Robin Davis: How long have you lived in Austin and what brought you here? 

Rochelle Kraus: Dan and I moved to Austin in December 2003 from New York City. Dan was starting his own business and I was going back to graduate school at the University of Texas, and then a week after moving we found out I was pregnant with our first child, Noah! Kir was born 19 months after Noah. Now they’re both in college. 

RD: What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? 

RK: I play music and am in a few cover bands with some amazing people! I play drums in Crystal Visions ATX- a tribute to Fleetwood Mac, and Black Days ATX- a tribute to 90’s grunge. I also sing and play keys in fUNNER- “MTV generation rap and dance”, Rule the World- a tribute to Tears for Fears, and Captain Fantastic- a tribute to Elton John. 

Secondly, I started about a year ago teaching WERQ cardio dance fitness at Shalom Austin, Mondays at 6pm. There is an incredible community of people who take classes at the J that I am so proud to be a part of. I always leave classes full of joy and feeling the connection.  

RD: Why did you get involved at Shalom Austin and what was your first volunteer role? 

RK: Both my parents and my in-laws have been incredible philanthropic role models, and Dan and I both got involved with the Austin Jewish community when we first moved here. Shalom Austin is an incredibly special organization that brings people together and makes Jewish values come alive. I started out volunteering at the Austin Jewish Academy, where my kids were in school. Amongst other things, I coached the kids competing in the Music Memory category at the PSIA academic competition. I have been involved with Shalom Austin Arts and Culture for some time now, and help organize the annual Leslie Brittman Literary Event.  

RD: Tell me about your efforts with the Shalom Austin Central Texas flood relief efforts  

RK: It is hard to put into words the horror and devastation that so many people experienced and felt as a result of the floods. I did not know anyone personally, but I felt the terror and loss so viscerally, as I am sure did many others. We donated right away to the Shalom Austin Flood Relief Fund. So many people volunteered their time and efforts. On the day they were collecting in the parking lot, I drove over some Gatorades, and when I saw that they had a lot more room in the back of the truck, I drove over to H-E-B and filled up the back of my car with as many Gatorades as it would hold and drove it back to them. You never feel like you’re doing enough, but every small thing that we do adds up to a whole community, trying to make the world a better place. 

RD: What message would you like to share with other women? 

RK: When I first moved to Austin, I volunteered with Hadassah, and at the first meeting that I went to I was given a volunteer job! I was put in charge of the silent auction at the upcoming gift bazaar. I had never done anything like that before. It turns out learning by doing and jumping right in brought me into a wonderful community of longtime friends and tikkun olam. It is one of the things I love so much about the Austin community that Shalom Austin really embodies: it is so accessible to participate – if you want to be a part of something, it’s there for you to step into.  You really feel like a part of something and you know you’re doing something tangible to repair the world. 

RD: What are you reading right now? 

RK: I recently finished Mothers and Other Fictional Characters by Nicole Graev Lipson – this will be the book for the Leslie Brittman Literary Event on November 16th at 3pm – all are welcome! I am currently listening to the audiobook of  Whole Brain Living by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D. 

Kim Schocket: How long have you been in Austin?
Amy Antonacci: I have been in Austin 9.5 years… wow! That went fast! We moved here from the suburbs of Chicago for my husband’s job, and Kim was the only person I knew (Kim and I grew up together at summer camp in the north woods of Wisconsin). My daughter Jamie was in the middle of 6th grade, and my daughter Alexa was in the middle of 3rd grade, and now she is graduating from high school! 

KS: What is your favorite activity to do in Austin?
AA: My favorite thing to do in Austin is grab a coffee and take a walk around the lake with one of my girls or with a friend. We are so lucky to have downtown so close and accessible, and I love to get down there as often as possible. I also love all of Austin’s shopping events – from Le Garage Sale to all of the pop-up shows, I love to grab a group of girls and make a day of it. 

KS: How did you get involved in Women’s Philanthropy?
AA: Soon after I moved to Austin, Kim invited me to join her at Mosaic. Coming from Chicago, with a very large Jewish community, I found so much comfort in seeing such a powerful and welcoming group of women gathered in one room. Shortly after I attended a Coffee & Conversations at Vicky Osherow’s house and I was hooked. I was quickly asked to join the WP Committee and co-chair the Pomegranate Society, and I haven’t looked back. 

KS: What is your favorite part of being involved with Women’s Philanthropy?
AA: My favorite part of Women’s Philanthropy is the community. I have made some of my closest friendships here, and I am always surprised that I meet new, lovely women every time I attend an event. Austin’s Jewish community is growing so much, and I love how every woman I meet adds her own flavor to the mix. 

KS: What message would you like to share with other women? 

AA: Please join us – you are Women’s Philanthropy too! All Jewish women in Austin are a part of our Women’s Philanthropy Community, and I am excited to share it with all of you! Our next event is a Ladies Night Out at Oz House on June 12th, and I hope to meet you all there. Please say hi! 

KS: What’s your favorite Jewish memory?
AA: Watching both of my daughters become a Bat Mitzvah have been by far my favorite Jewish memories. Jamie’s Bat Mitzvah was shortly after we moved here, and we were able to celebrate her with all of our family and our old and new friends. Alexa’s Bat Mitzvah was one of the first Zoom Bat Mitzvah’s during COVID, and while it was bittersweet to not be able to be with everyone in person, so many more people showed up for her online and in our driveway celebration. It meant so much for me to watch them begin to own their own Jewish journeys. 

KS: What’s one word that describes our Jewish community?
AA: Engaged. I am always so impressed to see so many special faces every time I am at an event, and even every time I am at the JCC. It is such a remarkable community.

Journey to Austin and Shalom Austin
I grew up in a loving Jewish home in Houston and spent my summers at Camp Young Judaea in Wimberley. My professional career in the Jewish community began 20 years ago while working for the Anti-Defamation League in Boston, and I feel like I’ve come full circle in my current role.

While my kids were attending the Early Childhood Program, I saw a job opportunity at Shalom Austin and jumped at the chance to give back to a community that had already given my family so much. Over the past seven years, my appreciation for Shalom Austin and all that we do for the community has only grown. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such an amazing community, focusing on engaging women and helping them form meaningful connections.

Career Growth & Current Role
My role has evolved over the years. When I was first hired in 2017 as the Assistant Development Director, I worked on the annual campaign, bringing experience in communication and event planning. I was tasked with executing large-scale initiatives like Ignite, and later Mosaic.

Now, as Development Director, I oversee campaign operations and donor stewardship and have a strong focus on Women’s Philanthropy.

Attending the Lion of Judah Conference in 2022 in Phoenix was a pivotal moment for me. Seeing the impact of our Lions of Judah coming together further solidified my commitment to working in the Jewish community.

The support and recognition I’ve received for my hard work and passion make me grateful to be part of this organization. Shana said “This is the best job I have ever had!”

Goals for the Next Year
My goal is to create meaningful opportunities for women in our community to connect with each other and with the incredible work that Shalom Austin does every day.

Message About Women’s Philanthropy
Women’s Philanthropy has something for everyone! Our community is open to women of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages. Philanthropy is about giving your time, talent, and treasure in whatever way is meaningful to you.

We offer many ways to engage, including social events, volunteerism, leadership development, and educational opportunities. It’s not just about financial contributions; it’s about finding your place, meeting people who will fill your cup, and building lifelong friendships. I always encourage women to attend events, try different things, and dive in with both feet!

Favorite Jewish Memory
Spending summers at CYJ Texas was a formative experience for me. At 16, I traveled to Israel with Young Judaea, and at 18, I spent a gap year living in Israel on Young Judaea Year Course.

My kids will be attending CYJ this summer and I hope will be as connected to the Jewish community as I am.

Favorite Women’s Philanthropy Event
I can’t pick just one! I truly love all of our programs. Mosaic is especially powerful—being in a room with 1,000 women who care deeply about our organization and want to build community is an incredible experience.

Joining the Pomegranate Society
Becoming a Pomegranate had been on my mind for a while, and I finally felt it was the right time for my family to take that step. I wanted to give back to Shalom Austin and Women’s Philanthropy in a meaningful way, just as they have given so much to me.

It is so important to me to set an example for my daughter and my son. Sharing with my family why I decided to become a Pomegranate was very emotional.

Seeing my colleagues step up their giving was incredibly inspiring. I wanted to follow in their footsteps and also set an example for others—showing how easy and fulfilling it can be to increase your commitment.

I think it’s amazing how many Shalom Austin professional are involved in giving. We have so many Lions of Judah and Pomegranates among our staff, and I wanted to be part of that inspiring group. It just felt like the right time.

The icing on my Pomegranate cake is you [Tracy] gifting me your Pomegranate Pin. I am so grateful for your generosity and support and encourage other Lions to share their Pomegranate pins with new Pomegranates in the future!

Suzanne Newberg: How did you get involved in Women’s Philanthropy?

Robyn Sperling: I got involved in Women’s Philanthropy at the suggestion of several friends. At the time, we were part of a new and growing Jewish community and I believe that many of us felt an obligation to give our time and energy to shape and support it. My journey began when I attended a parlor meeting and learned about Federation, philanthropic dollars and the incredible ways they can be used to impact the lives of others. Shortly after, I was asked to join the ECP board. The impact of these two opportunities was to begin my 30 year dedication to Jewish philanthropy. What began as a simple invitation became a lifelong passion for giving back and building community. 

SN: What are your goals for the next year? 

RS: My goals for the next year are two-fold. First, I want to use my voice to make a difference. I am committed to speaking out against hate in all its forms, and spreading awareness about the rising threat of anti-semitism. By standing up for truth and justice, I aim to be a voice for the voiceless and an advocate for kindness and tolerance. Second, I am steadfast in my support for Israel, working to promote its values and defend its right to exist. I hope to inspire others to join me in building a more compassionate world for our future generations. 

SN: What message would you like to share with other women? 

RS: The message I want to share with all the incredible women reading this is simple: “Just say yes!”  Say yes to getting involved and being the catalyst for the change you wish to see. Say yes to stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new opportunities to make a difference. Say yes to advocating for the benefit of your community and standing up for what matters most. Teach your children the values behind your advocacy, and show them why attending meetings, standing up for causes and taking action are essential. Let them see the power of saying yes, because when we lead by example we inspire the next generation to do the same. Together we can shape a brighter future. 

SN: What’s your favorite Jewish memory? 

RS: Passover with family has always been a great joy, blending my love of family with the importance of tradition. I can still visualize Grandpa Plattner sitting at the head of the table, conducting his hours-long seder with his thick Yiddish accent. My mom, alongside her brother and sister, would bring the room alive with songs learned from the Talmud Torah. Their joyful voices blending together in beautiful harmony touched my soul. I always looked forward to the smell of matzoh ball soup and anxiously awaited the first bite of matzoh! The table was set with the finest china and the Afikomen was hidden in the same spot for decades! The Passover holiday has been my favorite ever since those early formative years, making an indelible imprint while deepening my love of Jewish tradition.  

SN: What has been your favorite Women’s Philanthropy event and why? 

RS: My favorite Women’s Philanthropy event was the very first Mosaic Luncheon. It was an incredible experience from start to finish, filled with creativity and camaraderie. I still remember the joy of sitting with new and old friends while stuffing and stamping the invitations. We created beautiful vases adorned with mosaic tiles, each unique and different yet fitting together like a complete puzzle. And like those mosaic tiles, each of us was unique and different, yet together creating a community aligned in our values and purpose. The overwhelming success of that first luncheon has led to what is now an essential fundraising event for the Federation, and a wonderful opportunity for women in the community to get involved. I feel so blessed to have been a part of that luncheon. 

Val Newberg: How and why did you get involved in Women’s Philanthropy?

Karen Kogut: I began supporting the Jewish Federation in my 30s, moving through eight different cities. It wasn’t until I settled in San Diego that I truly immersed myself in Women’s Philanthropy.

Upon arriving, I struggled to feel connected. Events felt impersonal, and there was no follow-up from the community. Reaching out to a dedicated member, I was challenged to address these issues head-on. Embracing her challenge, I stepped up.

I attended a Federation Women’s Philanthropy Board mixer and soon received an invitation to join the board. We launched Shalom San Diego, an outreach initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and connection. I chaired this program and took on various leadership roles, eventually serving as the Women’s Philanthropy Board Chair. My involvement expanded to the Federation General Board, the Executive Committee, the Finance Committee, and the CEO Search Committee, among others.

Life took a turn when my mother passed away and my father needed care. My husband Stuart and I moved to Austin six years ago.

In Austin, it seemed my reputation had preceded me. More importantly, I felt a profound responsibility to follow in my parents’ footsteps and keep up with the Jewish community involvement of my nephews, Jerrod and Ben, and my niece, Sara. Known as “the aunt,” I am so proud of them.

While facing the challenge of being new to the community once again, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Honoring my family’s legacy and ensuring my parents’ names would continue to be remembered, I pushed through the discomfort of being new and set out to build new connections.

I discovered that the Federation in Austin is supported under the umbrella of Shalom Austin. I became involved with the Women’s Philanthropy Committee,

the Shalom Austin General Board, the Finance Committee, and served as a Lion steward. Through these roles, I also became a major donor.

Now, my life is enriched with Women’s Philanthropy activities and friendships within the Austin and San Diego Jewish communities. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support from lay and professional leaders in both cities.

VN: What led you to become a Lion of Judah and why is it important?

KK: Years ago, during a Federation Mission to Israel, I became a Lion of Judah. The trip profoundly inspired me by revealing firsthand where our contributions go, and the impact they have, not just in Austin.

We visited an absorption village for new Ethiopian immigrants who had fled oppression to find freedom and a better life in Israel. Seeing their resilience and hope was deeply moving. We also spent time singing and dancing with elderly residents in a retirement home, that is supported by our donations.

This trip highlighted the tangible difference our gifts make and reinforced my commitment to philanthropy. It was an overwhelming realization of how stretching my previous gifts could significantly impact someone’s life, and it solidified my dedication to making a meaningful difference.

VN: What is your favorite Jewish memory growing up?

KK: Passover in our house was a big production, filled with tradition and preparation. It meant moving furniture and cooking for days. Among the rituals, there was the search for chametz, the leavened bread that we remove from our homes before Passover begins.

An ancient Jewish custom involves searching for chametz by candlelight. Alongside the candle, we use a feather as a tiny broom and a wooden spoon as a miniature dustpan. After collecting the chametz, we burn it, and we ask G-d to remove the chametz from our lives just as we have removed it from our homes.

Passover also meant coming together for one final celebration. After benching, we would walk around the block and stop in front of our house to do Israeli dancing. Our neighbors thought we were crazy, but for us, it was a joyful way to conclude the holiday. I still have my father’s feather.

VN: What message would you like to share with other women in our community?

KK: We Jews are known for our strength and resilience. My own experiences have reinforced the importance of being strong, persistent, and engaged in building meaningful connections and making a difference. It’s truly inspiring to see how we can turn challenging situations into opportunities for growth and leadership, ultimately contributing to the betterment of our community.

Remember, don’t wait for the phone call—make the call yourself. Taking initiative is key to creating positive change.

Frances Meltzer: How long have you been in Austin?

Kim Shocket: I lived in Austin in the mid to late 90s while attending undergrad at UT. I never anticipated moving back, but it’s funny how life works and sometimes you end up back where you started. I lived several places after college – Aspen, Dallas, Tampa, and San Diego – but eventually moved to Austin at the start of 2007 with my husband and 10 week old son, Jack. He’s almost 18 now which is so hard to believe!

FM: What is your favorite activity to do in Austin?

KS: We are a watersport family, so I love a day spent on Lake Austin with family and friends. Even better if it’s followed up with good Tex-Mex and a spicy margarita outdoors at one of our fun Austin restaurants. 

FM: How did you get involved in Women’s Philanthropy?

KS: Soon after moving to Austin, I was invited by Jennifer Greenblum to sit at her table for Book Lovers Lunch being held at the JCC. We have a family connection, and she was so sweet to reach out to me. I really attribute my involvement to that lunch. Everyone was so welcoming, and I met many women who would go on to become mentors and dear friends. Back in the day, we would kick off Mosaic at Book Lovers, announce Woman of Valor, and get recruitment started. They asked for people to sign up to be a Table Captain for Mosaic, so I did. I filled my table for Mosaic with friends in my neighborhood and preschool. Little did I know that I was signing up for almost two decades of volunteer work with our Jewish community. 

FM: What is your favorite part of being involved with Women’s Philanthropy? 

KS: My favorite part of being involved is definitely the people. Each relationship I’ve made through my work with WP has enriched my life. I enjoy welcoming new people to Austin, learning about their journeys, and connecting them with friends and roles that match their passions. Each new person we engage brings a different perspective and fresh ideas which helps us continue to grow. I’m so proud of all we’ve accomplished through WP and Shalom Austin over the last 18 years.  
 

FM: Can you explain a little about your National Women’s Philanthropy Role? How do you see the NWP experiences being infused into Austin’s WP? 

KS: Sure! National Women’s Philanthropy is a board comprised of about 160 women leaders from federations across North America. Board members are nominated by their communities, then selected through a competitive process to serve an 8 year term. I am in my second year on the NWP Board and just returned from our Board Leadership Mission to London. There is a board retreat each year where we come together to learn from Jewish professionals and lay leaders about what’s happening in North America and around the world. We hear about new JFNA initiatives, take on additional leadership roles, and more than anything make connections with like-minded women in communities across the country. NWP cultivates the exchanging of ideas, programs, speakers, and more, which we can bring back to Austin and tweak to make our own. It’s so helpful to hear from other communities about what’s worked well and what hasn’t as we continually strive to better the Jewish experience in Austin.
 

FM: What message would you like to share with other women?

KS: Call me! Let’s have coffee, go for a walk, grab lunch, play mahjong or whatever works for you. I am here to help you connect. I promise you will get far more out of your involvement than you ever imagined. Just say YES! 

FM: What’s your favorite Jewish memory?

KS: My favorite Jewish memories typically are from Passover. I grew up with a large extended family in Dallas, and I fondly remember sitting around the kids table with my cousins laughing to tears. When Matt & I moved into our house on Greystone, we hosted our first Passover with 4 generations around our table. At the time I had 3 grandparents still with us; having the 3 of them, both sets of parents, our kids and extended family around our dining room table made for a really special night.
 

FM: What’s one word that describes our Jewish community?

KS: Inclusive. I truly believe that there is something and someone for everyone in our Jewish community.

FM: I know you’re an avid reader. What are you currently reading and what’s your all time favorite book?

KS: I just finished Woman On Fire by Lisa Barr and eagerly await the arrival of her new book The Goddess of Warsaw. I’m currently reading Uncomfortable Conversations with A Jew by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby. Favorite book of all time is tough, but it’s probably the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I remember reading it with my Dad when I was a kid, and I read the same copy to my kids when they were young. “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.”

Vicki Osherow:  Liza, I remember meeting you for the first time at a Women’s Philanthropy event when Carol Aaron, from Dallas, came to speak to us about becoming a Lion of Judah.  You were fairly new to the community.  We happened to sit next to each other and connected immediately over our love for our dogs! How long have you been in Austin?
Liza Soklove:  It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 16 years now.  I moved to Austin in 2008.

VO:  How did you get involved with Shalom Austin and specifically Women’s Philanthropy?
LS:  I went to a Shalom Austin event when I first moved to town and met so many wonderful people in the community, specifically women who were already involved in Women’s Philanthropy.  After that I was asked to co-chair the Senior Adult Programs and be part of the WP Committee.  The role was to recruit and facilitate WP volunteers in our community, which allowed our senior adult community members to attend the Rosh Hashanah and Passover luncheons.  

VO:  How has your involvement in Shalom Austin changed over the years?
LS:  I went back to work full time when I created my jewelry business LizaBeth.  Although I don’t have the time to volunteer as much anymore, I’m so happy to be able to make my pledge to the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign.  

VO:  What’s one word that describes our Jewish community?
LS:  Family!  I’ve made so many wonderful friendships and connections.

VO:  WP is so grateful that you’ve generously donated a beautiful piece of jewelry from your LizaBeth line for the past 12 years for the Mosaic Raffle (can we just say the past many Mosaic raffles?).  Thank you for always saying YES!  This year, your bracelet brought in over $14,000.00 which all went to the JFNA Israel Emergency Campaign to fund immediate and longer term needs from the war.  What inspires you to continue donating personally and professionally?
LS:  It gives me great joy to give back to our community and make a difference!

VO:  What do you see is a benefit of being affiliated with Shalom Austin?
LS:  I’ve gained an incredible support system through the years!  It’s so wonderful to know that we’re all here for each other.