Edden Dembsky completed the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOLI) program in 2019. She currently works for the Jewish National Fund – USA (JNF-USA) as the Associate Director of Campus Affairs.

Edden shared what brought her to HUC: “I was looking to further my career. I wanted something that I could do while working (at Hillel at the time). I also wanted to supplement my learning and set myself up for success. It was the most incredible opportunity.”

Edden spoke highly of the mentorship aspect of the program. She said it was a very successful pairing and she continued to be coached by her mentor, Or Mars, even after she completed the program. Other highlights were her class trip to Israel and her cohort, noting that the five of them were, and still are, close. Edden also enjoyed the network she built from Wacky Wednesdays, visiting organizations around the Los Angeles area. She shared, “Learning about the different organizations – what they are and how they function – was most important for me in terms of cementing my understanding of this world and making me a better professional. Now, when I speak to other organizations, I can come with more knowledge and understanding. Mandi Richardson runs it – she makes it what it is.”

In her role at JNF-USA, Edden runs the college outreach department. She manages a team of regional directors as well as Campus Fellows, and acts as the main liaison between JNF-USA and other Israel organizations on campus. A significant part of her team’s work is recruiting for and running Alternative Break trips in which college-age students fundraise and travel to Israel on a one-week volunteer experience with JNF-USA to better understand the impact of the organization and make a difference. Edden also plans JNF-USA’s College Summit for 350+ students which will be this November in Boston. If you are interested in getting involved with JNF-USA on campus please visit www.jnf.org/college