Business & Professional Network
A community of Jewish professionals connecting careers, leadership, and philanthropy to strengthen Milwaukee.
Overview
The Business & Professional Network (BPN) of Milwaukee Jewish Federation unites Jewish professionals across various industries to lead with purpose, enhance their careers, and give back to the city we call home. Rooted in Jewish values, BPN strengthens the community by fostering meaningful connections, nurturing leaders, and promoting philanthropy that benefits both Jewish life and the greater Milwaukee region.
A New Way To Connect
- Building authentic relationships through high-quality community events.
- Developing ethical, purpose-driven leaders via opportunities grounded in Jewish values.
- Integrating Jewish identity into professional life by exploring how tradition and ethics shape decision-making and leadership.
- Aligning career success with community impact through philanthropy, volunteerism, and cross-sector collaboration.
- Creating a culture of excellence and inclusion by welcoming professionals from all backgrounds.
- Offering exclusive member benefits to donors who make a qualifying gift to MJF’s Annual Campaign.
Exclusive Member Benefits
Signature Programs & Events
- Complimentary or priority access to Business and Professional Network programs, including Purpose and Israel, plus member-only events like society gatherings (Cardozo and Maimonides).
- Invitations to curated networking breakfasts, lunches, and cross-industry events with MJF Corporate Partners.
- Early registration for limited-capacity events.
Leadership & Professional Growth
- Opportunities to serve on BPN committees, co-chair events, or take on society leadership roles.
- Skill-building workshops exclusive to BPN members.
- Speaking opportunities at BPN and MJF programs.
Community & Philanthropy
- Invite-only Impact Briefings on local and global Jewish community priorities.
- Hands-on service days with MJF partner organizations.
- Engagement with programs that integrate Jewish values and ethics into leadership and decision-making.
Recognition & Visibility
- Spotlight features in BPN communications and social media.
- Member milestone announcements for promotions, awards, or major life events.
BPN Membership
BPN members are community members making a qualifying gift to MJF’s Annual Campaign. Monthly gift options are available. If you are currently unable to meet the giving requirement, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Deb Carneol Fendrich about our Step-Up Program.
Ages 45+
$1,800+ individual or household gift to the Annual Campaign.
Ages 35-44
$1,000+ individual or household gift to the Annual Campaign.
Includes additional recognition as a member of NextGen’s Ben-Gurion Society.
34 and under
$360+ individual or household gift to the Annual Campaign.
College/Med Residents
Complimentary
Giving Societies
Honoring your impact and offering opportunities to get involved, build relationships, and strengthen Jewish Milwaukee.
Cardozo (Legal) Society
The Cardozo Society convenes Jewish legal professionals to champion justice, ethical leadership, and communal responsibility. Inspired by the legacy of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardozo, the Society cultivates connections across the legal field, creates space to examine how Jewish values shape law and policy, and mobilizes members to protect and strengthen the community. Through thought-provoking programs, professional engagement, and philanthropic commitment, members of the Cardozo Society help safeguard the future of Jewish life in Milwaukee, Israel, and around the world.
Maimonides (Healthcare) Society
The Maimonides Society engages Jewish healthcare professionals in advancing wellness, community, and Jewish life. Inspired by the legacy of the great physician and philosopher Maimonides, the Society fosters meaningful relationships among medical peers, explores the role of Jewish ethics in modern healthcare, and channels expertise and compassion into tangible community impact. Through unique programs, collaborative initiatives, and philanthropic leadership, members strengthen both the physical and spiritual health of Milwaukee, Israel, and the global Jewish community.
Event Series
Join us for this three-part professional development series.
BPN Connect
Where Jewish professionals find their people.
- Curated venues and casual vibes.
- Thoughtful networking that makes it easy to meet people.
- Meaningful conversations that connect Jewish identity with real life and real people
BPN Purpose
Professional growth with Jewish perspective.
- Interactive programs exploring Jewish values in leadership, decisions, and daily work.
- Speakers and facilitators who share Jewish wisdom and professional insight, without the lecture vibe.
- Moments to reflect and connect through honest talks about values, work, and what matters most.
- Opportunities to deepen your connection to BPN and MJF.
BPN Impact
Innovation. Leadership. A bridge between communities.
- Candid conversations and featured guests from Israel.
- Accessible formats that center real stories and lived experiences.
- Leadership takeaways grounded in creativity, adaptability, and Jewish values.
- A deeper connection to Israel, with a specific focus on MJF’s impact and our Partnership2Gether region, showcasing the shared future we’re building together.
PAST EVENTS
Take a look back at past event photo galleries
we’d love to connect!
Ready to get involved? Connect with us to explore meaningful ways that work for you to participate in the Business & Professional Network.
Connect
Deb Carneol Fendrich serves as Senior Director of Affinities and Women’s Philanthropy at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. In her Women’s Philanthropy role, she leads strategy and execution for engagement, leadership development, and campaign efforts, overseeing volunteer leadership and donor stewardship. She also guides signature programs such as VALOR and International Women’s Day and stewards the growth of Women’s Philanthropy giving societies including Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Societies.
In her Affinities role, Deb partners with and supports the Federation’s Affinity Directors, helping them execute their visions through strategic guidance around campaign, engagement, and leadership development, while fostering cross-affinity collaboration and building strong lay leadership pipelines.
Outside of work, Deb enjoys singing, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with friends, her husband Ben, their daughters Logan and Micah, and their dog, Maya.
