Five Youngstown Area Jewish Federation staff attended this year’s FedPro, Jewish Federation of North America’s annual conference that brings together senior and mid-level professionals from across the Federation system. The conference included keynote addresses, interactive workshops in self-awareness and direct communication, as well as design thinking sessions that allowed participants to work with colleagues on case studies and work applications.
They shared their thoughts on the experience with The Jewish Journal.
Courtney Campesi, Financial Resource Development Director: I had the privilege of attending the FedPro Conference for the first time this past February in Phoenix. Being surrounded by more than 1,000 Federation professionals was truly inspiring. The energy in the room was undeniable, fueled by a shared passion for the meaningful and impactful work we carry out every single day. Over the course of two and a half days, we connected with peers, learned from leaders in the field, and exchanged innovative ideas that we are excited to bring back and implement in our own community. One moment that deeply resonated with me came during a session where the speaker repeated a simple yet powerful phrase: “My Jewish community means everything to me.” Hearing those words affirmed what I have long felt in my own heart, our Youngstown Jewish community means everything to me. It has supported me, challenged me to grow, and helped me discover purpose. That is why it is so important that we continue to show up for one another and invest in the vital work that strengthens and sustains our community. While we were in Arizona, Lisa [Long] and I were grateful to spend time with several donors who were in the area. We loved the chance to sit down together, catch up, and share about everything happening in our Youngstown Jewish Community.
Lisa Long, CEO: "Recently, I attended the FedPro conference hosted by the Jewish Federations of North America. One hundred and five of the 141 Federations were represented. Think about that. In a time when many institutions are stretched thin, 105 communities showed up, to learn, to grow, to wrestle with big questions about the future of Jewish life. One moment at the conference made me smile, and think… JFNA had asked their staff to help “create minyans” during the conference. No explanation. Just that phrase. One staff member, unfamiliar with the term, packed a large amount of yellow fabric because she believed she was being asked to help “create minions.” It was funny. But it was also instructive. We cannot assume everyone who walks through our doors speaks the language of Jewish life. Not everyone grew up with the same level of Jewish literacy, practice or connection. Some come with deep knowledge. Some come curious. Some come cautiously. Some come wounded. If we want a resilient Judaism, especially in small communities like ours, we have to explain more and without judgement. We have to be welcoming at every level. We have to create on-ramps, not gatekeeping. Resilient Judaism in small communities isn’t about numbers, it’s about commitment. It means we invest in our children and in our adults. We make room for questions. We build relationships before we build programs. We create spaces where someone can say, “I don’t know what that means,” without embarrassment. And, it means we show up for each other, even when it’s inconvenient. Another question raised at the conference has stayed with me: What inspires me to give to Federation? Not just my money, but my time, energy, and heart. For me, part of the answer goes back to an experience I will never forget. When I was serving as our Federation’s financial resource development director, I had the opportunity to tour the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh before the building was torn down. They were applying for a Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation grant, and we walked through the building in the footsteps of the murderer who entered that sacred space. We saw the tally marks on the tops of the doors, marks first responders made to indicate whether a room was clear or how many victims were inside. We saw the bullet holes in the bimah, in the kitchen where congregants had been preparing the Oneg meal, in the pews. We realized that something as simple as choosing to sit on the left or the right determined life or death that day. To this day, when I choose a side to sit on in temple, I think about that. We walked upstairs through the classroom where the children of the congregation normally gathered. Children who, mercifully, were offsite that morning. But the image that has never left me was the filing cabinet the coward hid behind while exchanging fire with police, its doors riddled with bullets. And inside that cabinet were children’s books about Tikkun Olam. On the walls around him were children’s drawings about kindness and love. How can someone stand face-to-face with that and still choose hate? That question has no easy answer. But it clarifies something for me… This is why Federation matters. Because Federation is about building communities where children draw pictures about kindness. Where we gather for meals. Where we rejoice freely. Where we respond when tragedy strikes, not only for ourselves, but for others. This brings me to Oct, 7. The Jewish community has stood alongside so many communities in their moments of need… marching, fundraising, advocating, comforting. That is who we are. Which is why it was so disorienting, and painful, to feel alone in the days that followed Oct. 7. At FedPro, one speaker said something simple but powerful, “Pay attention to who showed up for you in those days.” When I came home from the conference, I did something I should’ve done years ago. I sent messages to the people who reached out and showed up after Oct. 7. I thanked them. I told them their support mattered. So today I ask you to join me. Find those people and thank them. Passover teaches us that freedom is not automatic. It is not permanent. It requires responsibility. It requires memory. It requires courage. Every year, we tell the story of leaving Egypt, not because we are still enslaved there, but because remembering shapes who we become. This holiday reminds us that even in difficult chapters, we are still responsible for walking forward together." -As stated in her most recent column, Lisa's Long View.
Jason McQuown, Controller: Attending my first FedPro conference was a highly valuable experience in my role as Controller at the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation. The sessions focused on key topics such as CRM softwares, the world of AI in the workplace, cyber security, data mapping, and financial budgeting/reporting. I appreciated the interactive environment to exchange ideas, gain new perspectives, and reinforce the importance of continuous learning with other Federation professionals. Overall, FedPro left me feeling motivated, better informed and excited to bring new ideas back to our work and community.
Dave Stauffer, CFO: Attending the FedPro conference in Phoenix was an incredibly valuable and energizing experience. Joining more than 1,000 professionals from Jewish organizations across the country created a powerful sense of shared purpose and community. As CFO of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, I focused much of my time on the financial sessions, which were packed with practical insights and realworld strategies. I came away with a deeper understanding of how other communities are approaching financial stewardship, compliance, and long-term sustainability, as well as new ideas I’m excited to bring back to our community. Just as meaningful was the opportunity to connect with fellow financial professionals who face many of the same challenges I do. The networking alone made the conference worthwhile, fostering relationships that I know will continue well beyond the event. I was also especially impressed by the sessions highlighting how AI is being thoughtfully integrated into daily workflows to improve efficiency and decision-making. Each day’s all-participant plenary featured powerful talks and speakers that were both inspiring and thought-provoking, making the conference not only informative but truly motivating.
Pam Stoklosa, Human Resources Director: Attending FedPro was a valuable experience. It was great to connect with other professionals in the Federation as well as my field, share ideas, and talk through the real-life challenges and successes we’re all navigating. Having the opportunity to build those relationships and share what’s working in our communities gave me helpful resources and contacts I can connect with moving forward. I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate and to bring those connections and ideas back to our organization here in Youngstown.