Milwaukee Jewish Federation has launched a new Business and Professional Network, to engage people in the community.
“The purpose of our program is to open up another engagement opportunity for the community and bring some of their professional lives into their Jewish lives and some of their Jewish lives into their professional lives,” said Sarah Hendrix, associate director of affinity groups and corporate sponsorship for the Federation.
A “Hike and Hot Toddies” event on Sunday, Nov. 7, served as a soft launch of the Network. The nascent group gathered at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, where Moshe Katz gave a short talk on nature and community, followed by a 35-minute hike to Lake Michigan and back. Hikers were given questions to discuss and encouraged to chat with someone they hadn’t met.
Following the hike, dozens gathered at Rodd and Andrea Schneider’s backyard for a light breakfast, coffee, and hot toddies that were provided by Eric Zall. Mark Goldstein led the group in a Jewish learning moment. Marty Brooks, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Center District, and Federation president and CEO Miryam Rosenzweig, both spoke briefly. The event was chaired by Mark and Stephanie Goldstein and Rodd and Andrea Schneider.
“The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and we had a really great time,” Mark Goldstein said. “The Business and Professional Network is intended to bring Jewish professionals in Milwaukee together, and we’re excited about all that’s in the works.”
How to get involved
A Business and Professional Network Task Force is making plans for the group. It is comprised of Charles Bley, Marty Brooks, Betty Chrustowski, David Coran, Judy Coran, Mark Goldstein, Moshe Katz, Andy Komisar, Steven Meyerson, Ron Miller, Mitch Moser, Sharyl Paley, David Werner, and Yoni Zvi.
“I’m excited about the creation of a BPN in Milwaukee. It’s a great opportunity for professionals to meet and network, both supporting the Jewish community and building our careers,” Schneider said.
The Business and Professional Network will serve as an umbrella for four divisions. One is the Maimonides division for healthcare professionals, and the other is the Cardozo group for legal professionals; both already exist. The plan is to create and add a real estate division and a finance and general business division, Hendrix said.
There will be leadership opportunities. There will be a Business and Professional Network chair and vice chairs for each division.
“We are only as good as our lay leadership and need your support to create a successful program,” Hendrix said. “Please let me know if you are interested in serving in a leadership role or on a committee to help us get this program going.”
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Business and Professional Network
If you are interested in learning more about the new Business and Professional Network, contact Sarah Hendrix at 262-914-6076 or SarahH@MilwaukeeJewish.org.