The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is honored to welcome Susan Becker as the new Director of NextGen. Becker, who officially began on August 8, brings extensive experience from her past work with young professionals and community engagement.

“The thing I am most looking forward to in my new role is building strong relationships with the young people in our community and helping them grow as leaders,” said Becker, who received a Master of Arts in Jewish Education from Gratz College.

Prior to joining the Jewish Federation, Becker worked for Hillel at Temple University. During her six years at the Hillel, Becker held numerous roles: Engagement Associate, Director of Jewish Life, Assistant Director and finally, her most recent position of Associate Director.

In these roles, she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations, supervising the staff who work directly with the students, directing all aspects of student leadership and student-run programming, presenting student life initiatives and activities, and managing student workers. 

NextGen Director Susan Becker at Ben Gurion Society's signature Wine and Whiskey Night on July 28. 

Becker is a leader in the Jewish community, both in her professional career as well as in her personal life. Currently, she is the chair of Neshama Hadassah – the local young local young women's chapter of Hadassah. 

“I am thrilled that Susan is the new NextGen Director,” said Max Moline, the former director of NextGen and current director of Community Development at the Jewish Federation. “Her accomplishments at Temple Hillel demonstrate a tremendous talent and passion for building the local young Jewish community. As I transition into a new role, I know that Susan, in partnership with our incredible leadership, will help to bring NextGen to new heights.”

We spoke with Becker to learn more about her, her passion for the Jewish community and what she envisions for the future of NextGen.

What do you love about the Jewish community of Greater Philadelphia?

I have loved Jewish Greater Philadelphia since I was welcomed into the community when I moved here six years ago. I loved how supportive and welcoming everyone was and how many opportunities there were to get involved. 

Why did you choose to work at the Jewish Federation?

I am inspired by the work that the Jewish Federation does. It seems every day I learn of something amazing that was able to happen because of the support of the Jewish Federation and the generosity of our incredible donors. To me, the Jewish Federation is central to the Jewish community in the Philadelphia area and I am thrilled to be a part of it!  

What do you hope to accomplish while in your role as NextGen Director?

I hope to connect as many young people as I can to the work of the Jewish Federation, to their peers  who share a similar devotion for our Jewish present and future, and to the scope of roles and opportunities available to develop their leadership.  My vision is that the opportunities within NextGen become the pivotal place to grow the next generation of future Jewish leaders in Greater Philadelphia.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

If I could do anything for a day, it would be to spend a quiet day reading and relaxing on a beach somewhere tropical with my fiancé, Michael, followed by a delicious sushi dinner!

***

NextGen is an affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia for those in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. To learn more about NextGen, please email Susan Becker at sbecker@jewishphilly.org and join our Facebook group.