Samantha Abramson, executive director of the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center, has been named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, a recognition honoring emerging leaders making a significant impact on the region.
Abramson, who has led HERC since 2022, was selected for her work expanding Holocaust education across Wisconsin and strengthening public understanding of the dangers of antisemitism.
Under Abramson’s leadership, HERC has significantly widened its statewide reach, providing Holocaust education to more than 263,000 students and training upward of 1,500 teachers. The center, a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, develops educational programs grounded in historical accuracy and geared toward helping young people understand the consequences of unchecked hatred. Its work has taken on heightened visibility amid rising antisemitism nationally, and Abramson has been a leading advocate for ensuring Wisconsin classrooms have access to high‑quality resources.
Abramson, a Milwaukee native, came to HERC with more than a decade of experience in museums and nonprofit organizations. She holds a master’s degree in museum studies from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Minnesota, where she also studied Jewish studies, Spanish and English literature. Her career has included roles with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, the new Capital Jewish Museum, Jewish Heritage North Carolina and Jewish Museum Milwaukee. She has long focused on connecting diverse audiences with history as a catalyst for social responsibility.
In 2023–24, Abramson served as co‑curator of Jewish Museum Milwaukee’s “Violins of Hope” exhibition, which brought restored instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust to Milwaukee. The exhibit drew wide public engagement and deepened community understanding of Holocaust history through personal stories and live performances. Federation leaders said the project reflected Abramson’s commitment to presenting difficult history in accessible and meaningful ways.
Colleagues at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation — which nominated Abramson for the award — praised her leadership, strategic clarity and steady public presence at a time when educators, parents and community institutions are demanding more Holocaust education. The Business Journal honor recognizes professionals under age 40 across industries who demonstrate leadership, achievement and potential for continued contributions to southeastern Wisconsin.
The 40 Under 40 honorees will be recognized at a March 11 event at the Baird Center in Milwaukee.
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