Meet the New Faces Around the Na’aleh Table
Allison Magat
What inspired you to join the Na’aleh Board?
I am energized by lay leaders and professionals who are focused on finding the best way to lead our vibrant and diverse Jewish community and its organizations. When leaders take time from “leading” and devote time to thinking about how we are leading, the community benefits tremendously.
What excites you most about Na’aleh’s mission?
A community that focuses on developing and inspiring leaders is critically important as people and organizations become more polarized. Just knowing that other organizations are focused on developing their leaders helps us all realize that we are rowing in the same direction.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
Everyone should have a voice in the conversation, but not everyone needs to “buy in”. We will never have full consensus, but no one should feel that their voice was excluded from the conversation.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I plan my outfits for the week on Sundays so I never struggle in the morning to decide what to wear.
Finish this sentence: “Leadership is…” Not for the faint of heart!
Maureen Walsh David
What inspired you to join the Na’aleh Board?
I benefited so much from learning how to lead with vision through a Jewish lens starting with the Shoshana Cardin Leadership Institute pilot, then Acharai Cohort VII and continuing with Na’aleh programs. I want to use what I’ve learned to give back to the community.
What excites you most about Na’aleh’s mission?
Inspiring our leaders to incorporate Jewish values into their leadership journey
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
Build a team with strengths that complement each other and delegate, delegate, delegate….
What’s one fun fact about you?
I won a Maryland State Fair President’s Award for knitting a baby sheep hat.
Finish this sentence: “Leadership is…” walking a path that inspires others to follow
Joey Fink
What inspired you to join the Na’aleh Board?
I was inspired first and foremost by the people of Na’aleh—the leadership team and the board members.
What excites you most about Na’aleh’s mission?
Na’aleh creates pathways for people who may not immediately see themselves as traditional leaders. I want to be a part of a community that recognizes that leadership doesn’t have to look one way, and that there is tremendous value in helping people discover their own capacity to lead.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
The best leadership advice I’ve received is that you don’t have to be at the front of the room to be a leader. Leadership isn’t about having the title, the loudest voice, or the final say—it’s about recognizing the ways you can use your strengths and influence to make a difference.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I own over 130 bow ties.
Finish this sentence: “Leadership is less about having the answers and more about asking the right questions.”
Esther Greenberg
What inspired you to join the Na’aleh Board?
I joined the Board to help ensure Na’aleh continues to maximize its impact on Jewish communal professionals and volunteers throughout Baltimore. And even more importantly—because Randi B. asked me!
What excites you most about Na’aleh’s mission?
Na’aleh’s mission reflects a shared commitment to the success of both Jewish communal professionals and volunteers. I believe the mission is relevant and valuable for nonprofits of all sizes.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from Barak Hermann, former CEO of the JCC is that “people support what they help create.” Involving people early and giving them ownership is one of the most effective ways to build commitment and achieve success.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I’m an avid podcast listener, especially when it comes to politics, Israel, and history.
Finish this sentence: “Leadership is…” Leadership is inspiring people to work together toward a shared vision.
Mike Fuld
What inspired you to join the Na’aleh Board?
I’m passionate about cultivating strong lay and professional leadership across our community. Na’aleh is uniquely positioned to identify, nurture, and support diverse, talented leaders who will drive meaningful impact for years to come.
What excites you most about Na’aleh’s mission?
Across The Associated’s interconnected network, Na’aleh stands out as a dedicated investment in our people. I’m excited by its mission to support both professionals and lay leaders so they can find continuous growth and fulfillment in strengthening our Jewish community.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
Decisions are made by the people who show up. True leadership starts with showing up consistently—bringing your voice, your time, and your perspective to the table.
What’s one fun fact about you?
We made an intentional choice to raise our family in downtown Baltimore City rather than the suburbs. We love the walkability, the diversity, and the strong neighborhood bonds—especially the daily rhythm of seeing and catching up with neighbors every morning as we walk our kids to our local public school.
Finish this sentence: “Leadership is…” The willingness to take thoughtful risks without the fear of failure, because that is the only way we truly grow and advance our community.”
Sarah Machlis
What excites you most about Na’aleh’s mission?
I’m excited by the idea that strong communities start with people who feel connected, supported, and confident in their ability to lead. I love that Na’aleh creates space for people to learn from one another and grow together as leaders, especially during a time when strong leadership matters more than ever.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
You don’t have to be the oldest or most experienced person in the room to have something valuable to contribute. I’ve learned that professional presence is less about proving you belong and more about showing up with confidence, being thoughtful, and trusting the perspective you bring.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I take my reality TV opinions way too seriously. I genuinely think I’d be great at Survivor, as long as you ignore the surviving part.
Finish this sentence: “Leadership is…”
Leadership is making people feel like they have a place at the table and that what they bring to it matters.