Announcements

Nov. 01, 2024

An Era of Vision and Purpose: My Perspective as Repair the World’s New Board Chair

Anna Kovinsky (she/her), Board Chair of Repair the World

I have had the privilege of being part of Repair the World’s journey for almost seven years as a leader on the Board of Directors. The many highs and lows of these years have allowed Repair to mature into an organization with a clear identity and focus, while holding onto its entrepreneurial and adaptable spirit. In a time when more young Jews and their peers than ever are seeking meaning in community, Judaism and action, I could not be more proud to be taking on the role of Board Chair.

Repair has a proven track record of meeting our participants where they are. In the uncertain and lonely early days of COVID, we launched the Jewish Service Alliance and our Serve the Moment program that provided community, meaning and action to thousands of participants across the country. That initiative evolved into the service corps, now a cornerstone of our community-facing work.

Similarly, as young Jews on college campuses and young professionals are seeking community and connection as they experience the confusion and alienation of our current times, Repair has been the organization that has provided a safe, warm and meaningful home, where they can serve and learn amongst like-minded Jews and non-Jews alike. From the impact we are making on their lives, to the bridge building with other communities and the measurable impact on our partner organizations, Repair plays an important and urgent role in the Jewish world today. 

As I take on the role of Board Chair, my confidence in Repair’s ability to meet this moment is largely due to the new strategic plan that the board approved in the spring and which is well on its way to being fully operationalized. In this adaptive plan, Repair acknowledges the success of and its central role in the Jewish Service Alliance. The plan leans into that success by expanding our field work, deepening Jewish learning and further expanding our reach through our extensive and growing alumni network, while also prioritizing building capacity and infrastructure for growth. 

As Board Chair, my role is to support Cindy, our President and CEO, and the rest of the executive team in operationalizing the plan. I believe in collaboration and empowerment, allowing each board member to bring their strengths to the table. I will continue the board’s tradition of open dialogue, idea exchange and collaboration, allowing each board member to derive meaning and growth in their board service. 

Repair the World has big ambitions for the coming years: building new national partnerships, engaging over 100,000 participants annually and activating over 400 service ambassadors each year. It’s ambitious, it’s important and it’s urgent. Through this work we will ignite a lifelong commitment to service and to Judaism amongst thousands of young people here and around the world. 

This is truly a remarkable time for Repair the World and I’m honored and excited to lead during this transformational phase. I’m inspired not only by the work we do but by the people who make it happen—the young Jews who are stepping up to build bridges, to serve others, and to bring about real social change. This work is personal to me, and it’s deeply personal to them. Together, I know we can create a world where Jewish values and meaningful service go hand in hand, shaping a future that’s more just, more connected, and more compassionate.