Jennie’s great-grandparents emigrated from Belarus in the early 1900s. They eventually were owners of Biddeford’s Columbia Hotel and played a vital role in the upbringing of Jennie’s mom. They established a solid foundation and family traditions that continue now into the fifth generation.   

Family, Jewish identity and love of learning played a pivotal role throughout Jennie’s lifetime.  Despite opportunities to live and work in other areas and abroad, she was drawn back to Biddeford. She consciously continues to call our community home, even with a recent career change to a national nonprofit based in DC.

In addition to her career in Communications at UNE, Jennie has played a pivotal role in the Jewish community. It began with spearheading a project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chaim. She continues to chronicle the Jewish experience through research and public presentations.