CORE PRINCIPLES
We believe the key to effective DEI work is to humanize people, combat the urge to generalize, and create space for compassion.
We believe productive engagement with other communities requires hearing their voices and understanding their concerns, as they exist today, in order to build and/or restore trust.
We seek to ensure the concerns of the Jewish community can be better understood by those who don't know our full history.
While the immediate threat antisemitism poses is not equal in all spaces, we believe American Jews, and our allies, must fight against the forces of antisemitism regardless of which political party or community it comes from. Further, we must distinguish between blind spots, biases, and actual anti-Jewish bigotry, and respond accordingly.
We reject the notion that one can either support Israel or Palestine. Both peoples deserve national self-determination, have a deep tie to the land, deserve justice, dignity, security, compassion, and the chance to live in peace. Meaningful dialogue on this issue requires acknowledging that fact. It also requires understanding and acknowledging the real trauma of both peoples and rejecting efforts which seek to dehumanize or erase the legitimate concerns of either community.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
April Powers
Global Inclusion Strategist | Interculturalist Trainer | Keynote Speaker
April Powers is the Managing Director of First Impression Rx, a full service consulting firm that helps companies manage differences through training and diversity and inclusion strategy. The first Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, she is a highly-rated trainer for Fortune 50, government and non-profit organizations. She consulted at Amgen for many years, including project managing their cultural dexterity roll-out and delivering certified training in the areas of Generational Diversity, Communication, Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Competence. April co-launched Jewbian Princess to foster inclusion in Jewish spaces.
Oren Jacobson
Oren Jacobson is a civic entrepreneur, thought leader, and policy advisor, focused on helping communities and organizations build the strength and capacity necessary to improve people's lives. His civic advocacy spans local to international engagement. In professional and personal practice, deep pride in his Jewish identity instills in Oren a sense of duty to disrupt the unjust imbalances of our world.
With a strong, clear voice in the fight against antisemitism and white supremacy, Oren is known for showing up consistently as an ally and organizing to help build power and change policy. He has advised global Jewish institutions and supported global corporations as a subject matter expert on antisemitism.
Previously, Oren served as National Chapter Development Director for the New Leaders Council, helping grow NLC into the largest social justice focused leadership development organization in America. He holds a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Chicago, a Master's in Economics and Policy Analysis from DePaul University, and an MBA from Regis University.
