POWER IN PARTNERSHIP:
Connecting CLI & Nonprofits
PROGRAM BOOKLET June 11, 2025
WELCOME TO POWER IN PARTNERSHIP
We are thrilled you are joining us for this special evening Power in Partnership celebrates the incredible energy and talent within our Community Leadership Institute bringing together current CLI participants and alumni with mission-driven nonprofit organizations seeking passionate, values-driven leaders.
This event reflects CLI’s core purpose: cultivating emerging Jewish leaders and connecting you with opportunities to make lasting impact across Jewish Los Angeles In this booklet, you’ll find key details about each participating organization including their mission, budget, commitment, and contact information. You’ll also find ways to stay involved with various Federation committees and the CLI community.
To our CLI participants and alumni:
This is your moment to explore how your leadership journey aligns with the needs of our nonprofit sector Ask bold questions, follow your curiosity, and consider how your time, talent, and vision might support the work of these organizations.
To our nonprofit partners:
Thank you for believing in CLI. You are meeting a group of passionate, thoughtful leaders shaped by Jewish values and training who are deeply committed to building a stronger future
We look forward to the relationships that begin tonight, and are here to support your journey toward collaboration.
Warmly,
Lisa Ellison, Senior Vice President
Donna Maher, Director
Marlee Goldshine,
Assistant Director
Hannah Sidell, Program
Coordinator
The Leadership Development Team
N O N P R O F I T
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
In the following pages, you will find volunteer opportunities. We encourage you to reach out and start the conversation about getting more involved. Please note that there are limited spots and timing/fit factor into this process.
CAUSE
Israel, Human Services
COMMITMENT
1-Year Meets Quarterly
ORG BUDGET
$95M
Meaningful Contribution GIVE/GET
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF MAGEN DAVID ADOM is the fundraising arm for Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s official pre-hospital emergency medical system, the designated blood services organization for the country's hospitals and IDF, and an international provider of disaster relief and humanitarian aid. MDA is bound by the core mission of protecting, saving, and giving life.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Young Leadership Board - New members will have the opportunity to join us from the ground up and help build our presence in L.A.
Committee spots are open our 2025 fundraiser, being held on November 12, 2025.
DORIN ESFAHANI
Director of Major Gifts, Western Region 323.248.9532 | desfahani@afmda.org afmda.org
BET TZEDEK LEGAL SERVICES is working to achieve equitable justice for all, offering free legal services, education, and advocacy We integrate these efforts with strategic partnerships across L A and beyond, working together to create meaningful change for both individuals and our communities
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
New Leadership Council (non-fiduciary professionals) Ad-hoc Committees Board of Directors
CAUSE
Social Justice
COMMITMENT
3-Years
Meets Quarterly
ORG BUDGET
$20M
GIVE/GET
Meaningful Contribution for Non-Fiduciary Members
DIEGO CARTAGENA
President & CEO
323 939 0506 | dcartagena@bettzedek org bettzedek org
CAUSE
Education
COMMITMENT
4-Years Meets 6-8x/Year
ORG BUDGET
$5M
GIVE/GET
Meaningful Contribution
BUILDERS OF JEWISH EDUCATION enhances the quality of, increases access to, and encourages participation in Jewish education Serve 20,000+ Jewish children, their schools, and families across L A
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Gala Committee - Join a dynamic team of seasoned leaders in reimagining BJE's largest annual event, which typically attracts 400-500 people for a meaningful evening that raises vital funds
ROBERTA BERRENT Director of Donor & Community Relations
323.761.8617 | rberrent@bjela.org
bjela org
CAUSE
Community Building, Jewish Future
COMMITMENT
2-Years Meets Quarterly
$1 25M ORG BUDGET
Meaningful Contribution GIVE/GET
HILLEL 818 is a place, community, and platform for Jewish undergraduate students at Cal State Northridge, Pierce College, Los Angeles Valley College, and throughout the San Fernando Valley to make Judaism fun, relevant, and meaningful
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Board of Directors
MATT BARHAM Executive Director
818.886.5101 | mattb@hillel818.org hillel818.org
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM LA began in 1961 as the first survivor-founded Holocaust museum in the United States Our mission is to commemorate those who perished, honor those who survived, and educate the public about the Holocaust to inspire a more dignified and humane world
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
3G Board for grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, our Descendants of Remembrance (DOR) program for 2, 3 and 4Gs to be trained to tell their grandparent's Holocaust history Committees - Education/Public Programs, Resource Development (comprised of three working groupsCapital Campaign, Annual Fund, and Planned Giving and Endowment), Art Committee
CAUSE
Holocaust Education, Combating Antisemitism, Arts & Culture
COMMITMENT
3-Years Meets every other month
$6.9M ORG BUDGET
Meaningful Contribution GIVE/GET
MARLA EGLASH ABRAHAM Chief Advancement Officer
323.651.9915 | marla@hmla.org holocaustmuseumla org
CAUSE
Education, Youth Service
COMMITMENT
3-Years (renewable) Meets Quarterly
$6M ORG BUDGET
Meaningful Contribution GIVE/GET
JEWISH BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES assists youth in achieving their full potential through innovative, impactful programs
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Being a Big Brother or Big Sister! All three of our core programs have committees: Mentorship, Camp Bob Waldorf, College Access and Success
JANET GILMORE
Senior Vice President of Philanthropy
323.456.1149 | jgilmore@jbbbsla.org jbbbsla.org
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE LOS ANGELES provides lifeimproving services that help the people of L A live with dignity and exercise self-determination JFSLA believes in and strives for a more compassionate L A where no one has to navigate life alone
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Young Leadership Board
Various committees
Hands-on volunteer opportunities
Members of our Board of Directors first start as committee members or volunteers
CAUSE CATHERINE SCHNEIDER
Human Services
COMMITMENT
Committees meet quarterly
$65M ORG BUDGET
Meaningful Contribution GIVE/GET
Chief Community Engagement Officer
323 761 8830 | cschneider@jfsla org jfsla org
JEWISH FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION offers zero-interest, zero-fee loans on a non-sectarian basis to individuals and families whose needs are urgent and who may not qualify through normal financial channels Interest-free loans, instead of charity, fill an important gap in our social system by promoting self-sufficiency with dignity JFLA affirms the ancient biblical mandate of interest-free lending.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY:
Board of Directors
General Loan Committee (weekly)
Small Business Loan Committee (ad-hoc, typically once a month)
Student Loan Committee (several times in spring/summer)
CAUSE JENNIFER YOMTOV
Human Services, Interest-Free Lending
COMMITMENT
3-Years, Meets Virtually (varying frequency)
ORG BUDGET
$2 8M
Director of Advancement
323 761 8830 | jennifer@jfla org jfla org
Meaningful Contribution or
$3,500 for Board of Directors GIVE/GET
JQ INTERNATIONAL celebrates the lives of LGBTQIA+ Jews and their allies by transforming Jewish communities and ensuring inclusion through community building, educational programs, and support and wellness services JQ envisions a world where all LGBTQIA+ Jews feel a strong sense of self, pride, and community – a place where LGBTQIA+ Jews and their allies are supported by communities that embrace their needs and celebrate their unique gifts
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Board of Directors
Lay leaders can participate in our Board Governance Committee and Fund Development Committee without being board members. Volunteer opportunities
JQ Advocate
ORG BUDGET
CAUSE HADAR DOHN Managing Director
Human Services, Mental Health, Education
Meets Monthly COMMITMENT
$1M
GIVE/GET
$10,000 for Board of Directors
323.417.2627 | hdohn@jqinternational.org jqinternational.org
ORG BUDGET
OUR BIG KITCHEN LOS ANGELES is a community-run, industrial, kosher kitchen where volunteers prepare meals for distribution across Los Angeles to nourish those in need of food OBKLA combats hunger by providing meals, love, unity, and community
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Young Leadership Advisory Council
CAUSE YOSSI SEGELMAN Executive Director
$1 9M
Meets Quarterly COMMITMENT Meaningful Contribution GIVE/GET Human Services
323.651.9915 | yossi@obkla.org obkla.org
REPAIR THE WORLD mobilizes Jews and their communities to take action to pursue a just world, igniting a lifelong commitment to service. We believe service in support of social change is vital to a flourishing Jewish community and an inspired Jewish life. By 2030, Repair will inspire and catalyze 1,000,000 acts of service toward repairing the world.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Los Angeles Advisory Council Committees: Audit & Risk, Development, Finance, Governance, Program Storytelling Task Force
ORG BUDGET
Jewish Engagement, Service Learning
CAUSE SIMCHA SCHWARTZ Regional Director of Development 917.776.4946 | simcha.schwartz@werepair.org werepair.org
COMMITMENT
1-Year Meets Quarterly
$11 5M
GIVE/GET
Meaningful Contribution
ORG BUDGET
SHALOM INSTITUTE facilitates transformative experiences grounded in Jewish values that foster community, cultivate leadership, inspire social action, nurture Jewish tradition and culture, and instill responsibility for the environment
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Committees - Finance and Budget, Development, Audit, Programs and Services, or Sustainability Board of Directors
CAUSE JOEL CHARNICK Chief
Education, Camp, Community Center
COMMITMENT
1-Year (Board Members) 2-Years (Officers) Meets Bi-monthly
$8M
GIVE/GET
$5,000 / Meaningful Contribution
Program Officer
818.889.5500 | joel@shalominstitute.com shalominstitute com
ORG BUDGET
THE BRAID works to create, produce, and preserve diverse, living Jewish stories that empower individuals, inspire community, and build cultural legacy Our vision is a vibrant Jewish future shaped by the power of personal stories that connect us all We believe storytelling is more than performance it’s a catalyst for connection and change
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Fiduciary Board Advisory Council
Newly forming Young Adult Advisory Council Committees - Development/Naming Campaign, Speaker Series, Strategic Planning, Digital Media Distribution
Arts & Culture
CAUSE SHARON LANDAU Managing Director 310 315 1400 | sharon@the-braid org the-braid org
Renewable Meets Quarterly 1 Staff/Leadership Retreat COMMITMENT
$900K
GIVE/GET
Meaningful Contribution
J F E D L A
S
C O M M I T T E E
In the following pages, you will find just a few of the committees that help shape JFEDLA’s lay leadership structure. We encourage you to reach out and start the conversation about getting more involved. Please note that there are limited spots and timing/fit factor into this process.
AD HOC CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
The Committee's mission:
To oversee the drafting and adoption of the proposed amendments to the Bylaws
To oversee the implementation by JFEDLA’s various officers and committees of the various governance proposals
PURPOSE:
Provide oversight to governance revisions and additions approved by the Board of Directors
Alisa Finsten Chief Operating Officer
323.761.8077 | AFinsten@JewishLA.org
BIRTH THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Birth through High School partnerships aim to provide pathways for children and their families to begin lifelong Jewish journeys JFEDLA's BtHS committee members work closely with JFEDLA professionals to evaluate partnerships, guide investment decisions, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of this population in L A
PURPOSE:
Guide JFEDLA's grants and investment decisions for organizations in LA serving families with young children.
Beth Freishtat
Director of Birth Through High School Partnerships
323.761.8346 | BFreishtat@JewishLA.org
CARING FOR JEWS IN NEED COMMITTEE
The Caring for Jews in Need Committee analyzes Jewish community social service needs in L A and Israel and develops high-impact strategies and programs to address them Its core priorities include combating financial instability, providing services to older adults and Holocaust survivors, assisting in promoting self-sufficiency, addressing the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those experiencing mental health challenges
PURPOSE:
Help determine the allocations/investments of the Caring for Jews in Need strategic initiative
Tanaz Golshan
Senior Vice President, Caring for Jews in Need 310.963.1128 | TGolshan@JewishLA.org
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The Community Engagement Committee works to make meaningful connections between the Jewish community and the broader Los Angeles community. CE members are civically engaged and/or have knowledge of current issues facing L.A. civil society including but not limited to public policy, interfaith relations, the nonprofit landscape, social justice issues, as well as an understanding of local/state government structure. Committee members are also knowledgeable about Israel and the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora.
PURPOSE:
To help build bridges of allyship and empathy across the diverse communities of Los Angeles
Joanna Mendelson
Senior Vice President, Community Engagement 323 9761 8233 | JMendelson@JewishLA org
EMERGING PHILANTHROPISTS CAMPAIGN CABINET
The Emerging Philanthropists Campaign Cabinet serves as the leadership committee of the Federation’s EP community donors age 40 and under who make meaningful gifts to JFEDLA. EPCC members help shape engaging experiences that deepen connection to JFEDLA’s mission and to one another. Their work ensures the strength and future of the Federation by expanding support each year among the next generation of Jewish philanthropists.
PURPOSE:
Young Adult Fundraising/Event Planning
David Kazdan
Senior Donor Relations Associate
323.761.8081 | DKazdan@JewishLA.org
HEALTHCARE NETWORK JTECH NETWORK COMMITTEES
Healthcare Network offers a variety of events addressing timely issues and developments within health and medicine, bringing together prominent health professionals from all sectors of this dynamic and innovative field
JTech offers professional opportunities for everybody from CEOs and founders of L A ' s tech ecosystem to up-and-coming entrepreneurs and venture capital professionals We bring people together to network, learn, volunteer, and build community through events and experiences
PURPOSE:
Planning community events and thought partnering on development strategies for each network
Kassie Jeffers
Development Associate
323 761 8327 | KJeffers@JewishLA org
JEWISH CAMPUS LIFE COMMITTEE
The Jewish Campus Life Committee partners with organizations serving undergraduate and graduate students throughout Los Angeles These partnerships ensure that effective, innovative, student-centered, and collaborative Jewish programs are available through a diverse range of experiences on campus Committee members work closely with JFEDLA professionals to evaluate partnerships, guide investment decisions, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of Jewish students in L A
PURPOSE:
The primary purpose of the committee is to guide JFEDLA's grants and investment decisions for organizations in Los Angeles serving Jewish undergraduate and graduate students across L A
Ariela Wallace
Director of NuRoots & Jewish Campus Life Partnerships
323 761 8322 | AWallace@JewishLA org
NUROOTS COMMITTEE
The NuRoots Committee is dedicated to engaging young Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s. We do this by supporting a variety of diverse Jewish organizations and community partners in L.A. that serve this population.
Committee members work closely with JFEDLA professionals to evaluate partnerships, guide investment decisions, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of Jewish young adults in L A
PURPOSE:
The committee guides JFEDLA's grants and investment decisions for organizations in Los Angeles serving young adults in their 20s and 30s
Ariela Wallace
Director of NuRoots & Jewish Campus Life Partnerships
323 761 8322 | AWallace@JewishLA org
SYLVIA WEISZ WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY
Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy (SWWP) is the women ’ s leadership and giving division of JFEDLA Named in honor of Sylvia Weisz, SWWP is a dynamic community of Jewish women committed to tzedakah (charitable giving), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and civic engagement through philanthropy.
Women can get involved in meaningful ways, whether as high impact lay leaders through the Women’s Cabinet or as active participants in inspiring events throughout the year, including the Lion of Judah Luncheon, the Susan S. Pritzker Series, international missions, and more.
Amanda Brock
Vice President of Philanthropy
323.761.8159 | ABrock@JewishLA.org
TOUR DE SUMMER CAMPS EVENT COMMITTEE
Have you been to Jewish summer camp?! Over the past 13 years, Tour de Summer Camps has helped raise over $11.8 million to help give kids transformative Jewish summer camp experiences, making it possible for thousands of children to enjoy the summer of their lives.
PURPOSE:
We have broadened our event into family programming, so that people of all ages can enjoy the magic of TdSC This means increasing involvement from young adults, camp alumni, and those who love camp, to ensure we keep the excitement going!
Richard Rosenbaum Senior Donor Relations Officer
323 761 8157 | RRosenbaum@JewishLA org
J F E D L A
F E S S I O N A L
R O
P
N E T W O R K S
JFEDLA's Professional Networks offer opportunities for networking, learning, volunteering, and building community through curated events and experiences all year long. Read about our Professional Networks in the following section and reach out if you ' re interested in taking your career and philanthropy to the next level.
Entertainment, Media & Communications Network
mmunications Network connects diverse entertainment professionals at all career levels, fostering a spirited community with a shared commitment to philanthropy. Participants give back generously, raise awareness effectively, and use the industry’s power to create meaningful impact. We support the Jewish community locally and internationally through education, speaker events, volunteer programs, and trips to Israel.
For more information, please email Entertainment@JewishLA.org
Finance & Business Professionals Network
JFEDLA’s Finance & Business Professionals Network is a community of leaders and rising professionals across finance, investing, consulting, operations, business development, accounting, and related fields who come together to connect, collaborate, and make an impact.
Through exclusive networking events, industry panels, and philanthropic initiatives, we foster meaningful connections while supporting JFEDLA’s work in Los Angeles and beyond Our events bring together top professionals to build relationships, exchange insights, and engage in opportunities that strengthen both our industries and the Jewish community
Join us and be part of a powerful network driving business success and social impact
For more information, please email Finance@JewishLA.org.
Healthcare Professional Network
JFEDLA’s Healthcare Network is a supportive group of healthcare professionals committed to better lives and a healthier world
We connect professionals in medicine, biotech, public health, mental health, and other related fields We do this through exclusive networking events, industry panel discussions and volunteer opportunities, encouraging connection, learning, and community engagement. We host events with prominent speakers who discuss timely topics and work with local organizations to address important community needs.
For more information, please email Healthcare@JewishLA.org.
Jewish Professional Women
Jewish Professional Women launched in 2024 as a space to build authentic connections, expand your network, and grow both personally and professionally with other women who share your values
What differentiates us from other networking groups is the “J ” Our Jewish identity is at the core of everything we do, adding meaning and depth to each conversation, collaboration, and connection. Through thoughtfully curated events, insightful panels, and inspiring speakers, JPW offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded women, open doors in your career, and engage in philanthropy that strengthens the Jewish community.
For more information, please email JPW@JewishLA.org.
Legal Professional Network
JFEDLA’s Legal Network is a dynamic community of professionals at every career stage, representing litigation, corporate law, law firms, in-house counsel, and more
We come together to network, learn from top industry leaders, and maximize our philanthropic impact Our events offer opportunities to connect with peers and other professional networks, engage in meaningful volunteer work, and earn continuing education credits Join us throughout the year for exclusive programs, including our annual Legal Dinner, where we honor prominent industry and community leaders.
Be part of a dynamic legal community dedicated to making a difference.
For more information, please email Legal@JewishLA.org.
Real Estate & Construction Network
JFEDLA’s Real Estate & Construction (REC) Network is the premier real estate network in Los Angeles We develop long-lasting relationships that often lead to future business opportunities, while supporting the JFEDLA’s critical work of strengthening Jewish Los Angeles
For more information, please email REC@JewishLA.org.
Tech Network
JFEDLA’s Tech Network is a dynamic community of Jewish professionals across the tech industry who come together to connect, collaborate, and make an impact.
From startups to established companies, engineers to executives, product managers to designers, our members represent every sector of the tech ecosystem Through exclusive networking events, industry panels, and volunteer opportunities, we foster meaningful connections and leverage our collective expertise to support the Jewish community in Los Angeles and beyond
Join us and be part of a powerful network using innovation and philanthropy to drive change
For more information, please email JTech@JewishLA.org
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEERING
Brawerman Fellowship Networking Program & Committee
The Brawerman Fellowship is a leadership training program that provides $40,000 in scholarships to college students from L.A. Fellows build leadership skills, while strengthening their connection to Jewish life
We’d love for these promising students to network with JFEDLA leaders like you to help them make connections, build confidence, sharpen interpersonal skills, and receive practical advice The power of one or two phone calls with these students can be profound
The Brawerman Selection Committee collaborates closely with JFEDLA professionals to carefully review finalists' applications (up to four hours) and engage in interviews (up to eight hours) held over two consecutive evenings in mid-April. Although this committee operates on a short-term basis, it presents a valuable opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Julie Beren Platt Teen Innovation Grants Mentor Program
Teen Innovation Grants (TIG) aim to empower Jewish teens to create positive change in their communities Through this initiative, teens can receive up to $1,000 in funding for innovative projects, along with mentorship and resources These grants encourage young leaders to develop and implement their ideas, fostering creativity and community engagement
We are looking for volunteers who will mentor these high school students to help their ideas come to fruition. The program runs from November 2025 - June 2026.
For more information, please email Orly Frank, Senior Program Director,
Upcoming Programs
CLI Alumni Texts, Wisdom, and Leadership with Rabbi Daniel Sher
Wednesday, July 30th
7:00 - 8:30 PM Mid-City
Join us for an inspiring session of Jewish learning on leadership with the incredible Rabbi Daniel Sher. Together, we’ll dive into timeless Jewish texts, uncover powerful insights, and explore what it means to lead with purpose. This learning experience promises rich discussion, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connection. Don’t miss this chance to learn with one of the most thoughtful and engaging educators around!
CLI Alumni Picnic in the Park
Sunday, August 24th
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Mid-City
Get ready for one of our favorite traditions the CLI Annual Potluck Picnic! Join us for a relaxed and joyful afternoon of good food, great company, and community bonding. Bring your favorite dish to share. Come alone or with the whole family! This is a perfect chance to reconnect with CLI alumni, meet new faces, and enjoy some sunshine and community spirit.
Tour de Summer Camps
Sunday, October 26th
Over the last 13 years, Tour de Summer Camps has raised over $11.8 million helping thousands of children attend Jewish summer camps. Join us in our mission to provide more kids with the opportunity to create lifelong friendships and memories at Jewish summer camp
EP & Professional Networks Hanukkah Party
Thursday, December 11th
7:00 - 9:00 PM Location TBD
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