Nicki Mann: Reflections of an Inspired Woman

Nicki Mann sat down with us recently to share her story of involvement with The Associated’s Inspired Women’s Project (IWP) and her recent life-changing mission to Israel.

Tell Us About Yourself

I am married to my husband Scott, we have two daughters: Harley (13) and Andi (10). I grew up in Baltimore and went to Pikesville High School and the University of Maryland. I’m a CPA, currently working as the Controller at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. We live in Reisterstown and have two dogs, Bo and Scooby.

How and When Did You Get Involved with The Associated?

I’ve been attending Associated events for many years now, mostly the Jewish Professional Women events.

And How Did Your Involvement With IWP Begin?

I heard about IWP from prior participants and was interested immediately in the opportunity to travel to Israel with a group of women.

I had traveled to Israel when I was 16 and wanted to go as an adult to really appreciate the connection with our homeland and Israeli people, something I likely didn’t appreciate in the same way when I was 16.

I also wanted the chance to take this trip with my sister, who had not yet been to Israel, and we thankfully were able to take this amazing opportunity together. After October 7, I felt more compelled than ever to support the country and the Israeli people, and to bear witness. Doing this with a group of nearly twenty women was so powerful and comforting at the same time.

What Made You Want to Join IWP?

I have always enjoyed the ease of networking and collaborating with other women professionally, and I saw IWP to have the same benefits. In my career, I have always participated in women networking groups, in addition to other professional groups so that we can support each other professionally and lift one another up while also being able to understand the challenges we face.

In the same sense, meeting with women for a year to discuss our values and the importance of our connection to Israel was such a draw, knowing that when we traveled together, we already had a connection with each other and with The Associated.

Can You Talk About Your Recent Trip to Israel?

Our trip was inspirational, emotional and meaningful. We visited Nova and Kibbutz Nir Oz, and saw the immense loss and destruction from October 7. It was so important for me to bear witness and to be able to share what we saw when we returned home. I saw tragedy and resilience and am just in awe of the Israeli people.

We also were able to meet several Ethiopian Jewish women who made aliyah during Operation Solomon in the 90s, a part of history I had not known about and feel so inspired by. (I came home and watched the Red Sea Diving Resort on Netflix which is based on another similar operation).

What Were Some Highlights From The Trip?

A highlight was having dinner with the IDF near the Lebanon border with live music by Noam Buskila. We danced and sang together. It was a celebration of Jewish joy! Shabbat in Jerusalem was wonderful. We had a Kabbalat service at the Wall and a delicious and meaningful Shabbat dinner at the home of the Elmans.

Lastly, we were able to support the Israeli economy on our last day (what else do sixteen women want to do?!) and the appreciation of the Israeli people for our support was absolutely heartwarming and so memorable.

The people were so thankful to see us. I will remember that forever.

The Associated’s Inspired Women’s Project (IWP) takes a group of women on a spiritual journey to discover what inspires us as women to lead, to give and to take action. Participants come together for monthly sessions and discussions, all through a female lens. IWP members will also travel together on a uniquely female-focused trip to Israel, deepening your bond to the Jewish homeland. IWP is made possible by the support of the Jane Krieger Schapiro Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of The Associated.

Nicki Mann: Reflections of an Inspired Woman

Nicki Mann: Reflections of an Inspired Woman

Tell Us About Yourself

How and When Did You Get Involved with The Associated?

And How Did Your Involvement With IWP Begin?

What Made You Want to Join IWP?

Can You Talk About Your Recent Trip to Israel?

What Were Some Highlights From The Trip?

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