Karen Small serves as the Associate Director of The Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life at Rutgers University, where she plays a pivotal role in bridging the university with the broader community. With her extensive background in program development and...
Karen Small serves as the Associate Director of The Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life at Rutgers University, where she plays a pivotal role in bridging the university with the broader community. With her extensive background in program development and strategic planning, Karen has successfully managed a variety of outreach initiatives that promote Jewish culture and education. One of her key projects includes directing the annual Rutgers Jewish Film Festival, a vibrant two-week event that attracts over 6,000 attendees, showcasing her expertise in event planning and community engagement.
In her role, Karen is not only responsible for the logistics of the festival but also for curating a diverse selection of films that resonate with both the Jewish community and the general public. This involves collaboration with filmmakers, scholars, and community leaders, highlighting her exceptional relationship-building skills. Additionally, she coordinates the Littman Holocaust Resource Center, ensuring that vital educational resources are accessible to students and the community, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of Holocaust history and its relevance today.
Karen's innovative approach to program evaluation allows her to assess the impact of initiatives effectively, ensuring that each event and outreach effort aligns with the center's mission of promoting Jewish life and scholarship. Her creative problem-solving abilities enable her to navigate challenges and implement new ideas that enhance the center's offerings. As a collaborative team player, Karen focuses on the big picture while maintaining meticulous attention to detail, making her an invaluable asset to Rutgers University and the Jewish community at large.