In 2010, Beth Kaplan Liss decided to take her passion for philanthropy to a national level, and was selected to join the ranks of Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet. When Liss joined the group, she joined the ranks of 300 men and women, ages 30 to 45, all with impressive resumes and a strong desire to change the world for the better.
Three years later, Liss continues to pursue her passion to help others, and was recently selected from a number of candidates as the Cabinet’s education and leadership development vice co-chair for 2013-14, along with Daren Sukonick of Toronto.
Liss will lead the Cabinet Retreat, bringing her own experience in the education field to Cabinet members, teaching them about Jewish Federation’s work, and creating leadership development opportunities throughout the year.
“I have had so many incredible chances to learn and grow from my own time on Cabinet … it’s thrilling to be able to reach out to others and give them the tools and information they need to create their own meaningful experiences — in Cabinet, and in their own Jewish communities across the U.S. and Canada,” Liss said.
“National Young Leadership Cabinet is the premier leadership and philanthropic program within the Jewish Federation system. Cabinet members come from all over North America, and all share the same commitment to shaping a bright future for the Jewish people in North America, Israel and around the globe. It’s no surprise that Beth has been chosen as not only a Cabinet member, but also a leader within that group,” said Todd Stettner, executive vice president and CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
“We’ve been so lucky to have Beth as an active Jewish Federation volunteer, locally as a board member, and nationally as a Cabinet member,” said Miriam Scharf, Jewish Federation president. “Her passion is contagious. We now have two other wonderful Kansas City women — Sarah Beren and Michelle Goldsmith — who are National Cabinet members as well, thanks, in part to Beth sharing her experiences with them.”
According to JFNA, Cabinet members and alumni are among today’s leaders in virtually every Jewish community in North America. What’s more, they are bringing back what they learn to serve as advocates and activists in their own communities.
Kansas City is no different. In addition to Liss’ position as a Jewish Federation board member, she sits on three sub-committees: marketing, engagement and leadership development, and Israel and overseas. She is a member of the Women’s Division Board, and is co-chair of the Women’s Division Lion of Judah division. She is also co-chair of Israel Together, a new Israel mission under development by Liss, co-chair Tracy Shafton, and a committee of six other women — all of whom attended JFNA’s Tribefest Conference together in 2012.
“Many current Jewish Federation leaders in Kansas City got their start as National Young Leadership Cabinet members. I encourage others in our community to learn more about it,” said Scharf.
“National Young Leadership Cabinet has had a profound impact on my life. In addition to helping me develop my own leadership path, it’s been a journey that builds deep and lifelong friendships. I now have friends all over North America who share my passion for Jewish life…they’re my chevre,” said Liss.
For more information about joining National Young Leadership Cabinet, please contact Vicky Kulikov, development associate, , 913-327-8112.