Emily Russell
40 Faces of the J
For Emily Russell, compassion isn't just a value—it's something she lives out every day as the Levine JCC's Social Action Coordinator.
Emily plays a central role in the Butterfly Project, connecting middle-school-aged students to the stories of children lost in the Holocaust. As both an administrator and workshop leader, she guides participants through thoughtful reflection, helping them honor memory through creativity and learning.
She also recruits, trains, and supports the volunteers who make each workshop possible—building genuine relationships and making sure they feel prepared, valued, and connected to the work. For many, it becomes not just an educational experience, but a deeply personal one.
Her impact extends far beyond a single program. Emily oversees the J’s social action initiatives, building opportunities for members of all ages to engage in acts of service that strengthen both our community and the broader Charlotte community. From organizing projects during Leon Levine Mitzvah Week to integrating service learning into the JTEAM afterschool program, she ensures that giving back becomes a lived experience, especially for our youngest members.
Emily also brings her passion to a broader stage through her participation in JCC Association’s Tzedek Initiative, where she collaborates with peers across North America to deepen the impact of Jewish service-learning.
What makes Emily's work so special is how much she centers the people around her. She meets volunteers where they are, listens carefully, and gently empowers them to make a difference. She reminds us that compassion isn't abstract, it grows through relationships and through showing up.
In every program she leads and every connection she fosters, Emily embodies the Levine JCC’s commitment to compassion—helping our community not only care, but act.
- Julie Rizzo
