Susan Weiss Firestone was featured on Sunday, Nov. 1 as part of the Past Women Presidents of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts virtual program and luncheon.
Susan Weiss Firestone, president of the JFWM from 2013-2015, was inspired by her parents, Ruth and Fred Weiss, and was involved in Young Leadership Cabinet. Her commitment to adult Jewish learning and community leadership have inspired her involvement in local, national, and international organizations. Susan shared that she learned about leadership by working her way up and participating in trips that showed her the impact of her contributions, like traveling to Odessa with the Jewish Federations of North America. Her apt analogy that the Federation system is like a Jewish Mutual Fund struck a chord with participants, and she also shared that it’s important to make space for passionate discussions among Board members, because it ensures that everyone feels heard and included in the decision-making process.