1. A Foundation in Giving Back

Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Diane was raised with a strong sense of Jewish identity and community involvement, thanks to her parents’ active participation in philanthropy. Her father’s deep engagement with the Federation in Columbus and the Columbus Foundation, along with his frequent travels to Israel and New York for Jewish causes, instilled in her a passion for giving back.

2. Finding Community in Baltimore

When Diane and her husband Renny first moved to Baltimore, they didn’t have any family nearby. It felt a bit overwhelming, but a friend suggested she get connected with the Young Women’s Leadership program through The Associated.

“That turned out to be a turning point, opening doors to new friendships, opportunities and a deeper sense of belonging in the community,” said Diane.

3. Entrepreneurship

After the birth of her daughter and son, Diane opened a dress shop with a friend called What’s in Limited! for preteens and teens and had a kiosk in Harborplace, Under the Big Top, where she sold clown-themed items.

4. Working in Baltimore

Her first professional role in Baltimore was at Jewish Vocational Services (JVS), where she worked as a job coach for people with disabilities.

“It was really gratifying, helping people find work and supporting them as they adjusted to their new roles,” she said.

5. AIDS Education

When that chapter closed, Diane found herself searching for meaningful work again. She accepted a job with Jewish Family Services, working with the Steven Kaufman AIDS Outreach Project. Funded by Buddy and Linda Kaufman in memory of their son, this initiative provided AIDS education to schools, parents and teens throughout the Jewish and broader communities.

Through this work, she collaborated with groups like Positive Voices, HIV-positive men who used storytelling and music to educate audiences.

“We educated so many kids,” she reflected. “I still have people come up to me, now married with children, who remember those programs.”

7. Impactful Work with JWGF

Her work with JWGF has been particularly meaningful. Diane recalls an Associated Women’s Mission trip to Israel, where she met one of JWGF’s grantees, PeacePlayers, a nonprofit organization that brings Jewish and Arab youth together through sport.

“Hearing the young girls’ stories of bonding and building community through basketball was incredibly moving,” she said. “We really are so much better together than we are when apart.”

8. Empowering the Next Generation of Women

Diane shares that if she were to start her own nonprofit, it would focus on empowering girls from an early age.

“I love the idea of creating programs centered around prevention and advocacy, helping young girls build confidence and the skills they need to thrive. By reaching them early, we can create a generation of women who are strong, self-aware and ready to make a positive impact on the world around them.”