Profile: Betsy Melamed

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

In our Centennial year, we’re highlighting members of our alumni community whose accomplishments exemplify the values and leadership skills that thousands of members have cultivated through BBYO in the past century. Below is an interview with BBG alumna Betsy Winnick Melamed.

BETSY WINNICK MELAMED

Director of Strategic Partnerships at JOINT ELKA - JDC

Prachim BBG, Connecticut Valley Region

40th International N’siah

Raised in West Haven, Connecticut, Betsy served as the 40th International N’siah in 1984-1985. Following this experience, she attended the University of Connecticut. On the day she graduated with her BA in Political Science, she boarded a plane to Israel for a volunteer program called Sherut La’am. Upon landing, she fell in love with Israel and her kibbutz madrich, Sagi Melamed, whom she later married.

Betsy received an MA in Public Administration from the University of Haifa and completed coursework at Harvard Extension School. Today, living in Hoshaya Israel she works as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for JOINT ELKA, a division of JDC Israel. A motivational leader and global fundraising expert, Betsy is also a long-distance runner and holds a second-degree black belt in karate. She takes pride in being the Ima of Guy, Eden, Ari, and Sivan and a new mother-in-law to Noga.

Pam Jenoff — *A photo of Betsy as a BBG in the 1980s, and today*

"Like many of my peers, BBYO became my life, offering opportunities to connect with interesting people, meet my friends, have a blast, and most importantly, make a positive impact on the world around us."

What was your involvement in BBYO as a teen, and how did those experiences shape you as an adult?

During my teenage years, I was deeply immersed in BBYO. Like many of my peers, BBYO became my life, offering opportunities to connect with interesting people, meet my friends, have a blast, and most importantly, make a positive impact on the world around us.

From the weekly chapter meetings and activities to engaging in the volleyball league, dances, and conventions at the regional level, and then to larger events at the district and international levels held at Camp Perlman, these experiences embedded in me a profound belief that I could make a difference in the world.

During my years as BBG chapter president, there was a national initiative that focused on assisting the elderly. We visited old age homes, volunteered in community centers, and even spent Christmas at a veterans' hospital, entertaining and serving meals. This aspect of making a tangible difference in the world translated seamlessly into my adult life, shaping my career path with non-profit organizations and, ultimately, influencing my decision to make Israel my home.

What are some of your favorite memories from BBYO?

One of the standout moments was the incredible experience at Camp Perlman and my participation in ILTC and Kallah in 1983 and 1984. These programs not only deepened my connection with BBYO but also left an indelible mark on my teenage years and probably influenced my decision to move to Israel.

I'm still in touch with many remarkable individuals from that time. Whenever we gather, there's a shared sense of joy as we stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about the good times we had.

Another particularly poignant highlight was the opportunity to meet Coretta Scott King during her national efforts to establish Martin Luther King as a national holiday; and to meet Anita Perlman, a major highlight in my BBYO journey.

What advice would you give your teenage self – what do you want to tell teens today?

Firstly, I'd emphasize the importance of active participation. Don't just let things happen; take the initiative to get involved!

Secondly, I'd stress the value of being a good listener. In a world brimming with diverse voices and perspectives, taking the time to genuinely hear what others have to say is crucial.

If I could go back, another piece of advice I'd give my teenage self is to write more. I would encourage my younger self to be more proactive as a teenager in using writing as a tool for self-expression and advocacy.

What are you proud of that you are currently working on?

A significant source of pride is my children, who serve as officers in the Israeli army, contributing their lives right now to combat. Supporting them through this enormous challenge, which relates to the survival of Israel, has become a central focus of my daily life.

In addition to my personal commitments, I work at JOINT ELKA, a department within the JDC. Here, we contribute to ensuring that Israel's public systems are inclusive, serving all Israelis, and actively working to bridge gaps and empower the most vulnerable populations. It's a role that aligns with my values and allows me to make a tangible impact on the well-being of individuals and communities. I feel proud to be an alumna of BBYO and look to the days ahead with hope.