Jessica Morgan has an entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to leadership and a passion for giving back – these have been the key ingredients for her success. As the founder and managing principal of her real estate firm, Annalett Capital, these qualities have formed the pillars that will continue to guide her as she makes history as the first woman chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group. 

“It’s a tremendous honor and I’m extremely humbled to be given this opportunity to become the first woman chair of JFRE,” shared Morgan. “By being in this role, I hope it shows other women that they belong in the real estate space.”

Throughout her real estate career, Morgan has been a go-getter. After graduating with magna cum laude honors from the University of Pennsylvania in 2014, she joined the acquisitions team at SL Green Realty Corporation in New York City. She later returned to Philadelphia to serve as principal at Lubert-Adler Real Estate Funds, where she worked for nearly eight years. At the firm, she focused on new acquisitions and development. She led deal sourcing, underwriting, due diligence, and execution of the firm’s complex development projects, such as the iconic Philadelphia buildings: The Bellevue and The Battery.

Then, she took a leap of faith and started her own business.

“I always had that entrepreneurial instinct and this year felt like the right time to forge my own path,” Morgan said. “Now, it’s in my hands to formulate and spearhead different investment strategies and it’s been a really exciting journey so far.”

As for JFRE, Morgan wanted to nurture her dedication to philanthropy within the Jewish community and further her own professional goals.

“JFRE has been a game changer for my career,” she continued. “It’s an amazing network of people. I always knew I wanted to get involved in the Jewish Federation, but JFRE gave me that onramp to take my passion for helping others and turn it into a reality.”

Morgan joined the JFRE Executive Committee in 2020 and continues to serve on the Allocations Committee. The Allocations Committee helps determine how JFRE Fund resources are directed to support real estate and capital improvement needs — with a priority on grants for security-related projects — in Greater Philadelphia, Israel and around the world. These security and infrastructure needs help synagogues, schools, camps, and more, providing safe spaces for people to congregate, worship, and learn.

In 2022, Morgan rose in her leadership and became the group’s vice chair.

“Working alongside Jessica as my vice chair has been an absolute privilege,” said Dan Berger, immediate past chair. “Her dedication and collaborative spirit have been invaluable to our work. I am thrilled to see her guide JFRE forward with the same vision, energy and commitment she has always brought to the table.”

Morgan will assume her role as chair of JFRE on Nov. 1, before the group’s annual Legends and Leaders event on Nov. 13 at the Crystal Tea Room.

“This year’s Legends & Leaders signature event is the perfect time for Jessica to step into this role, surrounded by the region’s most influential real estate leaders,” said JFRE Director Alan Lepore. “Her leadership in the industry and in the Jewish community make her the perfect person to guide JFRE forward.”

When asked about her vision for the future, Morgan said she wants to build on the momentum from the past few years to strengthen the Jewish community. 

“I think Dan Berger and the chairs who came before him built an amazing foundation for JFRE,” she said. “I want to propel that progress forward. We can create that leadership pipeline of Jewish community members who are making a real and lasting impact in our region and in Israel, while simultaneously raising significant funds for the Jewish community.

Beyond strategy and leadership, Morgan’s vision for JFRE comes from a place of deep personal connection, and from the values instilled in her through her family and her Jewish community. 

“I grew up with a strong sense of Jewish identity. It was a big part of my life,” she continued. “I want to help nurture a thriving Jewish future where the next generation can feel the same sense of pride and connection to Judaism that I felt growing up and continue to feel to this day.”

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The Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group brings professionals together to learn, network and lead the way in creating a more secure Jewish world through philanthropic investments. Founded in 2008, JFRE is a membership-based affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. 

Want to become a JFRE member? Visit jewishphilly.org/jfre. 

To register for JFRE’s signature Legends and Leaders event on Nov. 13 at the Crystal Tea Room, visit jewishphilly.org/legends.