Meet UJW’s new exec
HOUGHTON – UJW director talks empowerment and about making a difference.
Passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and being a positive role model, the new head of the Union of Jewish Women (UJW), Cindy Kree, is well on her way to making a mark in the community through her work.
Kree was appointed to the post of executive director of the Johannesburg branch earlier this year and already has big plans in place to grow the organisation.
She explained her involvement with the long-standing Houghton-based organisation, which she started with 10 years ago as a volunteer. “I studied and worked as a social worker, but had volunteered with UJW in 2006 and, through the years, I maintained that relationship until I left social work and then decided to join the organisation as an employee where I worked full-time for two years.”
It was during that time that she heard about the post for executive director and realised it was something she could see herself doing. As luck would have it, Kree was then nominated to the position and subsequently appointed at the recent Annual General Meeting.
Speaking of any reservations she may have had in taking up the post, Kree explained that there were some reservations, especially because of her young age. “Taking up the post at my age was a bit daunting, but luckily, I had a great executive team behind me who helped along the way,” she said fondly.
“The team has helped nurture and build me up, but also having a supportive family behind me has made all the difference.”
Talking of the direction she hoped to take the organisation in during her tenure, Kree explained that she hoped to increase the community’s knowledge about the organisation and what it does. Additionally, she spoke of her hopes to build on the organisation’s corporate social investment projects, which include the Kosher Mobile Meals, House and Garden Circle as well as the Alexandra Community Centre.
Kree concluded by encouraging more people to get involved with the organisation, which is open to all residents at a fee, and to get involved in making a difference.
“It’s such a privilege [to be] in this position and be able to make a tangible difference, something that women in the past have worked so hard for us to achieve.”
Details: www.ujw.co.za
Read: UJW to handover over 5 000 dental health packs during Mandela Day
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