Jewish Federation of Kansas City is kicking off another year of Jewish professionals programming.
Federation’s professional affinity groups aim to help Jewish community members connect with professionals in their fields who can relate to their roles and the challenges they face.
“These programs offer a space to discover connections with those who share a purpose with you,” said Kaitlin Birnbaum, Federation’s events and engagement specialist. “These events are for working professionals of all ages to connect and build relationships. There is a unique opportunity to find role models and mentors who you can learn from and continue to develop your profession through.”
Last year, Jewish Business Professionals (JBIZ) hosted several events. In February, mid-career and high-level business professionals gathered for a networking breakfast. In partnership with Jewish Experiences, The J and UMKC Law School, law professionals were offered a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) opportunity on the legal barriers and moral questions of immigration during the Holocaust.
Later in the year, Jewish Medical Professionals (JMED) and Jewish Family Services collaborated to host Dr. Sharon Slater to speak to Kansas City’s Jewish professionals about her work in Israel as a top trauma psychologist.
Previously, Jewish Real Estate Professionals (JREP) and JBIZ also hosted top executives from the Kansas City Royals, KC Current, Sporting KC and the KC Sports Commission to speak on a panel about Kansas City sports.
“Through these programs, we’re able to meet the desire from our community to connect with those who share a common goal and interest in the world through their professional work,” Birnbaum said.
This year, Jewish Federation will be hosting joint mixers for all three affinity groups and individualized networking breakfast and happy hour events to facilitate connections with professionals in the same field. Later in the year, Birnbaum also anticipates a round table discussion with prominent industry speakers for professionals to learn from.
On Jan. 26, early-career members of JMED will gather for a special happy hour, serving as an opportunity for medical students, residents, nurses and others to network.
More information about January’s JMED Early Career Happy Hour and other Federation events can be found at jewishkansascity.org/events.
