Jewish Influencers Who Make a Difference for Good By Faye Hedrick, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida
When you think of the word influencer what comes to mind? We posed this question to colleagues, friends, and family and received a variety of answers. Many described an influencer as someone with power to affect decisions of others because of his/her authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with an audience. Some described it as an individual with a following in a distinct niche, with whom they actively engage. The definition and characteristics of the individuals we are highlighting in this cover story are some who have made, and will undoubtedly continue to make, a difference in our community every day.
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These influencers are dedicated and passionate people. Their passions differ both personally and professionally but shared values are one of the characteristics that unite them. All of the individuals highlighted are current BRIDGES Leadership Development Initiative class members or alumni, and share an eagerness and determination to make their community a better place.
Ben Marsh, past Young Professionals and Families chair, is someone you can count on. Ben’s involvement in our community through leadership roles at not only Congregation Ahavath Chesed, but also at the Federation & Foundation has taken place since he arrived in Jacksonville 17 years ago. Ben has served as Temple’s brotherhood president, chaired our Super Sunday, led several mini-missions, and never stops being an ambassador for Jewish life in Northeast Florida. The first thing he says when you come to him with an idea or issue is, “How can I help?” Leah Palestrant has the ability to bring the right people to the right
places for the right causes. Leah is passionate, kind, creative, and articulate. She has a way of encouraging others to want to learn more about the world and the lives the Federation touches; she does this by simply being herself. “As a transplant to Northeast Florida, this community has embraced me. I’ve made lifelong friends and through my time and involvement here, developed personally and professionally.”
Laura Platzer is passionate about the Federation’s mission and it shows in multiple ways. One meaningful way is through her day-to-day work at River Garden. Laura’s work involves assisting with the planning and implementation of Jewish community programming on the campus and coordinating with all the agencies for intergenerational projects and programs. She is a former student of the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School and is proud to be in this year’s BRIDGES class. One of the goals she hopes to acquire would be to develop leadership skills through her natural curiosity and passion for Judaism, helping to make a greater impact in the community. Brandon Sugg is a thoughtful, forward-thinking man. His face has become one of familiarity at our office on many Friday mornings. He stops by with donuts for the staff and has been known to sit in on a meeting or two, adding insight and facts. This BRIDGES class is in good hands with his and co-chair, Rachel
