“Everyone has a place.”
Sarah Machlis
Development Associate for the Young Adult Division (YAD) at The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore
Since graduating college during the pandemic, the last 2 years of which were on Zoom, Sarah was looking forward to building community. A transplant from New York, Sarah joined The Associated about a year and half ago, as a Development Associate.
Development is all about fundraising and inspiring community leadership. Sarah works closely with Ali Duhan in young adult engagement, developing programing and points of contact for adults 22-39, who may be new to Baltimore or are just looking to connect.
Sarah always envisioned a career path in the non-profit world and is thrilled to be working with young rising leaders in the community, championing them as they navigate their own leadership journeys: “I get to learn from others and see what they want to get out of being involved. I get to form communities based on people’s passions and that brings a lot of comfort and joy. Everyone has a place.”
While she’s been getting to know the community through one-on-one coffee dates, YAD has also been establishing regular group get-togethers: “the thing about YA is that it’s so flexible – if it makes sense, we can do it!”
“Collectives” are kicking off in November – a new initiative with three different areas of interest for peers to gather and try new things. One for Foodies, one for VOLO Kickball and other sports and activities, and an Arts and Culture for those who may want to explore their creative side with flower arranging or pottery painting. YAD also hosts Shabbat dinners in partnership with Pearlstone once a month, generously hosted by various volunteers in their own homes, and is planning the annual Generosity Gala on February 4th, 2023.
Sarah’s been getting used to working in a hybrid environment; she’s had to establish relationships with colleagues virtually. “I wished I was in an office, working with people. Working in person is so effective, and I learn so much from those around me”.
Sarah was involved is USY and CHABAD in high school and college, and is now a DFI Freidman Fellow with Na’aleh: The Hub for Leadership Learning. She loves that there’s investment in the up-and-coming leaders of the community and hopes to get a non-profit development certification with her Fellowship.
(For more info on joining a YAD event, Sarah can be reached here.)