What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A weakness is a strength overdone. I suppose that's wisdom rather than advice but it has become an essential lens for how I relate to others and work to better myself.

What is something you have accomplished as an adult that your younger self would be proud of?

Developed a love of (amateur-level) stand-up paddleboarding and hiking.

View Ilana's full bio.

What does a “great place to work” mean to you?

A place where each individual is valued for their contributions and welcomed to contribute ideas that can make our work better. Anywhere that fosters mind-share in their employees.

What’s your favorite place to travel?

Anywhere where I can be outside enjoying the beauty and quiet of nature.

View Laura's full bio.

What’s your favorite place to travel?

Any baseball ballpark, especially when the Mets (or an affiliate) are playing! There's nothing better than a warm (not too hot) summer afternoon or evening and immersing oneself in a ball game.

If you could take a week off from your regular life to immerse yourself in learning something new, what would it be?

I've always wanted to travel to Spain and visit places Maimonides lived and worked to learn more about his life and how it affected his work.

View Steven's full bio.

What’s something you’re excited about right now?

Supporting the development of the four-year strategic roadmap for our newly merged organization. Strategic planning is my jam, and facilitating the stakeholder input process provides an amazing opportunity to hear from folks both inside and outside of Leading Edge about their ideas, hopes, and dreams for a strong and vibrant Jewish nonprofit sector.

If you could take a week off from your regular life to immerse yourself in learning something new, what would it be?

In May, I'll have the opportunity to travel to Israel for the first time through the Mandel Executive Leadership Program. Now more than ever, it feels essential to me as a senior professional in the Jewish nonprofit community to experience Israel first-hand. I'm sure that just a week will leave me with far more questions than answers, but I am so excited to discover what unexpected learnings await me.

View Deirdre's full bio.

What is something you have accomplished as an adult that your younger self would be proud of?

My younger self would be super proud of the family I've created. Young Marisa would be surprised to learn that I'm a longtime Jewish communal professional and that I live in Florida, but she would be so happy to hear about her amazing family, including two wonderful daughters, and that they get to grow up around the corner from their grandparents. It's truly the best ever!

What’s something you’re excited about right now?

Professionally, I'm super excited about our upcoming conference, Leading Edge Presents JPro25 in partnership with Jewish Federations of North America. Believe it or not, I can even say the full name five times fast. I was extremely inspired and energized following the conference in 2022, and I am eager to be together with so many colleagues and friends this May. I'm especially looking forward to being back in Baltimore, as it is a city that my family and I called home for many years.

View Marisa's full bio.

What are you looking forward to most about joining Leading Edge?

I'm looking forward to joining a team of such inspiring, talented colleagues. Everyone at Leading Edge brings a unique perspective to their work, and we are all focused on making the Jewish communal sector a place where professionals can grow and thrive.

What’s your “dance like nobody’s watching” song?

Anything by Prince, but especially Let's Go Crazy!

View Kristi's full bio.

What does a “great place to work” mean to you?

My idea of a “great place to work” is a collaborative and respectful environment, where everyone works hard, but where time is made for fun and laughter too. It's a place where open communication is valued, and the mission is something that other employees and I believe in.

If you could take a week off from your regular life to immerse yourself in learning something new, what would it be?

If I had a whole week to learn something new I would take up the banjo! I never learned to play an instrument. A banjo is small enough to be taken anywhere, and I love the energy and smiles its sound can bring. But I suppose the first step would be to learn how to read music!

View Elana's full bio.

What does a “great place to work” mean to you?

Culture, people and job responsibilities all matter to me in a workplace. I value having a fun, authentic, mission-driven, compassionate culture made up of kind and talented people, so when work is stressful, I am buoyed and inspired by the culture and the people that comprise it.

What's one thing that can instantly make your day better?

An unexpected phone call from one of our adult kids.

View Laura's full bio.