Carter Spahn of Baltimore and Annapolis resident Madeleine Stern were among the more than 500 Excel Fellows who last weekend attended the Excelerate26 Summit in New York.
The gathering was held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan. Participants came from 18 countries, including Mexico, the United Kingdom, Spain, Russia, Azerbaijan, Colombia and Israel.
Spahn, 22, is a student at Southern Methodist University in Texas, double-majoring in finance and markets & culture, with minors in ethics and public policy and international affairs.
Stern, also 22, recently graduated from Northwestern University in Illinois majoring in journalism, with a minor in Jewish studies, and a certificate in integrated marketing communications.
Since 2011, Excel is a fellowship component of Birthright Israel that brings together the next generation of Jewish business leaders. After completing a summer business or tech internship in Israel, the fellowship provides opportunities in professional development, networking, personal growth, Israel engagement and Jewish identity.
After their internships, Excel Fellows take positions at top-tier companies and develop strategic partnerships with Israeli companies.
Among the speakers at the summit were Robert Kraft, founder, chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, and owner of the New England Patriots, and Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta and founder of Lean In.
Also speaking at the gathering was Northwest Baltimore resident Anne Neuberger, former deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology at the White House.
“The past two years have been an incredibly challenging time … but the Birthright Israel Excel community has given us tremendous hope,” said Idit Rubin, Birthright Israel Excel’s executive director. “Across campuses, businesses, and communities around the world, Excel Fellows have stepped up — combating antisemitism, speaking out, raising funds for Jewish and Israel-related causes, and volunteering in Israel. This community represents a new generation of Jewish leaders who are committed to using their influence, talent, and values to strengthen the Jewish people and help shape a better future.”
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