NextGen MKE
Empowering Milwaukee’s young Jewish leaders to build a vibrant community today and for future generations.
Overview
NextGen MKE is comprised of individuals ages 22 to 45. We ensure that the Milwaukee Jewish community goes from strength to strength across the generations. We engage our young leaders by developing the skills they need to guide our community into the future and by providing social, philanthropic, networking, and learning opportunities.
Engagement
Engagement helps young Jewish adults build meaningful connections to their culture and community. Through social, educational, and service opportunities, participants deepen their sense of belonging and discover new ways to get involved. This commitment strengthens the vibrancy of Jewish Milwaukee and helps ensure the continuity of Jewish life for future generations.
Leadership
NextGen offers leadership experiences that empower young adults to shape the future of Jewish Milwaukee. Participants often go on to serve in influential volunteer and professional roles throughout the community. The George Weinstein Fellowship, our signature leadership program, provides focused learning, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities that prepare emerging leaders to guide Jewish Milwaukee with clarity, purpose, and commitment.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy holds profound significance for young Jewish adults who are part of NextGen MKE, as it embodies the core values of tikkun olam (or repairing the world). Philanthropy not only becomes a means of giving back but also serves as a powerful tool for us to express our commitment to social justice, compassion, and the pursuit of a more equitable world. Through giving and collective action, they help build a compassionate, engaged, and equitable community for today and the future.
Connect With Us
Are you between the ages of 22 and 45? Then, you belong with NextGen! Connect with us by contacting the NextGen Team. Let us take you for coffee, lunch, grab a drink – let’s connect.
Past Events
Take a look back at recent event photo galleries.
National Young Leadership Cabinet
Leadership Across North America
Founded in 1963 by the Jewish Federations of North America, National Young Leadership Cabinet is a prestigious five-year leadership and philanthropic development program for emerging Jewish leaders. Rooted in Jewish values, Cabinet cultivates individuals who demonstrate humility, integrity, and a deep commitment to community.
Cabinet is an intensive leadership community for individuals at a stage in life where they can dedicate several hours each month to learning, relationship-building, and contributing to the broader Federation movement.
All applicants should:
- Demonstrate leadership or potential for leadership in their local community and be eager for future growth.
- Commit to making a difference through active leadership roles in their local community.
- Embody the Jewish values of tzedakah, tikkun olam, and Klal Yisrael.
- Make a minimum gift of $5000 to the annual campaign in their first year, with meaningful increases each year thereafter.
- Commit to the time necessary to energetically participate in the experiences and opportunities offered by Cabinet.
Connect
Kelly has spent her career in the Jewish nonprofit world, working with many of the programs and organizations that helped shape her own Jewish identity and commitment to community. She is honored to serve as the Director of NextGen MKE at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, where she focuses on engaging, developing, and connecting Jewish young adults through leadership development, community building, and philanthropy.
Kelly moved to Milwaukee in 2015 to serve as the Assistant Director of the JCC Maccabi Games, where she supported large-scale programming and logistics for this game-changing event. She then joined the BBYO team, first in the Wisconsin Region and then overseeing BBYO’s summer leadership programs, working closely with teens, families, and numerous staff to cultivate the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Kelly is passionate about building meaningful Jewish experiences, strengthening leadership pipelines, and ensuring a vibrant, connected Jewish future in Milwaukee and beyond.
Deb Carneol Fendrich serves as Senior Director of Affinities and Women’s Philanthropy at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. In her Women’s Philanthropy role, she leads strategy and execution for engagement, leadership development, and campaign efforts, overseeing volunteer leadership and donor stewardship. She also guides signature programs such as VALOR and International Women’s Day and stewards the growth of Women’s Philanthropy giving societies including Lions of Judah and Pomegranate Societies.
In her Affinities role, Deb partners with and supports the Federation’s Affinity Directors, helping them execute their visions through strategic guidance around campaign, engagement, and leadership development, while fostering cross-affinity collaboration and building strong lay leadership pipelines.
Outside of work, Deb enjoys singing, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with friends, her husband Ben, their daughters Logan and Micah, and their dog, Maya.
