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!