Each year, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta honors the leaders, innovators, and everyday heroes who make our community stronger. At this year’s Annual Meeting on June 5, we’re proud to celebrate the 2025 Annual Award recipients—12 outstanding individuals and teams who embody the heart of Jewish Atlanta.
Lifetime of Achievement Award: Mike Leven
A visionary philanthropist and business leader, Mike Leven is the founder of the Jewish Future Promise and Jewish Youth Promise. His lifelong dedication to Jewish continuity and philanthropy has inspired countless others to commit their values and resources to a vibrant Jewish future.
Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award: David Kulp
Medical student, community organizer, and global Jewish advocate, David Kulp has led efforts across Emory University and beyond—building mentorship programs, organizing Jewish student events, and responding to crises with action and compassion. He’s a rising star with a profound commitment to Jewish life and healing.
Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award: Mark & Luisa Kaplan
Mark and Luisa Kaplan have helped shape Jewish young adult life in Atlanta through joyful engagement and inclusive leadership. Their dedication to creating community—especially for young families—has had a ripple effect across Federation events, Shabbat dinners, and leadership programs.
Gerald H. Cohen Community Development Award: Justin Victor
Attorney Justin Victor’s impact on Federation and beyond is undeniable. From recovering millions for the ALEF Fund to participating in the Allocations Committee, National Young Leadership Cabinet, and Jacobson Leadership Institute, Justin is helping shape the future of Jewish Atlanta through service and strategic vision.
Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award: Pam Cohen, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta
As Director of PJ Library, Pam Cohen has transformed Jewish family engagement throughout Atlanta. Under her leadership, the program has experienced significant subscription growth, expanded the JBaby initiative, and developed partnerships with more than 40 organizations. Through the PJ Library Parent Connector program, she has exponentially increased opportunities for family engagement across the city. Pam’s visionary leadership and warmth have positioned Atlanta as a model PJ Library community nationwide.
Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award: Spencer Perdeck, OneTable
Spencer Perdeck brings radical hospitality to life through Shabbat gatherings across Atlanta. With creativity and intention, he’s introduced hundreds of young adults to meaningful Jewish practice—like Shabbasana, a yoga-infused Shabbat. Spencer’s leadership is expanding Jewish connection in fresh and inclusive ways.
Mary and Max London People Power Award: Erin Stieglitz, Bagel Rescue
Founder and Chief Rescue Officer of Bagel Rescue, Erin Stieglitz turned a small mitzvah project into a movement. Since 2021, Bagel Rescue has delivered over 2.4 million bagels to those experiencing food insecurity. Erin also leads educational workshops across Georgia, inspiring others to take action—one bagel at a time.
Tikkun Olam/Community Impact Award: Daniel Dorfman, Larry Dorfman & Scott Jacobsen, FreeRent
Through FreeRent, this team has provided housing relief and wraparound support to 78 families across Atlanta—helping them avoid homelessness and build financial stability. With $330,000+ distributed and national expansion on the horizon, FreeRent is transforming lives and addressing the root causes of housing insecurity.
Sylvia Newman Memorial Teacher of the Year Award: Seday Abraham, Jewish Kids Groups
Seday Abraham, a SCAD graduate and lead teacher at JKG Brookhaven, brings creativity, inclusivity, and cultural depth to her Hebrew and Judaic classes. A non-Jewish Ethiopian educator, she draws on her Amharic background to enrich Hebrew learning and Jewish identity in the classroom. Seday’s inventive, hands-on approach transforms each lesson into a vibrant, joyful experience.
Sylvia Newman Memorial Teacher of the Year Award: Lisa Vitello, Ahavath Achim Synagogue
Lisa Vitello teaches 7th grade with a heart for innovation and connection. Her immersive curriculum blends Jewish learning with cultural exploration—guiding students through site visits, social justice journeys, and interfaith experiences. Lisa’s work empowers students to embrace their Jewish identity while building bridges to other communities and cultures.
These honorees remind us what it means to lead with purpose, act with compassion, and dream big for Jewish Atlanta. Join us at The Temple on June 5 as we celebrate their accomplishments and continue building a vibrant, inclusive future—together.
At a time when antisemitism is rising at an alarming rate across the world, Federation is committed to doing more to educate, inspire, and stand up for the Jewish people here in Jewish ATL.
Thanks to the vision and generosity of the Morris household, Federation is launching a bold new initiative: The Am Yisrael Speaker’s Fund: Elevating Voices, Defending Israel, Fighting Antisemitism. This fund will enable Federation to bring in world-class speakers—experts who are bold, articulate, and unapologetically proud to support Israel and the Jewish people.
Dr. Steve Morris, who helped establish the fund with his family, was compelled to act after the unprecedented surge in antisemitism that followed October 7. “My family proudly supports Federation in the creation of the Am Yisrael Speaker’s Fund to understand and combat the vicious worldwide antisemitism that has arisen since October 7, 2023,” he said. “Antisemitism for centuries was religion-based, then racial or ethnic. Now, this new virulent resurgence has been fueled by defining Jews as white colonial suppressors, with anti-Zionism central to its core.”
Dr. Morris believes that education is one of our greatest tools in this fight. By elevating powerful voices—authors, historians, policy experts, influencers, and more—Federation can shine a light on the truth and counteract the dangerous narratives being amplified in today’s media and institutions.
But this isn’t just about hosting events or bringing in high-profile names. The Am Yisrael Speaker’s Fund is part of Federation’s broader, unwavering commitment to Jewish security and safety. That includes investments in community security infrastructure, training and preparedness for our synagogues and schools, and year-round partnerships with law enforcement. It also means addressing antisemitism at every level—from social media disinformation to policymaking—through creative, community-based solutions like this new speaker’s fund.
“Silence is no longer an option,” said Dr. Morris. “We must educate our own community—and the world—about the truth of our history, our people, and our homeland.”
Through this fund, Federation will be able to host meaningful learning opportunities that amplify strong, knowledgeable voices who are leading the fight against antisemitism and misinformation about Israel. These speakers will not only help inform and inspire our local community, but also empower our students, professionals, and leaders with the facts, tools, and confidence to stand tall in their Jewish identity.
This is a critical time for the Jewish people. As hate rises, so too must our resolve. Federation is proud to lead with courage and creativity—uniting our community around a shared mission of strength, education, and pride.
To support the Am Yisrael Speaker’s Fund and help bring powerful pro-Israel voices to Atlanta, contact Shawn Stern at sstern@jewishatlanta.org.
Together, we can ensure that Am Yisrael—the people of Israel—are never without a voice.
When Zach Woodin spotted a group called Nice Jewish Runners (NJR) cheering on participants in the Philadelphia Marathon, something clicked. “I thought, ‘Atlanta needs this,’” Zach recalled. “We have runners, we have Jews, but we didn’t have a group bringing them together.”
A few Instagram DMs later, the Atlanta chapter of NJR was born.
Started in New York as a grassroots show of Jewish pride and solidarity after October 7, NJR has since grown into a global movement—connecting Jewish runners through community, visibility, and shared purpose.
Since their first run in February, Zach and co-founders Reva Goldberg, Shanna Mattson, and Sonia Field have brought together 10–20 runners every Sunday morning on the BeltLine. They run a 5K and wrap it up with a bagel from Brooklyn Bagel.
“It’s more than exercise—it’s community,” Zach said. “We’re creating space for Jewish Atlantans to connect in an approachable, low-pressure way.”
With support from a spring Gather Grant—part of Federation’s JGather initiative—NJR is now expanding beyond weekly runs. The group is planning its first Shabbat dinner as a new entry point into Jewish life.
“Maybe someone wouldn’t go to a traditional dinner,” Zach said. “But this feels different. Federation helped us build something that meets people where they are.”
It’s just one example of how Federation is redefining Jewish engagement—helping grassroots leaders meet this moment with creativity, connection, and care.
Take Jamie Sterenson, for example. Jamie and her family recently moved to Atlanta and joined Temple Sinai. With a busy life and young children, hosting a big event seemed out of reach—until the Gather Grant gave her the push to go for it.
She hosted a cozy game night in her new home, ordering dinner from SabaRaba’s and creating a relaxed evening of food, laughter, and connection. “It was special because it brought together new friends,” Jamie said. “We slowed down and really connected.”
Ten adults and two kids gathered, played Shabbat-friendly games, and shared stories. By the end of the night, plans were already forming for the next get-together. “It relieved so much of the stress that usually comes with hosting,” Jamie said. “I’m so glad I’m part of this community—and I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Beyond social connection and family gatherings, some programs create space for interfaith dialogue and shared learning. Building Community Thru Conversation (BCTC), a grassroots initiative co-founded by Leslie Levine and Liat Oren after October 7, empowers people to stand up against antisemitism by creating intentional spaces where people of all backgrounds can engage in honest, human conversations about Israel, antisemitism, and Jewish identity.
With support from a Gather Grant, BCTC hosted its first evening of “kind and curious” dialogue with 23 interfaith women. Facilitators included Christian Zionist, Arlene Bridges Samuels and Georgia Tech Hillel Past-President, Talia Segal.
“We shared personal stories, a video, and had real, respectful dialogue,” Leslie said. “People left feeling more informed and more connected to one another. The conversation didn’t just go long—it went deep,” Leslie added. “We didn’t rush the answers. We listened, reflected, and found common ground.”
That first event sparked over ten gatherings in just one year. “We’re not just reacting to hate,” said Liat. “We’re building something stronger—rooted in truth, empathy, and connection.”
JGather’s Gather Grant initiative exists to turn ideas into action.
Make Jewish life yours — build it, lead it, live it.
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Want to host your own Jewish gathering?
Mark your calendar! Applications for the Individual Summer Gather Grant open June 1.
Want to run (or walk!) with Nice Jewish Runners?
Click here to join the Atlanta chapter.
Want to bring Building Community Thru Conversation to your neighborhood?
Visit bctctalks.org or email info@bctctalks.org to learn more or get involved.