“It’s not just about Jewish Baltimore,” she says. “I have been in different countries and met people who are somehow connected to Jewish Baltimore, which is the most fun version of Jewish geography I’ve ever played.”

She remembers one such experience from a trip to Germany, when she met someone whose roommate had grown up in Baltimore. “They had come to Beth El Congregation for services, which is where I’m a member.”

3. She’s Finding Her Place in Jewish Baltimore

Kathleen’s connection to The Associated began several years ago through friends who were involved in different parts of the organization. One of those friends, Sarah David, encouraged her to apply for the Young Leadership Council (YLC) Class of 2027. The two had met a few years earlier and quickly connected over their shared passion for advocating for women and working to prevent violence against women.

Now a member of the YLC Class of 2027, Kathleen has enjoyed getting a deeper look at the work happening across The Associated network. One of her favorite sessions focused on the allocations process, where the cohort broke into smaller groups and was asked to determine how they would distribute a hypothetical pot of funds across different programs. Each group took a different approach, leading to thoughtful conversations about priorities and the decisions that go into supporting the Baltimore Jewish community.

4. She’s Getting a Seat at the Table

As part of her YLC experience, Kathleen will serve as a board observer for the next year at the Macks Jewish Connection Network. She’ll meet with the board every few months and attend its annual retreat in January, giving her a firsthand look at how the organization operates and evolves.

She’s especially excited to see what’s ahead for an organization with deep roots in Baltimore’s Jewish community. Following a recent restructuring, Kathleen is looking forward to seeing how the organization takes on its next chapter, including through its educational projects.

For Kathleen, the opportunity is a chance to learn from the board and gain firsthand experience in Jewish organizational leadership.

6. Kathleen Takes Her Coffee Seriously (Most of the Time)

Kathleen usually starts her day with at least one cup of black coffee. But when she’s treating herself, her go-to order is three shots of espresso with steamed milk, a layer of foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

And then there’s the exception to her usual coffee routine: Once a year, she’ll indulge in a Pumpkin Spice Latte.