"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead.

 

This plaque hangs in my kitchen and I live by those words. Whether as an individual lobbying for a Kosher lounge for families of patients, to working with large organizations trying to save the future of disenfranchised youth, to collecting food and PPE's for 'front line' workers, I try to remain focused on the desired outcome in order to continue the journey. It is personally energizing to involve myself in initiating and supporting change in my community and as far beyond that as I can reach.

 

 I don't believe there was ever a time in my life when I wasn't either influenced by a positive change agent or personally involved in effecting change on some level, from organizing 'Save Soviet Jewry' rallies in high school, to taking on small and large organizational and personal projects including organizing our shul's first Chevra Kadisha, chairing dinners and events for multiple organizations, initiating the 'Shabbos room' and 'Kosher lounge' project at Holy Name Medical Center and others. Living in a smaller 'out of town' Jewish community, I observed my mother working tirelessly for multiple organizations, both in leadership and support roles and initiating chesed and tzedakah campaigns on a personal, discrete level for those in need.