Volunteer Leadership Profile—Lisa Pullan and Melanie Samuels

 

Federation Annual Campaign’s Choices Event Co-Chairs

 

Although both have their hands full with careers and raising families, Lisa Pullan and Melanie Samuels couldn’t resist working together as co-chairs for this year’s exciting Choices event. Self-described “partners in crime,” Lisa and Melanie have extensive backgrounds in volunteer work for both the Jewish Federation and the broader Jewish community. Both have served on Federation Annual Campaign’s Working Cabinet, and Lisa has served on the Allocations Committee, and currently sits on Jewish Federation’s sponsorship and Partnership2Gether committees. Together, they chaired King David High School’s Teaching for Tomorrow event and have volunteered for Jewish Family Services Agency. As well, Melanie just completed her term as president of Vancouver’s Jewish Community Centre, having served on that board for 14 years.

 

Role as Co-Chairs
The two whirlwinds of activity lent their professional and volunteer expertise to this year’s Choices event, which recognizes and celebrates women’s support of our community. Each year hundreds of women come together for an evening of inspiration, and are united in one cause: strengthening our community through tzedakah (charity). As co-chairs, Lisa and Melanie were responsible for leading the Choices committee as they planned, executed and hosted the well-attended event.

 

This year’s Choices event was special for both Melanie and Lisa as they heard the speaker, Alina Spaulding, speak at Jewish Federation’s very first Choices event 10 years ago. “Anyone who saw Alina at the first Choices event thinks she is the best speaker she has ever heard, and anyone who didn’t see her has heard about her,” says Lisa. “So many people give to Federation but find it hard to grasp where their gifts are going, and Alina has this captivating way of showing what is intangible.”

 

Getting Involved, Giving Back
Both Melanie and Lisa volunteer for Jewish Federation because they believe they receive more than they give when they serve. “I’m always amazed to see how everyone’s piece works together to make our community better, and I want to be one of those pieces,” shares Lisa. “I also wanted my kids to see that you have to step up in order for things to happen.”

 

“Seeing that many women together in a room keeps me inspired and wanting to be involved,” Melanie adds. “I have benefitted from being in this community, so I want to give back to this community.”