My Work, Social Media Projects

Introducing the Avodah Institute for Social Change

Marissa Smith-Kenny

Since October 2021, I have been a part of the team working to launch Avodah's newest program, the Institute for Social Change. The official public launch of the Institute took place on January 12, 2022. Here's an overview of the social media strategy I developed in tandem with the rest of the team: The Challenge… Continue reading Introducing the Avodah Institute for Social Change

Blog, Diversity, Equity + Inclusion, Published Writing

Rachel Davidson on the Thousands of Youth Impacted by Disjointed Immigration System

Marissa Smith-Kenny

This piece was originally written for Avodah and published here. Rachel Davidson (Chicago Service Corps, 2006-2007) is the Managing Attorney for Policy and Special Projects at The Door in New York City and the founder of the End SIJS Backlog Coalition, which recently published its first report on the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status backlog, featured by TIME. We… Continue reading Rachel Davidson on the Thousands of Youth Impacted by Disjointed Immigration System

My Work, Published Writing

Telling the story of Avodah’s alumni

Marissa Smith-Kenny

Since joining the Avodah team in March, I have made it a point to highlight the accomplishments of the organization's program alumni on a regular basis, telling the story of their journeys from their Avodah participation to now. Commonly, these stories discuss how Avodah’s curriculum and program structure has spurred them in their paths to career… Continue reading Telling the story of Avodah’s alumni

Diversity, Equity + Inclusion, My Work, Published Writing

Gratitude is not Enough: Accountability and Action on Thanksgiving

Marissa Smith-Kenny

The following piece was written for Avodah and was originally published here. As the name implies, Thanksgiving is traditionally a holiday about gratitude. While acknowledging the things we are grateful for is important, the gathering of friends and family also provides an opportunity for critical conversations on accountability.  From as early as elementary school, many… Continue reading Gratitude is not Enough: Accountability and Action on Thanksgiving

Public Relations, Published Writing

Avodah NOLA Corps Member Ellie Moskowitz Kicks Off Service Year with Hurricane Relief Efforts

Marissa Smith-Kenny

The following article was written on behalf of Avodah and originally published here. Late this summer, we celebrated the graduation of our 2020-2021 Corps Members and prepared to welcome a new cohort across six bayitim (houses) in five cities. In addition to new Service Corps programming in San Diego and our Jews of Color Bayit in New York, our New Orleans (NOLA) team… Continue reading Avodah NOLA Corps Member Ellie Moskowitz Kicks Off Service Year with Hurricane Relief Efforts