I grew up Jewish, but for much of my early life, I didn’t feel a  personal connection to my heritage. That all began to change when my son was born. Our babysitter at the time was the  cantor's wife, and I made a promise to them that I would raise my son Jewish. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what that meant. I knew the traditions, the holidays, and the culture, but the personal and communal connection felt distant. That promise was the beginning of a journey that has brought me closer than ever to my faith, my community, and the Jewish Federation of San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.

When we moved to California in 2016, I enrolled my son in Sunday school at Temple Sinai. I was immediately welcomed by a warm, vibrant community, and as my son grew, celebrating his Bar Mitzvah and participating in youth programs, I saw firsthand the transformative power of Jewish education and engagement. But I also remembered my own early years: the sense of distance I felt from my heritage, and how easily a connection to community can be lost without the right opportunities. That memory is central to why I am now proud to serve on the board of our Jewish Federation.

Joining the board has given me the chance to meet incredible people all committed to the same mission: strengthening Jewish life in our region and ensuring the continuity of our traditions for future generations. My personal goal is to help others find the same sense of belonging and purpose that I discovered later in life, whether you are affiliated or not with a Temple. Our Jewish Federation provides the programs and resources that make these connections possible, from PJ Library to summer camps, Jewish events, and educational initiatives. These programs are more than activities, they are the lifeblood of our community, helping Jewish children grow up with pride, knowledge, and a sense of shared identity.

The work of our Jewish Federation has also been deeply personal for my family. As a Jewish student, my son has experienced antisemitism, and these incidents have been painful for both of us. With the support of Jason and the Jewish Federation, we have worked to address these challenges within our school district, making meaningful changes to policies and programs, and helping my son feel safe and empowered to stand up for himself and others. This is our Jewish Federation in action.

Another aspect of our Jewish Federation I deeply value is how it fosters connections across faiths and communities. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, our Jewish Federation encourages dialogue, understanding, and shared action, creating bridges between communities and promoting a more inclusive society.

Being on the board is both an honor and a responsibility. Every time I see a child’s face light up at a PJ Library event, a teen grows in confidence at camp, or a family feel supported during difficult times, I am reminded of why our Jewish Federation matters. It’s about connection, continuity, and community and it is why I am proud to be part of this remarkable organization.

My journey with the Jewish Federation of San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys has come full circle: from a young mother unsure of what it meant to raise her son Jewish, to a board member committed to connecting, educating, and empowering our community. Our Jewish Federation has given me roots, relationships, and purpose, and I am deeply grateful to be able to give back, ensuring that the richness of Jewish life continues to thrive for generations to come.