Annual Community Awards: Celebrating the Leaders Powering Jewish Atlanta Forward

February 27, 2026

Every year, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta gathers our community to recognize extraordinary individuals who are shaping Jewish Atlanta through leadership, service, innovation, and impact. Federation’s Annual Community Awards—presented at the Annual Meeting in early June—shine a spotlight on those who embody our community’s values and remind us what’s possible when passion meets purpose. 

These awards honor changemakers across a variety of areas—from emerging young leaders and community builders to dedicated volunteers and professionals advancing Jewish life through their work. Each category recognizes a different kind of contribution, but they all share one common thread: strengthening Jewish Atlanta today while building an even stronger tomorrow. 

Federation’s Annual Community Awards include: 

• Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award – for young leaders (under 40) making a significant impact through leadership and service 
• Gerald H. Cohen Community Development Award – for newcomers to Atlanta (living here fewer than seven years) who have quickly become engaged leaders 
• Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award – for Jewish communal professionals growing their skills and impact through continuing education 
• Mary & Max London People Power Award – honoring hands-on volunteers whose work meets urgent needs and inspires others 
• Tikkun Olam/Community Impact Award – recognizing individuals whose work improves lives and reflects Jewish values of repairing the world 

But what makes these awards so meaningful is that they don’t just honor what someone has done—they celebrate what they continue to do. 

We got to chat with four of last year’s award recipients to catch up and learn what they’ve achieved since the Annual Meeting. 

Erin Stieglitz – Mary & Max London People Power Award
When Erin Stieglitz, Founder and Chief Rescue Officer of Bagel Rescue, received the People Power Award at Federation’s FY25 Annual Meeting, her grassroots mitzvah project was already feeding neighbors in need. Today, that impact has multiplied. Since 2021, Bagel Rescue has delivered more than 2.4 million bagels to individuals experiencing food insecurity—while also leading educational workshops across Georgia to inspire hands-on service and community responsibility. Erin shared that Bagel Rescue’s network of donors, recipient agencies, and volunteer “rescuers” has blossomed, helping meet critical needs at the height of food insecurity. In 2025, the organization celebrated its fifth birthday—and packaged nearly 37,000 bagels at its Bagel Bash event. 

Justin Victor – Gerald H. Cohen Community Development Award
Attorney and longtime Federation leader Justin Victor continues to bring big-picture vision to Jewish Atlanta. Over the past year, his leadership has spanned recovering millions for the ALEF Fund, serving on Federation’s Allocations Committee, the National Young Leadership Cabinet, and the Jacobson Leadership Institute. Most recently, Justin helped convene Atlanta’s business, sports, and real estate leaders by hosting Federation’s Jewish Commercial Real Estate Network (JCREN) Fall Event at Greenberg Traurig. The program explored how the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will shape Atlanta’s economy, infrastructure, and real estate future. As Justin put it: “It is an honor to be part of conversations that shape the future of our city and our Jewish community.” 

David Kulp – Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award
Since receiving the Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award, David Kulp has continued building Jewish community in bold and inspiring ways. In May 2025, he co-founded Bayit Ba’Beltline, a traditional egalitarian Jewish community on the Atlanta Beltline for young adults and families. With a committed board, David helps organize monthly Kabbalat Shabbat services and shared dinners drawing 100+ people, creating a vibrant space for connection, tradition, and belonging. Outside Jewish life, David continues mentoring students at Emory and Georgia Tech while advancing pediatric cardiology research at CHOA—all while finishing medical school and preparing for residency. 

Pam Cohen – Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award
Pam Cohen used her award to study at Hadar in New York, participating in a July Learning Seminar focused on Beyond Gathering: Building Communities of Depth and Dignity. She brought that learning back to Atlanta, and it continues shaping her work today. Pam has since been promoted to Director of Family Engagement, overseeing strategy for engaging families ages 0–18 across programs like JBaby, PJ Library, and teen family engagement. She now leads a 13-person team, onboarded a full-time PJ Library Manager, and runs connector trainings and monthly learning sessions featuring national speakers. Her Hadar learning strengthened her confidence and strategic thinking—impacting everything from Shinshinim training to relationship-based engagement work across Atlanta. 

Know someone who deserves to be recognized? 

Nominations for the 2026 Federation Annual Community Awards are now open. Help us honor the people powering Jewish Atlanta forward: https://jewishatlanta.org/annual-awards/