrase, “No more than my place, no less than my space,” that concretizes an otherwise abstract idea.

“You focus on it (the phrase), write it down, put it on your mirror, chant it or sing it — but think about it,” Silverman said. She wants them to recognize that they have value and deserve space while being mindful not to take more than their share. The course will also examine ethical considerations around honor and patience.

Mussar is a Jewish spiritual practice that gives concrete instructions on how to live a meaningful and ethical life, something Silverman has been studying and practicing since she first encountered it two decades ago.

After reading “Climbing Jacob’s Ladder: One Man’s Journey to Rediscover a Jewish Spiritual Tradition” by Alan Morinis, Silverman chanced to meet him at a book signing in Phoenix.

Silverman managed Temple Chai’s Shalom Center at that time, and along with then-Temple Chai Rabbi Mari Chernow and a few congregants, she started a Mussar group informally known as the “Mussar Mammas.”

She was drawn to Mussar for the way it makes the heart feel what the mind knows, thereby becoming a more holy and whole person. That was also the premise of the Shalom Center, which she co-founded in 1996.

“I felt we need to do that by feeling and acting on Jewish wisdom, not just with the head. Mussar teaches us we are holy souls and our job is to be a vessel to bring this wholeness into the world,” she said.

Rabbi Elana Kanter started WLI eight years ago. Since then, 104 people have gone through the Institute as mentors or mentees. When COVID-19 appeared, Kanter suspended the regular program and focused instead on her alumnae.

“We could build on existing relationships but we couldn’t build new ones on Zoom,” she said.

Silverman is the alumnae program’s first class; she was a mentor in WLI’s first cohort eight years ago.

Kanter generally teaches at the Institute, but though she was already familiar with Mussar — had even taught it — she recognized Silverman as the expert and is content to be a student in the class.

She approves of Silverman’s method, especially giving homework that encourages students to develop character traits while learning about them simultaneously.

“When I was teaching Mussar, it was just the ideas but we weren’t actually doing it. It really is something that’s meant to be done,” Kanter said.

Aside from writing down the focus phrase and journaling, Silverman encouraged students to find “small, concrete or time-bound activities” to do regularly. For example, those taking too little space should try to become more visible, perhaps by wearing bright clothing or raising their hands in class. Conversely, for those who take too much space, they might try sitting in the back of the room for a change, Silverman said.

People might find those things uncomfortable, but it’s all a part of the work.

Jessielyn Hirschl is bringing the lessons to her work and personal life.

She is generally a front-of-the-class person, but only because she is concerned for the presenter/teacher, who might not think people are engaged.

“I raise my hand because I worry about them, but maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to fill that space. Maybe I should let the silence linger and give space for something to happen,” she said.

“This class has already been transformational,” Hirschl said. “I told Sharona that I’ve tried to work on myself in a lot of different ways but this is the first time I’m really unpacking some of the challenges in my life.”

Kerri Robbins also sees places to incorporate these lessons into her daily life and has let people share their frustrations with her without rushing to solve the problem.

“Sometimes people just need to share and be heard, and my proper place is just to be a listening ear,” she said.

Ellen Widoff saw the lesson’s connection between humility and healthy self-esteem.

“Importantly, to be humble is not to hide but to provide the best service possible to others. Mussar implies that when we acquire self-knowledge, it is not just self-serving, but ensures that we radiate and expand our influence to others,” she said.

For Kanter, the lesson about humility started the moment the class did.

“Anytime you put yourself in a learning situation, it really is an act of humility. It’s important for teachers to remember that experience,” Kanter said.

“Some people want to stay on an intellectual plane and Mussar might seem touchy-feely, but Judaism has a rich tradition of meditation. This offers a path to a life of mitzvot and Torah study with an open heart,” Silverman said. JN

This article was originally published by the Jewish News. The Jewish News is published by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, a component of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix.

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Mentee Spotlight: Andrea Arkow

10/25/2022

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentee, Andrea Arkow, by reading the Q&A below!

Please share a few of your favorite things you have learned in the class sessions?

There were many sessions that I enjoyed, but one that sticks out to me was the session “The Art of Asking” because this aligned with my career. It was a nice reminder that my role as a fundraiser is a privilege, as I am able to invite people to invest in a cause that they care about that in turn may provide them some meaning, and also make a tremendous difference to others.

How have you stayed involved with WLI since your year ended?

I have been following along with the current mentees’ journey and definitely plan to attend alumni events when I can make it! I also look forward to staying in touch with my cohort and other WLI alumni.

What is your occupation and have you been able to apply what you learned in WLI to your job?

I have been working in nonprofit fundraising for about 9 years. I started a new role last summer with The Hunger Project, a global organization with a mission to end hunger and poverty through sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies worldwide. Prior to joining The Hunger Project, I served as the Director of Philanthropy at Jewish Family & Children’s Service here in the Valley. Though I enjoyed working in the Jewish community, joining a global organization was an ultimate goal and passion of mine since I received my Master’s in Sustainable International Development in 2016. There are many leadership philosophies learned in WLI that I carry with me – for example, the importance of learning from setbacks and mistakes in order to ultimately achieve success.

Please tell us more about yourself, your family and/or your involvement in the Jewish community.

I grew up here in the Valley, but I left after high school and just moved back with my husband and oldest daughter in 2021. I have had the opportunity to live in many places since then including New York, Boston, Thailand, India, Turkey and most recently, Denver, where we lived for 5 years prior and where my oldest daughter was born. Since moving back, we are still in search of where our family will land for a synagogue. Our daughter attends the JCC’s Early Childhood Center, and absolutely loves celebrating Shabbat, singing Jewish songs, and attending PJ Library or other young Jewish family events in the Valley.

In your spare time what are some hobbies or activities you like to do? (and/or share some fun facts about yourself)

In my free time, I love hiking and spending time outside, traveling and experiencing new cultures, reading, cooking and spending time with family. I have visited or lived in 39 countries, and gone scuba diving more than 70 times all over the world. I haven’t been able to travel as much in recent years due to Covid and having a young family, but I look forward to resuming more adventures soon, and teaching my children about the world through travel.

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Mentor Spotlight: Sheryl Quen

10/25/2022

Take a minute to get to know WLI Mentor, Sheryl Quen, by reading the Q&A below!

Please share a few of your favorite things you have learned in the class sessions.

What I learned is that the power of women is amazing. Both cohorts I participated in were wonderful, and we all learned together and shared our life experiences. My favorite part of the experience was the weekend retreat where we got to know each other better through art projects, prayer, chevruta and song. It was a special experience.

How have you stayed involved with WLI since your year ended?

When Rabbi Kanter asks you to do something, you can’t say no! She asked me to lead a session for the previous cohort and this one, about grants and how to apply for funding. I’m doing a session next month and I hope what I do for a living, can be helpful to the cohort.

What is your occupation and have you been able to apply what you learned in WLI to your job?

I work for the Center for Jewish Philanthropy, an integration of the Jewish Community Foundation and the Jewish Federation, as the Vice President of Community Impact. I have the privilege of working with community leaders in determining how to best award funds entrusted to our organization. I think the session about Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset is the most applicable lesson. Viewing mistakes as an essential part of learning and believing that abilities can be improved through action and effort, have helped with any setbacks and with learning new skills.

Please tell us more about yourself, your family and/or your involvement in the Jewish community.

I’m originally from NY but have lived here now longer than my years in NY. My husband Richard and I have two children – Samantha (24) and Zachary (22). She’s a business consultant and he’s a senior at UofA. We’ve been members of Temple Chai for almost 20 years, VOSJCC members – charter members before the building opened, and have enrolled our children in Jewish day and overnight camp every year until they aged out, and then they worked at the J as counselors. A few months before my daughter’s bat mitzvah, I participated in Temple Chai’s adult b’nai mitzvah class with a good friend Nanci Walker, which was very special. We went to Israel for our daughter’s bat mitzvah and shared it with friends and family, Ed Quen. We’ve been in a chavurah with good friends for at least 20 years and we get together monthly.

In your spare time what are some hobbies or activities you like to do? (and/or share some fun facts about yourself)

In my spare time, I like to play pickleball, read, travel, bike ride, and go to concerts and theater. Fun fact: I met Bono at Kanter’s Deli in Los Angeles when I lived there. I’m a big U2 fan and traveled to Dublin with my college roommates to see them for our 50th birthdays.

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Mentee Spotlight: Olivia Finkel

10/17/2022

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentee, Olivia Finkel, by reading the Q&A below!

Please tell us about your project?

For my project, I revamped the agency night to help it run more smoothly. I gathered information ahead of time about all the agencies participating so that mentees would have knowledge about the agencies and the projects they needed help with. I think this helped mentees to know who they wanted to meet at agency night and an understanding of their projects before meeting them. On the night, we also had set time limits so that everyone had enough time to see all the agencies.

Please share a few of your favorite things you have learned in the class sessions?

I had so many wonderful experiences. I enjoyed getting to know all the wonderful mentors/mentees in my cohort. I especially enjoyed the lesson about the growth mindset. It showed me that if people believe in themselves, they can do great things. The growth mindset also showed me how important it is to do self care for yourself as well as taking care of others.

How have you stayed involved with WLI since your year ended?

I was part of the alumni online cohort during COVID which was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. I have also attended some of the alumni events that have been in person.

What is your occupation and have you been able to apply what you learned in WLI to your job?

I have been a consultant dietitian for 20 years. I have used many skills in my profession. Mostly I have used the communication skills and leadership skills in many situations to do with either peers or supervising people at my buildings to help them improve experiences for the residents we serve.

Please tell us more about yourself, your family and/or your involvement in the Jewish community.

My family moved here in 1986. I had my bat mitzvah at Beth El in 1989. During high school, I was very involved in the East Valley JCC and BBYO. I went to ASU and spent a lot of time at Hillel. After college, I married my husband Joel. We have 2 girls (Elana and Sophia). Both girls attended preschool and summer camp at the East Valley JCC for multiple years. The girls had their Bat mitzvah at Temple Beth Shalom of the East Valley, where we were members for 10 years. Recently, we just joined the New Shul to be closer to my parents, who are members.

In your spare time what are some hobbies or activities you like to do? (and/or share some fun facts about yourself)

I enjoy reading, tennis, cooking and traveling. I love spending time with the family (close and extended). Our family enjoys game night where we play board games together. We are quite busy with all the activities the girls do, so any quite time together is nice.

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