2023 Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Jews of Color Initiative

Moving Towards Collective Change

Over the past year, whether through community education, research, or leading training sessions in predominantly white institutions, we have developed new strategies to advance the Jewish communal ecosystem’s commitment to racial equity. Change in this area does not occur passively; rather, by actively mobilizing efforts to center the leadership of Jews of Color, we are closer to realizing a Jewish communal ecosystem that reflects the multiracial reality of American Jews.

This Year in Grantmaking

In fiscal year 2022–2023, the JoCI granted $735,825 to 45 projects across 36 unique organizations, including, for the first time, multi-year grants for three organizations. We also established a Philanthropy Fellowship and hired three fellows: Santy Barrera, Ilana Ybgi, and Maya Katz-Ali.

Embracing Growth and Impact: My Journey as a JoCI Fellow at Hofstra Hillel

As a Jews of Color Initiative Fellow at Hofstra Hillel, I immersed myself in a dynamic environment and collaborated with passionate individuals to contribute to projects that engaged students. Through my journey, I encountered challenges, learned valuable lessons, and formed lifelong connections.

A New Era of Leadership: Community and Solidarity at the 2023 Leaders Convening

The JoCI 2023 Leaders Convening was a groundbreaking and inspiring event. It marked a significant moment in the field, and created unprecedented opportunity for connection, collaboration, and celebration among executive-level JoC leaders.

Leave No Part of Yourself at the Door: Yolanda Savage-Narva on Community Transformation

Her firsthand knowledge of the way being heard and received with empathy can impact change has shaped Savage-Narva’s current work with the URJ, where she leads internal and external consulting efforts that promote racially equitable and diverse communities. “One of the things I really try hard to do, is to meet people where they are in their journey, and understand that people are coming from so many different places and bringing their experiences, biases, and baggage,” said Savage-Narva.

Connection, Belonging and Visibility: The LUNAR Collective

“I think those are the three things that we really would like to address for Asian Jews: connection that comes with Jewish learning events, finding belonging in Judaism in a way that feels good, safe, and comfortable, and which also meets you where you are in terms of your Judaism, but also in terms of your Asianness,” said Chishti. “How can we reinvigorate rituals and Jewish texts and history to accommodate your cultures and your identities?”

Myrna Melgar: Walking in Different Worlds

When she decided to run for Board of Supervisors in District 7, which encompasses many neighborhoods in Western San Francisco, some of her colleagues expressed doubt.“It’s a conservative district. You’re too progressive. You have no chance,” Melgar recalled being told. “And I was like, I’m used to walking in different worlds. I’m Jewish, I’m Latina, I’m an immigrant. I’m so many different things. My synagogue is in this district. My kids all went to school in this district. I know all the PTA moms and all the soccer moms. I walk in different universes and I think that gave me that ability to just talk to different people, and connect with them.”

Mentorship Worth Its Weight in Gold: The Leaders Behind The Workshop

Pinkney’s time in the JoCI Incubator was one of several crucial mentorship experiences that helped him define his vision for The Workshop. “I want to speak to one thing that has made all the difference in my life. And that is mentorship,” said Pinkney. “It is worth its weight in gold. I cannot emphasize it enough.” Pinkney described a “theory of mentorship” that has formed over the years: a diverse array of mentors, those who provide support financially, emotionally, or career-wise, is crucial in developing the skillset and network necessary to realize a mission, or achieve professional goals, especially as individuals with marginalized identities.

Democratized Storytelling: Asian Jewish Stories Take Center Stage

The Braid, a Jewish story company formerly known as Jewish Women’s Theatre, aims to democratize storytelling. We spoke with David Chiu, The Braid’s marketing and communications manager, who is working with a team of creatives to bring Asian Jewish stories to the stage.

Three Philanthropy Fellows Join Team JoCI

The Jews of Color Initiative is excited to announce our inaugural cohort of Philanthropy Fellows, Santy Barrera, Ilana Ybgi, and Maya Katz-Ali. Over the next twelve months, these Fellows will work closely with the JoCI Grants team to learn how to leverage grantmaking, field building strategies, and other philanthropic tools to advance a racial-equity framework.