Mentee Spotlight: Diane Silverman

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.