For Emily Schwartz, being involved in the Jewish community is all heart. Not only does Schwartz specialize in cardiac care, she is also an active NextGen board member and one of the warm, welcoming faces at community gatherings.
Professionally, Schwartz works at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as a Cardiac Intensive Care Nurse Practitioner and Quality, Safety, and Value Advisor. She is also a part-time lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania.
With such a hands-on career, Schwartz appreciates that her contribution to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia directly supports organizations that serve vulnerable populations.
“I feel a very strong connection to JChai,” Schwartz said. “As a clinical provider of many children with disabilities, it is so heartwarming to see that we have created and fostered a meaningful community for them as independent adults.”
NextGen spoke with Emily Schwartz to learn more about her leadership and passion for the Jewish community.
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What are three fun facts about you?
1. I watch all of the Oscar-nominated movies
2. I love Philadelphia restaurants
3. I am the middle daughter of three girls
How did you first get involved with NextGen and the Jewish Federation?
I first got involved with NexGen after completing the Leadership Development Program (LDP). After lockdown during COVID, I was looking for a way to further connect to the Philadelphia Jewish community.
Throughout your leadership journey in the Jewish Federation, what has been one of your most memorable experiences?
My most memorable experience with the Jewish Federation has been spending a day with my LDP cohort visiting organizations that we support. It was extremely meaningful to witness all of the incredible work the Jewish Federation does to help people in need.
Why do you give to the Jewish Federation?
I give to the Jewish Federation to help grow a community that is such a large part of my identity. With the rise of antisemitism in the world, it is more important than ever to support Jewish life.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to get involved in NextGen?
NextGen is an amazing way to meet like-minded people. Whether you are from Philadelphia or new to the area, everyone is welcoming, engaging and excited to add you to our crew! Don’t hesitate to reach out to get involved.
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NextGen is an affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia for leaders and philanthropists in their 20s, 30s and early 40s, who are looking to give back while building community. To learn more about NextGen, please email Susan Becker at sbecker@jewishphilly.org and follow us on Facebook.