A strong, vibrant, Jewish community is what it’s all about for Allison Benton. Allison became deeply invested in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia after seeing the organization’s work firsthand as a participant on NextGen’s Israel360 Mission in 2014.

Since then, Allison has served on a number of committees, including the NextGen Board, Jewish Publishing Group, Israel Engagement Grants and Community Engagement. Currently, she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees and the Women’s Philanthropy Board. In 2020, Allison’s dedication to ensuring a Jewish future was recognized with the Jewish Federation’s prestigious Young Leadership Award. 

Recently, Allison took her next leadership step by becoming a member of Women of Vision, a group which transforms the lives of self-identifying Jewish women and girls through strategic grantmaking, advocacy and educational programs leading to social change and social justice.

When Allison is not volunteering with the Jewish Federation, she works as a Segment Marketing Advisor at Cigna. We spoke with Allison about her other passions and more work with the Jewish Federation. 

 How did you first get involved with NextGen and the Jewish Federation? 

I first got involved with the Jewish Federation when my husband, Brett, and I were selected to go on the first Israel360 couples trip in 2014.  We had an amazing time.  During the trip and the pre- and post-trip programming, I was able to learn about and see firsthand some of the fantastic work that the Jewish Federation does both in the Philadelphia region and in Israel.  Once back in the U.S. I immediately got more involved with the organization. I now pretty much say yes whenever someone from the Jewish Federation reaches out to ask me to get involved with something or help out in some way. 

You became a member of Women of Vision last year. What about their mission resonated with you?

I like that Women of Vision focuses on issues affecting women and girls. More specifically, that they aren’t just looking to put a band-aid on the problem, but rather are trying to find ways to help address underlying social and economic issues affecting girls and women both in the local region and in Israel.  I also like that as a member, I have a role in the grantmaking process and can help determine how funds are distributed.

Why do you think it is important for other young self-identifying women to join WOV?

By joining WOV, you can help strengthen the group’s efforts to create social and economic change and better the lives of self-identifying women and girls.  Not only will you be helping today’s generation, but also generations of women to come. You will take a hands-on role in strategic grantmaking and advocacy, as well as strengthen your knowledge of pressing issues facing Jewish women and girls, both locally and around the world, through educational programs.

Throughout your leadership journey, what has been one of your most memorable experiences? 

It is really tough to pick just one. Getting to experience my husband’s first time in Israel was something I will always remember. It was nice to see him grow a stronger connection to the country and better understand why my eyes light up anytime someone mentions Israel. 

I also really enjoyed my experiences with NextGen’s Rebuild events. During these volunteer events, you help clean up and make repairs to homes in the Northeast that are owned by senior citizens. This allows them to afford to stay in their homes longer and be more self-sufficient.  The Rebuild events require a lot of work, but the people whose homes we go into are so appreciative of what we are doing for them. It is really special to see the direct impact that you are making.

What is an organization, program or cause that the Jewish Federation supports that personally resonates with you?  

The work that the Jewish Federation is doing with its partnership regions in Netivot and Sdot Negev is truly amazing. We got to see it firsthand during our Israel360 trip. Our funds allow people to live more securely along the border of Gaza.

Why do you give to the Jewish Federation? 

To me, what being Jewish is really about is community.  In the crazy world that we live in, it is important to me that there is a vibrant Jewish community that will exist not only for my generation, but also for those that follow behind me. I see community as not just being about social gatherings and coming together to celebrate the good times.  It is also about making sure there are people and resources available during the bad times. Whether that means providing help when it is difficult to put food on the table, offering resources to those that are stuck at home during quarantine, or providing support when others have turned against you.  To me, that is what the Jewish Federation is about and why I continue to support the organization.  The Jewish Federation works to make sure the Jewish community is cared for in good times and bad.  I hope that my donations further this impact.  I hope that it will help keep the light of the Jewish Community strong and thriving even in times of uncertainty and that it will help carry the light forward for the future.

What advice would you give to a young adult who wants to become a leader in the Jewish community? 

If you are interested in getting involved, don’t hesitate to reach out.  All of the Jewish Federation professionals are extremely friendly and will work with you to find an area of the organization that you are interested in and where you can help make a difference.

What are three fun facts about you?

1. I have a lovable rescue pit bull named Porter
2. I love to travel—I can’t wait for my next international adventure when the pandemic is over
3. I developed a strong interest in F1 racing and Peloton during the pandemic.

Allison with her rescue pit bull, Porter.

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For more information about Women of Vision, please click here or contact Shara Swift, Jewish Federation’s Affinities & Donor Engagement Manager, at sswift@jewishphilly.org. To learn more about NextGen, please email Max Moline at mmoline@jewishphilly.org and friend us on Facebook.