Sarah Lefkowitz
Sarah Lefkowitz is the Director of NextGen at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, where she leads programs for young philanthropists in their 20s and 30s, working with them to strategically invest their time and resources. In addition to her work with emerging donors, she continues to serve as a major gifts officer, cultivating relationships with established philanthropists and guiding impactful fundraising initiatives across the community. With over seven years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sarah combines hands-on fundraising expertise with a deep commitment to philanthropy and community engagement. Throughout her career, Sarah has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic thinking, particularly during moments of unexpected growth and challenge. Following the influx of over 1,200 new donors after October 7th, she designed and implemented a comprehensive stewardship plan to engage these supporters and build lasting relationships—a project she continues to refine. Her ability to match donors with meaningful projects and to clearly demonstrate the impact of their contributions reflects her philosophy of creating tangible, measurable change in the community. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from York College of Pennsylvania and began her career as a communications coordinator, honing skills that now support her donor relations and strategic outreach efforts. She is passionate about mentorship, integrity, and collaboration, values that guide her professional and personal life alike. Through her work, Sarah not only advances the mission of her organization but also inspires the next generation of philanthropists to create lasting, positive impact.
• Fundraising Certificate from Temple University
• York College of Pennsylvania - B.A.
• Jewish Federations of North America
• Dog Shelters
• Food Banks
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a mix of passion, drive, and the guidance of incredible mentors. I’ve been fortunate to learn from inspiring leaders across my organization, whose feedback has helped me grow and build confidence. I’m especially grateful to my female mentors Sarah Solomon, Marni Davis, and Alix Caplan, who all knew what I was capable of before I did and continue helping me get there, as well as my mother, Miriam Lefkowitz, whose entrepreneurial example shaped me, and my fiancé, Alec Beckman, whose support empowers me to pursue my ambitions fully.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stay in my lane and focus on what I can control, trusting that everything else will fall into place. I’m self-aware that I can struggle with striving for perfection, but keeping this perspective has helped me navigate my career more effectively and avoid getting overwhelmed by factors outside my influence.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to find what truly speaks to them, just as I did. Don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities that help you grow, and equally, don’t be afraid to say no—learning to set boundaries is essential. Advocating for yourself while pursuing work that aligns with your values and passions is key to building a fulfilling and sustainable career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field is addressing growing antisemitism within the community, which can make it difficult to keep people motivated and reassured. At the same time, these challenges can create opportunities, particularly in inspiring philanthropic investments and community engagement. Another challenge is adapting to change—as our organization approaches a significant milestone in 2026 of turning 125 years old, evolving with the times can be difficult when things have been done a certain way for so long.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. I also place a high value on kindness—recognizing that everyone is navigating their own challenges and that treating others with respect and compassion is essential in all interactions.