Why Do Mentors Matter for Jews? with Cari Uslan

Bad Jew

**This episode is our FIRST-EVER SPONSORED EPISODE! Keep scrolling for more information. Scroll further down for details!**

Being a Jew is difficult. Being anyone is difficult but the difficulties of existing as a Jew in this turbulent world is ever more clear, especially after October 7th, 2023. It's nearly impossible to navigate this world alone and that's why mentors exist.

Cari Uslan of Jewish Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Los Angeles knows this too well. She helps run an organization built on making life more manageable. 'Littles' get assigned 'bigs' and vice versa, all to clear the fog that is reality. Uslan elaborates on the Jewish approach to mentorship in this special episode of Bad Jew.

00:00 Introduction AND sponsor message

06:26 Jewish identity is inescapable; mentors guide.

07:15 Mentors expand worldview, crucial for personal growth.

10:44 Mentors inspire transformative growth and opportunities.

15:22 Impactful Jewish mentorship changes lives positively.

20:07 Commitment-focused vetting and support for mentors.

21:02 Mentorship: Supportive guidance, friendship, showing up.

25:24 Giving time enriches mentors and community.

28:22 Excited partnership offers mentorship resources, visit jbbsla.org.

About Cari Uslan:

Cari B. Uslan has been a nonprofit leader for over 20 years. In 2016, Ms. Uslan joined Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA). Currently serving in her third year as Chief Executive Officer; she spent two years as the Executive Vice President, and two years as the Vice President of Development. As Executive Vice President, Ms. Uslan was responsible for overseeing Camp Bob Waldorf, College Access + Success, and the Development department. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was integral in transitioning JBBBSLA’s in-person programming to virtual programming and ensuring that all youth and their families being served by the agency were being fully supported by JBBBSLA. Ms. Uslan has also led the organization through financial challenges. Her focus on new fundraising efforts, increased communication, and creative outreach strategies ensured a lower than anticipated deficit in 2020, 2021, and 2022. She also led JBBBSLA through difficult employee transitions. Under Ms. Uslan’s leadership, JBBBSLA created the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee that is comprised of a diverse group of staff

members representing all staffing levels in the agency. In all cases, her adept leadership and open communication has allowed the organization to overcome the current challenges and continue to grow in the future. Prior to JBBBSLA, Ms. Uslan worked at MAZON, developing their national fundraising strategy to fight hunger in the U.S. and Israel. Ms. Uslan also served as a Development Officer for Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Ms. Uslan is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served on several nonprofit boards.

Connect with Cari Uslan:

https://www.jbbbsla.org/contact-us/

IG @JBBBSLA

YouTube: @JBBBSofLA

FB: https://www.facebook.com/jbbbsla

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE:

JEWISH BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS OF LOS ANGELES!

Become a big today! JBBBSLA.org/mentorship

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