Listen to understand, not to respond

Options is an annual event that began in 1993 and brings together over 700 women to celebrate the collective impact that Federation has on our local and global Jewish Community. This year, co-chair Britney Ewing will welcome guest speaker Orly Wahba who is a teacher, entrepreneur, and community activist passionate about inspiring and motivating people to make the world a kinder place. Orly gained international acclaim when her award-winning film, Kindness Boomerang, went viral receiving over 100 million views.

10 Things About Britney Ewing & the Jewish Federation of San Diego County

#1 I grew up here in San Diego, in Scripps Ranch when it was very small – I started kindergarten in a bungalow before they had an actual elementary school!

#2 At 16, I got a job in a small retail store, then eventually Nordstrom. Any job in the service industry is a great opportunity to work with all types of people.

#3 For a fancy night out, I love Juniper and Ivy – it has a great vibe with innovative food options. For casual, I’m a junkie for local Mexican food like Las Olas or Fidel’s.

#4 I love to read, and my favorite genre is historical fiction. My favorite book is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. I also love JD Salinger.

#5 My favorite movie is “Silence of the Lambs”, it gets me every time and I’ve seen it more times than I can count!

#6 I am a golden retriever mama. We have Ajax who is 6 1/2 and Chase who is 4 months old!

#7 If I could have lunch with any one person, it would be Ruth Bader Ginsburg. From the past, Rosa Parks. I have such admiration for what she was able to achieve with her initial action on the bus then her legendary role in the Civil Rights movement.

#8 I got involved in philanthropy after I had stopped working professionally when my kids were 3 and 5. I was looking for something meaningful to fill my time, stimulate my brain and use some of my professional skills while still allowing me to have the necessary flexibility of being a mom.

#9 I have been supporting Federation for 7 years. I went on a mission trip to Israel and within months of that experience, I joined the Women’s Philanthropy Board and am also on the general board.

#10 One of my favorite memories of Options is when Julia Bernicker at age 15 spoke to 800 women. She is only 1 year older than my daughter and to see someone so young make such an impression was awesome.