Michelle Goldsmith has been selected as this year’s Dan Fingersh Young Leadership Award winner. The award will be presented during the Jewish Federation’s 82nd Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the White Theatre.
The Dan Fingersh Award recognizes individuals who show their commitment to the community through their leadership activities with the Jewish Federation and its partner agencies as well as their support of the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}The award is a living memorial to Dan Fingersh, son of Pella and Jack Fingersh. By spotlighting Goldsmith, this award provides a crucial link to individuals who are leading today and will be tomorrow’s senior leadership.
Goldsmith has followed in the footsteps of her parents, Susie and Ron Goldsmith, by becoming involved in many aspects of the Kansas City Jewish community. Currently a member of the Jewish Federation board of directors, she serves on its Operations and Finance Committee. In addition, she is a member of the Jewish Heritage Foundation board of directors and was one of the founding members of the Jewish Community Foundation’s J-LEAD committee.
The young leader doesn’t see her quest for knowledge about leadership ending anytime soon.
“I find I am always looking for ways to enhance my skills that will help me in my volunteer experience as well as in my business,” she said. In addition to her commitment to the Jewish community, Goldsmith has owned her own business, Building Keepers, Inc., for the past 12 years and is the fourth generation of her family to work in the commercial cleaning industry.
“A wonderful by-product of my volunteering has been the relationships I have formed with other leaders in our community and across the states. I see leaders that I want to emulate and work alongside those that have taught me valuable skills.”
Four years ago, Goldsmith became a member of the Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, which she said has provided her with incredible travel opportunities to see firsthand the international impact of our local Jewish Federation dollars.
“One of the best parts of National Young Leadership Cabinet is that you are surrounded by like-minded leaders from all over the country and Canada. The information garnered from networking with chevre is invaluable,” Goldsmith said.
She said one of her most meaningful experiences with Jewish Federation has been her involvement with the Planning & Allocations Committee.
“The first year I sat on this committee it was overwhelming to see the amount of need in our community and match that to the dollars available. This was my first real taste of how vital the Jewish Federation is in sustaining our community. Coming full circle, on the Israel Together trip in 2014 I saw firsthand where our overseas dollars sent to Israel go by visiting programs in our partner community of Ramla.”
Amy Ravis Furey, Jewish Federation’s outreach and engagement coordinator, said Goldsmith was chosen for this honor because she demonstrates a strong commitment to the Jewish community.
“We are grateful for all she has done to make our community a better place and her incredible dedication over a number of years,” said Furey.
The Annual Meeting will feature Gerrald (Jerry) Silverman, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America. It is open to the community.
“Everyone is encouraged to attend the meeting to recognize the work of community leaders like Michelle Goldsmith and others, and to learn about the impact of community programs and the inspiring mission of the Federation,” Furey noted.
There is no charge, but reservations are requested. To make a reservation or learn more, contact Cherie Anne Winkler, 913-327-8103.{/mprestriction}
