Meet Pammy Franklin and Heather Brown
Pammy Franklin and Heather Brown are the duo bringing this year’s (Almost) Summer Soiree to life. United by their love of community, strong leadership and a shared bond as dog moms, they’re bringing energy, heart and vision to the Young Adult Division’s biggest event of the year.
What do you love most about being part of the Engage365 committee? What makes serving on the committee meaningful to you?
Pammy: Engage365 is such a fantastic committee to be a part of, because its mission is to create outlets where young adults can meet other like-minded members of the community and form lasting connections. I met some of my best friends through programming at The Associated and it is so special to be able to help facilitate those relationships for others.
Heather: I love working with a team of young Jewish professionals who is eager to share new ideas and create a fun and welcoming community for our peers. Serving on this committee is meaningful to me because it is this same community that welcomed me and became some of my closest friends when I moved to Baltimore six years ago.
What advice would you give someone thinking about getting more involved?
Pammy: Reach out! We would love to meet you and there is always a place for you become involved in a way that feels meaningful to you!
Heather: Give it a try! This is a wonderful and inclusive community. There are events and programming for a wide array of interests!
How do you hope your involvement shapes the next generation?
Pammy: I hope that we are able to develop programming that can become self-sustaining in a way that lets the committee continue to maintain the programs that have proven to be successful and create new programs as YAD (Young Adult Division) grows.
Heather: My involvement with The Associated, YAD and Engage 365 has helped me to strengthen my Jewish identity and build a Jewish community of my own. Some of the people I have met through this organization have become close friends. I look forward to spending Shabbat with them and forming meaningful Jewish memories. I hope that I can help the next generation find their own Jewish communities that make them excited to share Jewish experiences together.
What issues affecting the Jewish community are the younger generation interested in?
Pammy: I think that most people are looking for real connections. I have been seeing a lot of references to the “loneliness epidemic” over the past several months and I hope that YAD, and Engage365 specifically, are able to help young adults find a place where they feel welcome.
Heather: Antisemitism is a big issue affecting the younger generation. I feel sad that we must balance fear and pride for our Jewish identities.
Where would we find you on the weekend? Or what do you like to do in your free time?
Pammy: At a park with my dog, Pip! I also love spending time with friends, trying new activities, seeing a show, or meeting for book club.
Heather: You can often find me celebrating Shabbat with friends on a Friday night or checking out a festival around town with my dog, Penny.
What’s your go-to coffee order?
Pammy: Always tea 😊
Heather: Regular coffee with a splash of almond milk.
What’s your favorite Jewish holiday and why?
Pammy: Chanukah – I love all of the lights and how everything feels a little extra special that time of the year!
Heather: Passover. I love being together for Seders at one big table with my family!
What was your bat mitzvah theme?
Heather: “Heather’s Garden”. Every table was named for a flower. I sat at the “Heather” table (a purple flower).
Join the Young Adult Division on May 7 for the (Almost) Summer Soiree. It’ll be an evening of good vibes, great nosh and a throwback to our teen years. Remember the music, summer camp, friendships, inside jokes and all the moments that shaped us.
Gather with good friends, raise a glass and help raise funds for Jewish teens today, supporting leadership opportunities, mental health resources and programs that strengthen identity.
Save your spot and bring your crew! Let’s make it a night to remember.
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