In the latest episode of Mensches in Cars Getting Coffee, Yanky met Stephen Knable, The Associated’s Harry Greenstein Young Leadership Award winner, for a thoughtful conversation over hot chocolate. Stephen may not be a coffee drinker, but the discussion was rich all the same.

Stephen grew up in an Associated family, and that legacy of involvement has shaped both his personal values and professional path. He and Yanky talked about what it means to be a mensch, the importance of setting goals and how philanthropy becomes part of who you are when community engagement is modeled from an early age.

“I’m from Baltimore. My parents are from Baltimore. My grandparents are from Baltimore. We go way back and as long back as I can remember, someone in my family has been significantly involved at The Associated,” says Stephen. “It’s just kind of how I was brought up. I always knew wanting to be involved in the Jewish community, which generally in Baltimore means The Associated (the federation system and its agencies), was likely going to be in my future.”

The Harry Greenstein Young Leadership Award salutes a young man and woman who have demonstrated a profound commitment and sustained leadership to The Associated, its annual campaign and the general community. These outstanding young adults have also displayed remarkable growth and leadership. Nominations are provided by Associated professionals and recipients are chosen by a committee of the past ten years of award winners. This award, made possible by the Jill Fox Memorial Fund, is named in honor of Harry Greenstein, Executive Director of The Associated from 1928-1965.

Learn more about our other Leadership Awards and the young men and women who commit their time and support to the growth of Jewish Baltimore.

And if you can’t wait for more Mensches, check out our playlist featuring all our previous Mensches around town.