UpStart

In 1977, Harvey Milk became the country’s first openly gay official when he was elected to San Francisco's Board of Supervisors. Tragically, he was shot and killed the following year by a homophobic fellow supervisor, but through every struggle, Harvey was fueled by hope. Born on Long Island in 1930, Milk was influenced by the cultural values of his Jewish upbringing, though he rejected Judaism as a religion. He prominently displayed his bar mitzvah photo in his Castro Camera store and enjoyed discussing Jewish culture with his customers. “Jews know we can’t allow discrimination,” he once said. As part of UpStart’s foundational commitment to inclusivity, we honor and support our queer communities as they fight against the scores of anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S. There is still much work to do, but together, all things are possible.

Recently, we invited you to embark on a journey with us - a journey from the narrow places toward realizing our collective liberation. Today, we are honored to share UpStart Managing Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice, Whitney Weathers' contribution to Moving Through the Wilderness: Recommitting to Equity After 10/7 https://lnkd.in/e3Y7h4uT. This project is presented in partnership with The Forward, the leading voice in Jewish journalism. We encourage you to share your reflections on how your Jewish values inspire a more inclusive and equitable future.

Introducing Rabbi Miriam Cotzin Burg (she/her), Founder and CEO of Hava Nababy! As an experienced Jewish and childbirth educator, she especially loves working with expectant parents as they navigate this transformative moment in their lives. Welcome, Rabbi Miriam!

Introducing Dyanna Loeb and Danielle Chetrit, co-founders of Malka Productions. Both Bay Area natives, they are committed to bringing impactful Jewish voices to the Bay Area through Malka Productions. Welcome to the UpStart ‘24 Spring Cohort, Dyanna and Danielle!

We are proud to joyfully celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the anniversary of the announcement of the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to some of the most remote parts of Texas. As Jews, we gather each year to retell the Exodus story of our freedom from slavery and learn from the experience of our deliverance from bondage. Juneteenth provides an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of the ways in which the liberation from slavery continues to shape cultures and communities today, and to talk about the impact of social, economic, and racial inequality across our society.

We are proud to joyfully celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the anniversary of the announcement of the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to some of the most remote parts of Texas. As Jews, we gather each year to retell the Exodus story of our freedom from slavery and learn from the experience of our deliverance from bondage. Juneteenth provides an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of the ways in which the liberation from slavery continues to shape cultures and communities today, and to talk about the impact of social, economic, and racial inequality across our society.

Don't miss out! UpLift by UpStart is a three-month sprint tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs. Apply by THIS MONDAY, June 17th at 9 AM EST to join the '24 summer cohort! https://lnkd.in/eY2742uY

Introducing another UpLift '24 Spring Cohort member: Aaron Castillo-White! As Executive Director, Aaron is working to grow Kultur Mercado to be a community united in its interest of outside language, culture, ethnicity, and expression from the individual experiences of its members. He has over a decade of experience in fundraising, policy analysis, and organizing for nonprofits across the globe. Welcome, Aaron!

Wishing you a Happy Shavuot filled with your favorite spring harvest treats!

Founder of Fat Torah, Rabbi Dr. Minna Bromberg is passionate about bringing her three decades of experience in fat activism to writing and teaching and change-making at the nexus of Judaism and body liberation. Similarly, Executive Director Rachel Figurasmith is an expert in disability inclusion, nonprofit transitions, and leadership coaching. Welcome to the UpStart ‘24 Spring Cohort, Rabbi Dr. Minna and Rachel!