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Mentee Spotlight: Shauna Schmeisser
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.
View ArticlePassover Resources
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
Celebrating Miriam
Recipes (All Kosher for Passover)
Brownies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Lemon Swirled Honey Cheesecake w/ Pistachio Crust
Orange Charlotte
Vegetarian Chopped Liver
Learning About the Women of Passover
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.
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.
View ArticleWomen’s Leadership Institute Offers Introduction to Mussar
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.”
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.
View ArticleMentee 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 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.
View ArticleMentor 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, 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.
View ArticleMentee 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 ArticleMentee 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 ArticleMentee 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 ArticleCoordinator 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 ArticleMentor 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 ArticleMentor 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.
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