Leadership Spotlights

Start with one thing. One person. One idea. Inclusion can feel overwhelming, but real change almost always starts small—and you never know where it will lead.

Listen deeply and discern what’s truly needed. You don’t have to have all the answers right away, stay curious.

Lead with your values and treasure those around you—we are all in this together.

"I was so fortunate to have such a dedicated group of lay leaders to walk with me on my journey as Board Chair."

I want people across Baltimore to say: Na’aleh is where I go to grow as a leader. Na’aleh helps me find meaning in service. Na’aleh gives me the tools—and the community—to lead with purpose.

Leadership is not something you are simply born with—it’s something you develop, refine, and strengthen over time.

Professional development is an essential part of my journey because it allows me to learn from the diverse perspectives and experiences of other professionals.

"Leaders are not on an island, find a mentor for guidance, advice, and support"

“I came to understand that everyone is coming from a perspective that I can never fully grasp.”

"My drive and passion for being a Jewish professional is about understanding, compassion and meeting people where they are so they can continue to find their own Jewish Journey."

"Being a leader isn’t about being up front all the time and being visible all the time…it’s so much more about who follows and how you get them to follow…"

When you start an undertaking, there’s a sense that you may not achieve it.  People will come and encourage you.  But that’s not the same as someone sitting down with you and asking what’s the plan.

Brittni’s commitment to fostering healthy relationships, boundaries, and consent, emphasizing the power of empathy, education, and understanding in creating a better, more compassionate world.

"Demonstrating passion for one's work not only inspires others but also compels them to seek active involvement."

"...I really felt that joining the AFP was a lifeline. It gave me the opportunity to think about how I wanted to lead, to fine-tune and develop leadership skills, and gave me seasoned mentors to help me work through challenges."

"Everyone has a place."

"As long as tikkun olam and tzedakah continue to be my spiritual tenets, I will always continue to evolve. It’s about all of the aspects of my intersectional identity and making sure they are all cared for.”

“It’s not all about growth. It is about staying centered on core identity, when facing lots of options."

"I think that people are hungry for coming together, and I think they want to do it in their Jewish world. The more we can look out, talk with people and really listen to what they are asking for, I think the more creative we can get in building opportunities for connection."

"Family is very important to me. I enjoy my down time with my family. We like to sing together. Shabbos is always a treat, with the ability simply to be able to be together."

“As the person in charge, I am up for taking charge. Also, I have compassion for the people who are struggling to find the answers to these challenges and are not finding them elsewhere.”

“There is so much to learn from people here and around each of us…that is something that has profoundly changed me. The Mishna tells you that silence is essential, and in coming to America, I could experience this for the first time.”

"Feel the passion and direct it into curiosity, then build those trusting relationships that can allow you to ask the questions, to be a learner, to be a person who can then step into roles of leadership and be OK making mistakes and being challenged.”

“The remarkable part of the Baltimore queer Jewish community is the collaboration between all the Jewish organizations.  It is not uncommon to have eight to twelve organizations co-sponsoring an event,” observes Marc.

"Working together, focusing on programs like this that foster discourse, build empathy within communities and encourage participation."

"You need to walk before you can run, and you need to know where you are and what you can get done."

“Never give up! Although life may seem hopeless right now, there will be a time when there is joy and community.”

"My feeling is (that) I’m not a finished product, which means (one) can improve and here’s an opportunity for me to get involved in a leadership program…why not?"

“It’s all about relationship building and connection. We are identifying young lay leaders, providing them with tools and skills to be great lay leaders at our various agencies.”

“I knew I wanted to be doing racial justice work, and as a white Jewish woman in Baltimore, I wasn't sure what role I would be able to find where I wasn't like being a white savior and like going into communities of color and trying to solve their problems.”

There is no greater reward than working with the community, to refocus from most selfish self to gain the best rewards to listen to the stillness, especially as uttered by the still small voice of those we encounter.