Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured is Elise Skolnick from Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.
Name: Elise Skolnick
Position: Director of Communications & Marketing
Organization: Youngstown Area Jewish Federation
Bio:
Elise Skolnick is the director of communications & marketing for the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and its agencies. She’s also editor of the Jewish Journal, a publication of the Federation. She’s president of the Youngstown Press Club and co-chair of the YWCA Mahoning Valley Women Artists: A Celebration! Annual Juried Exhibition.
Prior to her role at the Federation, she was communications coordinator for the YWCA of Youngstown (now YWCA Mahoning Valley), coordinator of First Night Youngstown, and chief operating manager for Mothers & More.
She was a reporter for more than 20 years for various newspapers, including The Vindicator and The Business Journal, and wrote for Woman’s World Magazine. She’s also an award-winning photographer. She and her husband, David, have two daughters and three grandchildren.
What made you want to go into this field?
When my kids were younger, I was very involved in PTA at their schools, and later the state and national levels. I discovered my love for nonprofit work then. I also enjoy writing, and the time I spent as a journalist. I’m able to use those skills in my current role. In nonprofit work I’m able to channel those skills into doing good in our community.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
Volunteering! I would never give up the time I spent in college, where I learned so much and met many amazing people, but volunteering is boots on the ground experience with other dedicated people.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
Not delegating enough, feeling that I needed to do it all.
What is the hardest decision you ever had to make in this field?
I loved my time working for First Night Youngstown, but was working two other jobs at the time. When my hours increased at the YWCA I knew I could no longer give First Night the attention it deserved and resigned. But I loved working with the volunteer board to create an amazing art-filled, family-friendly New Year’s event in Youngstown. It was tough to leave.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
Honestly, I can’t think of anything. Every experience has led me to the next adventure, and mistakes led to growth.
What inspires you to do good in our community?
I like working with others to fill needs in our community. My work with the YWCA Mahoning Valley Women Artists art show committee showcases underrepresented women artists and benefits the YWCA housing programs. As president of the Youngstown Press Club, I work with other volunteers to further freedom of the press and promote journalism and communication-related professions. At the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, I promote the great work of our agencies that provide something for everyone, from baby to bubbe (grandma).
What do you enjoy most about volunteering in our community?
I love the people. I meet so many dedicated, interesting people. Together, we work hard to make a difference.
What song best describes you or is the soundtrack to your life?
Life Uncommon by Jewel
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life?
I love my work as a photographer. I photograph the world around me as well as graduating seniors, people needing headshots, and others. I love making photos of people that they can treasure and photos that look at the world in a different way than someone else. I’ve worked hard to grow as a photographer.
Who is your role model and why?
My two daughters. It’s inspiring watching these two young women navigate careers and motherhood.
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present and why?
Louise Penny. Her novels are mysteries, which I thoroughly enjoy, but her character development is amazing. As a person, she’s very giving and thoughtful, as well.
A favorite quote that you live by?
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.” – Elliott Erwitt This quote speaks to me as a photographer, but is also applicable to everyday life.
