To kick off 2019, we wanted to take moment to re-introduce our WP professional team. While we’ve seen many of you at events — and work with several of you on a regular basis — we wanted to share more about ourselves and what drives us in our daily work with Women’s Philanthropy. Thanks for reading and we look forward to what’s to come in the new year!
Throughout her many years of working in the Jewish community across the country, Dani Weinstein always knew of CJP’s reputation for pushing the envelope in the Jewish Federation movement.
So, when an opportunity to join CJP came up in 2011, she jumped at the chance to “be a part of a community that embraced innovation and risk taking, all while built on a solid historical foundation. There is something special about the Boston community that hasn’t compared to other cities I’ve lived in.”
Dani, CJP’s Associate Vice President, Women’s Philanthropy & Young Adults, says she is constantly inspired by the energy of the WP community.
“We ask women who are working traditional 9-5 jobs, starting new entrepreneurial ventures, CEO’s of their homes, and everything in between, to take on something else, for someone else — and we are always met with passion and enthusiasm,” she says. “The kindness, curiosity, and dedication that exudes from women of all backgrounds encourages me to try harder.”
Outside of work, Dani usually has her face buried in a book, or can be found binging the latest show on Netflix.
“I am fascinated by the creative side of others through writing, art, film, music — largely because I wish I had an artistic side…but that gene definitely did not make it to me!”
Dani oversees the WP Executive Board, the International Lion of Judah Delegation, Young Women's programming, and overall philanthropic strategy across CJP's WP and YA populations. She also manages a portfolio of donors.
Chelsea Friedman was drawn to CJP in December 2015 because of its mission to build and strengthen communities, help those in need, advocate for Israel, and work to ensure a vibrant Jewish future.
“CJP has been an amazing organization to work for and has helped make Boston feel like home,” she says. “And CJP has the best lay leaders! I love working with our WP volunteers on events and programs that are meaningful, impactful, inclusive, and ultimately successful. The relationships I have been able to build through WP have been incredible and I have learned so much from my colleagues and leaders in the community.”
Chelsea serves as a Senior Development Officer, working between the Women’s Philanthropy and Leadership Giving teams.
Outside of work, Chelsea and her husband love to travel, and explore new cities, beaches, mountains, and cuisines. A fun fact about Chelsea: She has climbed to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world!
Chelsea oversees the Lion of Judah Luncheon, the Annual Pomegranate Society & Friends Event, and manages a portfolio of donors.
After starting off in CJP’s Missions Department in 2015, Judith Forman shifted to WP in 2016 as Associate Director. A former newspaper reporter, Judith says her favorite part of her job is interacting with so many smart, thoughtful WP women.
“It’s incredible what can happen when we pool our collective WP resources and talents,” she says. “I love helping to effect change by helping to convene our community to learn, share, and give.”
When she’s not at work, Judith enjoys spending time with her 5-year-old daughter, cooking, taking a barre class or going for a run, and sharing her love for Whole30 with the world.
Judith oversees the WP Leadership Development Series, the WP Sponsorship program, WP News, our work on the North Shore, and From Our Kitchens WP cookbook project.
Jillian Levine, WP’s Development Officer, started working for CJP in September 2018 “because she wanted her work to make a bigger impact.” She trusted CJP as a leading nonprofit and admired its breadth of knowledge and innovation to solving challenging issues facing Bostonians and people all over the world.
“I am inspired by the relentless passion and dedication of our volunteers,” Jillian says.
“Where many would have given up, our volunteers continue to strive for the best. Their stamina motivates me to keep working harder to provide a better future for others.”
Outside of the office, you can find Jillian experimenting in the kitchen or harvesting veggies from her garden in the summer. On weekends, she enjoys going for a hike with her dogs, sweating it out in hot yoga, or becoming engrossed in a good play. Jillian loves to travel and learn about different cultures. Next up on her list to visit are Japan and Taiwan.
Jillian oversees our WORDS program, our Israel In Depth Series, Tzedek Committee, our soon to be announced WP Tzedek Domestic Mission, and our Women Business Leaders program.
Deborah Greene joined the WP team in June 2018 as our Assistant, after graduating from Tufts University. “I’ve always had the desire to give back to the Jewish community,” she says. “Throughout college, CJP had a huge presence in my Jewish experience and I couldn’t think of a better way to ensure that others can benefit in similar ways than by working for this wonderful organization!”
Outside of work, you can find Deborah dancing professionally with The Dance Complex and baking. Next time you see her, ask Deborah about the cupcake company she started when she was 15.
Deborah oversees our Hands-On Philanthropy Event/Caring programming, our Annual Kickoff, and manages the team’s behind-the-scenes work.