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 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.