roots of my success / 29 CARE FOR OTHERS “ My mother raised my brother and me to understand the importance of practicing empathy. A single mom who was committed to causes she believed in, she taught us to care about other people’s struggles, put ourselves in their shoes and stand up for what matters. I carry those lessons into my work as a real estate agent as I help people with their biggest financial transaction. Buy ing or selling a home is a very personal experience, often involving significant life changes and decades of memories. I take the time to understand my clients’ motivations and circumstances so I can support them with honesty, compassion and genuine care.” STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE “ I grew up in the Caribbean in a family and culture where achievement was expected. I was surrounded by accomplished professionals who taught me, by example, to strive for excel lence in whatever I chose to do. My father was a dentist, and many relatives built successful careers and businesses, reinforcing the idea that you should find something you do well and pursue it wholeheartedly. That mind set has stayed with me throughout my career and is why I chose dentistry. When the hospital where I worked closed, I saw it as an opportunity to start my own practice. It's been 26 years now and the practice has evolved as tech nology and society have changed. I’ve learned that maintaining excellence requires continually adapting, embrac ing change and reinventing yourself while staying true to the qualities that allowed you to flourish.” Dr. L. Dawn Christian VILLAGE DENTAL GROUP 71 Valley Street, Suite 101, South Orange 973.761.4800 southorangedentist.com Jennifer McManus COLDWELL BANKER REALTY 145 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood 917.837.2192 jennifer.mcmanus@cbmoves.com CREATE COMMUNITY “ I grew up in a family that was deeply involved in our congregation. My parents modeled the importance of building relationships and taking pride in our Jewish heritage. That experience inspired me to become a rabbi so I could teach, counsel and connect people to each other and help them find mean ing and purpose in their lives. Along the way, I was fortunate to have strong female mentors who allowed me to see myself in a role traditionally dominated by men. They helped me feel strong and confident when I was chosen as the first woman to be senior rabbi of my congre gation in its 150-year history. I count it as an honor to help build community for future generations.” Rabbi Alexandra Klein TEMPLE SHAREY TEFILO-ISRAEL 432 Scotland Road, South Orange 973.763.4116 tsti.org
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