In the Media

Mentee Spotlight: Andrea Arkow

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 this 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 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 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.

View Article

Mentor Spotlight: Sheryl Quen

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, 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.

View Article

Mentee Spotlight: Olivia Finkel

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.

View Article

Mentee Spotlight: Bina Colman

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

Please tell us about your project?

Very unfortunately I was not able to complete my project due to Covid-19 and the pandemic. My project was to work with the Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JFCS) to create a room for young children to play in while their parents are meeting with counselors or other employees of JFCS. We did try to get it completed once after the pandemic was “over”, however, with personnel changes and more variants of Covid-19 appearing it never came to completion. I personally was very disappointed about the project not being completed, but have found another way to give to JFCS by donating.

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

I enjoyed being in my cohort and what we learned during our time together. I feel very lucky as we were just ending our time together when the pandemic stared, even though we did have to do our graduation on Zoom.

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

I sadly have not stayed involved with WLI since my graduation. This stems from a few different reasons such as the pandemic not being completely over as well as my life going in a lot of different directions. With my children both in elementary school I have joined the PTO and been their class room mom as well. I would love to find the time as the years go on and the kids get older to get involved again.

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

I am a gerontologist and have been working in the elderly field for just about 10 years now. Within this industry I am a care coordinator and help the clients and their loved ones understand what next steps are and what resources they will need to make the transition as easy and seamless as possible. Since working in this profession I knew that there was one service or resource that was missing and I could not pinpoint it for the longest time. Recently I have started Compassionate Callers (www.compassionatecallers.com) which I believe will fit a need for the elderly and other people who live alone. Compassionate Callers is a service that will call your loved ones 1-5 times a day to check in on them so you can continue to live your life. This is an economic solution to confirming your loved ones are home safe when moving them to a community and hiring outside caregivers are not an option.

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

I am an Arizona native who was raised right here in Scottsdale and went through the Paradise Valley School district, which is where my children are at now! I will be married 10 years on October 27th to Zack, who I brought to Arizona from Michigan. We have two kids together, Aiken who is 7 and in 2nd grade and Jae who is almost 5 and in Pre-K. It is so nice that they are now at the same school and can see each other throughout the day. We belong to Temple Kol Ami and are really enjoying the community and the friends we knew and the new ones we have met. Aiken will be going to Camp Stein for his second summer this coming up summer and attends Sunday school with temple. Once Jae is old enough she will be following in her big brothers footsteps!

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

I enjoy doing some hobbies and activities and some are alone, with people and other times with my family! One hobby that I have been doing for a few years is needlepointing, and I love it! Just recently I’ve met women in the valley who also needlepoint and are all (give or take 5 years) my age! It is so fun that we have a little group forming and always open and welcoming new members, of any age. Another activity that I enjoy is hiking and this one I love to do with my family. It is so great to have the kids get outside and hike with my husband and I, I love how accomplished the kids feel when we get to the top. Since it is sweeping the nation, I have taken some pickleball lessons and do love it, however, cannot seem to find the place to keep a consistent game going. Hobbies and activities are so important to me, but now with kids I am enjoying seeing what interests them and what they want to be a part of!

View Article

Mentee Spotlight: Jennifer Brown

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

Please tell us about your project?

I was able to co-present with Rabbi Kanter about women in Judaism. I can honestly say since that wonderful opportunity, I have learned even more and have become even more fascinated with how women show up in Judaism and how we embody it!

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

I learned so much from my cohort! The specifics of what they said did not stick with me, rather, their experiences did. More importantly, hearing their stories helped me to reflect on my own relationship with Judaism and my Jewish identity. Prior to our sessions together, I had always felt that I had my own, unique experience of being a Jewish woman. I was fascinated to hear everyone’s stories, their joys and their misgivings, and why their Jewish identity is such a powerful marker of who they are. Their stories and perspectives that we shared throughout our classes together helped me to see that I was not alone. Our discussions were an opportunity for me to see that we are part of a strong Jewish lineage of women – and that we have a lot to offer!

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

I have not stayed involved. Through the pandemic, losing my beloved stepfather, Howard Treshansky, may his memory be a blessing, and a significant career change, I have not been focused on my roots or Jewish identity the past several years. However, this year I have felt a significant shift in myself and my desire to wind my roots with others within the community. It is a welcome change!

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

I am a psychologist and professor. I am one of the few Jews on my campus and the majority of my clients are not Jewish. That being said, I am always aware of being a bit different than those around me (Although most of us who identify as any minority in this country would find themselves in a similar boat!). That being said, I know that what I carry from my WLI sessions to my occupation is a very strong pride and grounding, a love and a stability, in my Jewish identity – specifically in my identity as a Jewish woman that has been trained in leadership from WLI! It is understandable that those that I work with don’t know that they shouldn’t schedule important meetings on the High-Holidays and late Friday afternoons; how would they know? However, as a Jewish representative I make sure to educate them on equity practices for people of different religions. I feel that the advocacy I provide is not just important for the Jewish community, but also to advocate for religious equity for other religions that have holidays that need to go on the calendar (ie, Friday nights are sacred for Muslims too!).

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

My mother, Fredi Brown (also a mentor alum of WLI), and I are members of Congregation Or Tzion in Scottsdale. I only recently joined! I figured it was time that I rooted myself in a community and 5783 is a fantastic year to do so! My mother and stepfather (the dynamic duo of Fredi and Howard) were founding members of Or Tzion (formally known as Or Chadash) about a million years ago. I remember when they chose to do it and I could not be prouder of the rebels that they are! That being said, I have just joined, and as such have begged the organizing body to please wait on putting me on committees until after the chagim! I am truly excited and animated though to become active in the Jewish community.

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

Currently, I truly have no spare time. It has definitely put a damper on my social life! However, I am very fulfilled in my work and that, in and of itself, is a blessing. Prior to the pandemic I was a bit of a gym rat – as exercise and dance have always kept me sane (which is rather important as a psychologist and professor, don’t you agree?). I am also keenly aware of the call of Nature and I have taken great care in reducing the amount of single use plastic that I purchase. This does mean making some of my own food – bread, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, etc., but it’s worth it. Plus every now and then I find the time to make a babka or two as well!

View Article

Coordinator Spotlight: Susan Greene

Take a minute to get to know WLI Birmingham Coordinator, Susan Greene, by reading the Q&A below!

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

I had the privilege of coordinating 2 cohorts of the Women’s Jewish Leadership Program in Birmingham, AL. We had a facilitator/educator who led the leadership piece and one who did the Jewish text study. The curriculum was modeled after the Phoenix program. In the first cohort there were 12 mentors and 12 mentees. Both the mentors and mentees went through an interview process. We met for 3 hours once a month for a year. Participants also had to do a service project.

The following year, we changed the program to better meet the needs of the Birmingham Jewish Community. We had 4 mentors and 8 mentees. Again, we met for a year. Instead of doing individual service projects, the group decided to have 2 shabbat dinners. They did all the blessings, torah study and made a kosher style dinner, something most of them had never done.

Having been involved with both cohorts, I learned that having a smaller group led to more intimacy, and openness. I also learned the value of community and how important it is for people to have a meaningful connection with others.

With regard to what I learned during the class meetings, I found the session on how important it is for leaders to know their imperfections and address them: we all have reptiles on our backs. The people who recognize this makes them better leaders by being more approachable and humble. I also really enjoyed learning about set mindset and growth mindset.  I come back to this concept a lot when there are challenges in my job and family life.

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

I was part of the alumni online cohort during COVID .  It was nice to connect with other like-minded women during that isolating period.

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

I currently work part time for the Birmingham Jewish Federation. One of my responsibilities was to create a Young Leadership Development Program for our community. My experience in WLI was extremely helpful to me in this regard and I find myself remembering a lot about leadership.

Another responsibility, I have is taking 12 women on a Momentum trip to Israel and facilitating a year- long program which begins 4 months before the trip and goes on for 8 more months after we return. The Judaic part of WLI will be most helpful with this as well.

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

I am fortunate to have a wonderful, supportive husband, 3 caring children and 5 grandchildren with one on the way. They all live in Atlanta, and we get to see each other often. I have been actively involved in the Jewish community since we moved here in 1983, both as a volunteer and professional. I have served as president of the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School and the Birmingham Jewish Federation. I have a passion for torah study and continuing my Jewish education.

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 hike, bike, snow ski, and do water aerobics. I also like to read and watch movies. But I think my favorite activity now is playing with my grandchildren!

When traveling in Israel in 1978 I saw Golda Meir on a street in Tel Aviv and got to take a picture with her and her security guard!

View Article

Mentor Spotlight: Susan Karesky

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentor, Susan Karesky by reading the Q&A below!

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

I have learned so much as a WLI mentor. One of the topics that really resonates with me is the growth mindset. I truly believe when we go about our lives with an open mind and enthusiasm for learning, we can do great things. I also enjoy how Rabbi Kanter links our study of leadership with concepts of Judaism. There is so much we can learn from our texts to help us all become better and more successful leaders.

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

This is my second year as a mentor. This year I am a mentor in the first East Valley cohort! I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help expand WLI to more women in the East Valley.

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

My 34-year career as a public relations director at Banner Health, the largest healthcare provider in the Southwest, gave me a wide variety of opportunities to grow my leadership skills and lead communications strategies in complex situations. I now work as a freelance public relations specialist. During my career I mentored young professionals while also benefiting from some amazing mentors of my own. I hope the skills I learned as both a mentor and a mentee have helped me be a better mentor for my WLI mentees.

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

Our family moved to Phoenix in 1968 and we were members of Temple Beth Israel back when the campus was in Phoenix. I’ve been involved in the Jewish community ever since, attending the JCC day camp and Camp Teva/Lebeau and working as a counselor at Camp Lebeau through high school. My husband Dan (z’ll) and I were married in 1987 and have twins who are 30 years old. David lives in Phoenix and works as a research project manager at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. Maryn lives in Los Angeles and works at Camp Ramah. Maryn was a mentee in cohort three, which is partially how I became a mentor! My second husband Ray also has two children, one of whom has given us three wonderful grandchildren. My children grew up at Temple Emanuel of Tempe, the East Valley JCC and Camp Pearlstein/Camp Stein. They developed a strong bond to Judaism through these experiences and gained wonderful friendships that remain close in adulthood. We’ve been members of Temple Emanuel for close to 30 years. I served as President of the Board of Trustees several years ago and held other board positions before that. It was, and is, an honor to serve our congregation to ensure the temple is a haven for spirituality and community for generations to come.

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

I wasn’t much of a hobby person while I was working full time and raising my kids. I’ve recently discovered, or rediscovered, the art of cooking. I am enjoying trying new and challenging recipes and learning how to make artisan breads (although my sour dough was an epic fail!) I also enjoy vegetable gardening, reading and needlepoint. In fact, one of my COVID projects was needlepointing tooth fairy pillows for my three grandsons. Our oldest has recently lost a couple teeth and was so excited to put his tooth in the pillow’s pocket!

View Article

Mentor Spotlight: Amy Hummell

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentor, Amy Hummell by reading the Q&A below!

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

It is a toss-up if I enjoyed really getting to know the other mentors and mentees in my cohorts or the way Rabbi Elana Kanter was able to teach us about business through the lessons of Jewish scholars. The entire experience was wonderful especially how everyone involved took the class sessions seriously and were fully present each month.

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

After being a mentor for Cohorts 3 & 4, I have continued participating in the WLI Alumnae programming starting with the overnight retreats and continuing with the online offerings.

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

I am the executive director of Gesher Disability Resources, a Jewish disability agency founded in 1985 as the Council For Jews With Special Needs. The lessons learned from WLI are applied often, but more than that networking with the amazing Jewish professionals I met have benefitted the programming that is offered to our members. WLI volunteers are amazing, and WLI leaders are creative and resourceful.

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

In 2006, my family moved to Phoenix to be near my dad and stepmom. At the time, my daughter was 5 years old, about to start kindergarten, and my son was 1 year old. We are three generations of members to Temple Kol Ami where I currently serve on the board and have for the past 5 years. My daughter went the route of NFTY with her friends and my son has chosen BBYO. We all enjoy being together for the Jewish holidays.

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

While we have always enjoyed watching tv as a family, the pandemic really brought us together in front of the screen. If it is crime drama, chick flick or Marvel, we have probably seen it. I also love hiking with friends, since it could be dangerous to go alone as I might get lost, and never tire of the desert scenery. We also enjoy a good dinner party with friends.

View Article

Mentee Spotlight: Mikayla Laufer Stokes

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentee, Mikayla Laufer Stokes by reading the Q&A below!

Please tell us about your project?

I had the opportunity to work with Jewish Free Loan and help the organization collect 70 impact stories for their 70th anniversary in 2020.

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

I gained so much from the experience, but particularly enjoyed the learning we did around Jewish development and the reframing of a financial ask from being a burden to being an opportunity to assist someone in a mitzvah.

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

I’m in contact with people from the WLI experience and am working with two current WLI mentees on their projects with ASU Hillel.

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

I work within the Jewish nonprofit sector and I use the skills I learned with JFL and through WLI on a regular basis!

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

I work for the Hillel Jewish Student Center at ASU as their Director of Engagement and work at Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale as a religious school teacher. I’m currently pursuing a masters in education from The George Washington University in Israel studies to continue to bring deeper content knowledge and a wider toolbox of teaching methods to Israel education in the Phoenix metro area. I’m married to the best guy and we have two cats.

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

I currently have basically no spare time but really enjoy reading, traveling, and baking!

View Article

Mentor Spotlight: Dale Singer

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentor, Dale Singer by reading the Q&A below!

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

The active engagement of presenters, mentees and mentor around the core issues discussed in the class sessions expands my appreciation for the value of being a life time learner for continued growth. Differing perspectives on “not yet” and failures inherent in risk taking, often highlighted by personal narratives, continue to help me develop a broader definition of listening. The curriculum remains consistent with our heritage and it has been fun to witness how young women leaders are maximizing their effectiveness within the greater Jewish community through diverse, meaningful projects.

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

Elana has invited me to participate in a variety of ways, including the opportunity to be a mentor in three cohorts, encouragement to participate as a team member and as a solo presenter, and the joy of helping to “cater” the Alumni Retreats.

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

In reverse chronological order, I established and implemented the End of Life Program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, was a Pediatric Oncologist with a special interest in solid and rare malignancies, Chairperson of the Bioethics Committees at Children’s and Good Samaritan Hospitals, and a general pediatrician caring for chronically ill children and their siblings. The formal curriculums for each aspect of my professional life taught me the value of learning from those wise enough to teach others the skills needed for the tasks at hand. Retirement is as exciting as my professional years with opportunities to participate in a variety of classes and to explore a different concept of time.

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

At our middle granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah, her father [our son] answered a colleague who asked, “How long has your daughter been preparing for her Bat Mitzvah?’ truthfully by saying, “for generations.” My husband, Alan, and I have two grown sons, two daughter-in-laws, five grandchildren. We had the good fortune of being in a lay led equalitarian congregation for sixteen years in Michigan from which we and our sons emerged with the skills and commitment to continue our involvement in our Jewish communities. Alan has been a mohel for 45 years and continues in this role post COVID vaccinations. All three of my men have, or are serving on boards of their synagogues. The grandchildren are active members of their communities, participating, teaching, and enjoying their roles. And, for many years, we have celebrated Seders in our sons’ homes where the grandchildren and I assist as they make the matzo and prepare the meals. We delight in a daughter-in-law’s leading of the Seder.

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

My passion is my family: nuclear and extended. In retirement, I have enjoyed the flexibility of being available without the constraints of a call schedule. We love hosting and visiting with our sons and their families, including ten years of Camp Savta/Saba in Phoenix, our siblings and spouses, nieces, nephews, cousins. Fortunately, many of our friends, and their children and families, also visit Chez Singer. I love to cook, bake, exercise daily alone or with “walking friends,” read and participate in a reading group, travel, do needlepoint, play Scrabble and Canasta, study Hebrew [for over ten years with Harriet Rosen as partner] and now classical Hebrew grammar, and just stare at the desert horizon appreciating how fortunate I am.

View Article

Mentee Spotlight: Madeline Dolgin

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

Please tell us about your project?

In March 2022, I am excited to launch an 8-week IYUN circle for young professionals ages 22-35. Each week I will co-teach on a new topic along with Rabbi Kanter. We will explore life’s big questions such as: When living in a world that is increasingly more secular, what is the role of religion and spirituality? How do we decide what our calling should be? In the age of sharing life events on social media, what is the impact of creating an online persona in the public realm?

Our 8 weeks together will culminate in a Shabbat retreat! This cohort will provide an exciting place for young jews to develop relationships and grow to love and want to continue the study of Torah. If you are interested in being on the email list to get updates when registration opens, please email madeline.dolgin@gmail.com.

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

One of the most impactful lessons for me was about accepting failure. My current company has a coaching culture that is rather blunt in how they choose to provide feedback. When I first started, I focused a lot on the constructive criticism I was given and thought I must be terrible. During WLI, I was able to reframe and see those criticisms as exciting growth opportunities. Each comment I received fueled me to be better next time. I strongly believe that this mindset helped me get a promotion the next year!

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

I have had the pleasure of attending a book club and celebrating havdalah at Rabbi Kanter and Rabbi Wasserman’s house with fellow WLI participants. I also had the opportunity to volunteer with my mentor and teach a sewing class for her camp kids!

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

I currently work for ASU Online as a Senior Enrollment Advisor while completing my Master’s degree in Sustainability. I assist students throughout the application process and train new advisors. I also coach and lead my peers on several projects. WLI helped me self-reflect about my own leadership style. For me, one of the most valuable parts of WLI was the intergenerational nature of the participants. This allowed for a great diversity of perspectives and WLI gave me the confidence to speak up even if my opinion does not follow the status quo. I often lead and mentor colleagues who are older than me which felt really intimidating at first. The lessons from WLI helped me develop the confidence to own my role and not to feel shy about my age.

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

I grew up locally in Scottsdale, Arizona. I attended Pardes Jewish day school for my early elementary school years and became a bat mitzvah at Temple Chai. I moved to New York City to attend college before moving back to accept a position as the Student Life Coordinator at ASU Hillel. I had the joy of having the most incredible first boss Debbie Yunker Kail, a WLI mentor herself, who taught me so much about how to be a good supervisee. I enjoyed the opportunity to help provide a community for Jewish college students and create new programs. I helped start a few new programs such as a Career Mentorship Program, 10-week Jewish Torah Study program, and a Mindfulness Cohort, and Interfaith Shabbat while serving at Hillel.

After Hillel, I began my Master’s Degree in Sustainability I am excited to graduate in December 2021 and currently am looking to pursue a career as a sustainability analyst or social impact professional. If you know of any jobs looking for a sustainability graduate, let me know!

This past year, I participated in Valley Beit Midrash’s first Social Justice Fellowship where I co-created a booklet called the Activists Guide for a More Sustainable and Equitable Food System, which provided tips that individual consumers can implement in their lives to be more sustainable when it comes to food. I also helped coordinate a food drive for refugees.

Lastly, I am very excited to share that I will be celebrating a very big Simcha in my life this upcoming March when I will be marrying my fiancé Mat! Mat and I look forward to this exciting new chapter and building a Jewish home together. We appreciate all of those in the Jewish community who have supported us in planning this celebration.

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

I am passionate about sustainability, dance, and biking!

I currently sit on the board of a local non-profit organization Arizona Sustainable Apparel Association. I host events that promote local sustainable fashion businesses such as pop-up shops and clothing swaps and educate consumers about the environmental issues in the fashion industry through our social media. I also host a podcast called Growing Together where I interview local fashion brands about their brand stories. You can find the podcast on Spotify here.

I have always loved dancing. I grew up doing musicals and local theaters and taking dance lessons around the valley. I am currently a member of an all-level women’s dance group called Swexy Squad. We perform at local dance events and fundraisers throughout the year.

Finally, I purchased an electric bike during the pandemic and have enjoyed riding around Tempe and Scottsdale. My bike goes up to 20 miles an hour so it is certainly an adventure!

View Article

Mentor Spotlight: Faith Boninger

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentor, Faith Boninger by reading the Q&A below!

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

I really enjoyed working with other mentors when we did a bit of teaching. It was more about working together than the content of the sessions, though. As for content, my favorite things are Simon Sinek’s “The Power of Why,” and J.K. Rowling’s graduation speech. I learned a lot about life from Dale’s story of career (which she did at one of the retreats), and I was blown over when Ellen brought in the ERA banner that had been to so many marches for women’s rights.

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

I just keep starting a new year!

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

I’m a research professor in education at the University of Colorado Boulder. In that context I’m both a mentee and a mentor, so I bring what I learn in those roles back and forth between there and WLI. As a mentee, it means taking a lead, and as a mentor it means asking a lot of questions.

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

My husband David and I have two daughters in their twenties, Alisa (who we’ve been so fortunate to have living with us this past year) and Talia (who currently lives in New Orleans). We’ve been members of Temple Solel since Talia was in the 3’s class at the Solel Preschool. Both girls went to Pardes Jewish Day School, and Talia was involved in both the temple youth group and camp. I have long appreciated how our various Jewish activities (including involvement with the Valley Interfaith Project and, of course, WLI) make us feel grounded in the community more generally rather than siloed in any one particular place. It was amazing for me to see, when our kids were in high school, how connected all the Jewish kids were — no matter where in the city they happened to be from. And it is fun for me now when I get a text telling me that this or that old Pardes classmate is on their way over to visit, or already here sleeping in one of the bedrooms.

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

I really enjoy cooking — which to me is arts and crafts, science, and cultural history. Between my own purchases and gifts I’ve received, I have an embarrassingly large collection of middle eastern cookbooks. It’s my favorite type of food, for sure, but I also love the photographs and the stories they contain. I guess it could also be said that I’m a very persistent runner. I don’t feel like one, but somehow or another I keep going out every 2-3 days and those days have added up to quite a few years! I’m not sure if I have more years running or more cookbooks!

View Article