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By the time she was a young girl, Ronnie Footlick knew that being Jewish meant responsibility. Her grandfather would often sit her down and tell her stories about her family history – having arrived in the country as Russian immigrants. “It’s the age-old tale of […]

Debbie Lubliner, a physical therapist at MedStar in Baltimore, grew up in Pikesville. After graduating high school, Debbie left for Washington University in St. Louis to begin a long academic career which included an advanced degree in physical therapy from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. Yet […]

In 2015 I was at my worst. I was tired, depressed and I wanted to stay in bed all the time. I remember having my mother visit for Thanksgiving and I didn’t even want to get up and cook the meal I typically would have […]

For Melanie Shapiro, change is a constant in her life. As director of Juvenile Justice Policy for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Melanie is an advocate for change (and sometimes for stability, ensuring policies remain unchanged). Today, Melanie’s involvement spreads beyond her professional […]

Baltimore born and bred, Michele Shermak M.D. is a Pikesville High graduate who grew up in “21208.” Michele currently lives in Roland Park with her husband, Howard Sobkov and two college-age sons, Sam (19) and Max (18). Michele earned her undergraduate degree from Franklin and […]

For the past 13 years, Elise Rubenstein has been making a difference as a member of the Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation (JWGF), a giving circle that empowers women to make funding decisions for programs that affect women and girls. She’s played a major role in […]

My friend, the parent of a first grader, knew what to expect when she attended an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting at her daughter’s school. A team of school staff would discuss her daughter’s progress and update her on any additional plans. What she wasn’t […]

“I felt there was something missing in the community for active women, who had worked all their life and now have free time to give back and make a statement,” says Rosenzwog. That was when she approached Associated Women, and working with Michele Lax, Associated […]

Cindy Kasner, a native Baltimorean, always knew she wanted to raise her family not far from where she grew up. She and her husband, Harvey, whom she met while attending optometry school in Philadelphia, believe that it is easier to connect to Judaism when living […]

Since Lauren Shaivitz and Lisa Budlow recently took over the helm at CHANA and CHAI respectfully, these two dynamic women are continuing the legacy of their predecessors while providing their own ideas on how to propel their organizations forward. Yet already these two dynamic women […]