Business & Professional Network
Ignite Series
Elevating the careers and community involvement of Jewish professionals.
Overview
BPN Ignite is a Milwaukee Jewish Federation initiative designed to elevate the careers and community involvement of Jewish professionals. Through events like BPN Connect, BPN Purpose, and BPN Israel, participants explore the intersection of career growth, Jewish identity, and global connection to Israel’s industries—while building a strong local network rooted in shared values.
Details
Who is the BPN Ignite Series for?
BPN Ignite is designed for Jewish professionals in the Milwaukee area who are interested in advancing their careers while deepening their connection to the community and Jewish identity. It’s part of the Business & Professional Network, which brings together professionals across industries who want to build meaningful relationships and lead with purpose rooted in Jewish values.
What kinds of programs and events are offered?
The Ignite Series includes a three-part professional development experience that blends networking, Jewish learning, and career growth. Read about BPN Connect, BPN Purpose, and BPN Israel below.
I’m new to Milwaukee. Is this is a good way to get connected?
Absolutely. If you’re new to the city and looking to build connections, grow professionally, and engage with the Jewish community, BPN Ignite offers a welcoming environment to meet like-minded professionals and explore shared values. Through events that mix social engagement with meaningful conversation about career and Jewish identity, it’s a strong way to both network and feel integrated into the local 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 Israel
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!
Interested in learning more or getting involved? We’d love to chat!
Connect
Ryan Woloshin is the Director of the Business & Professional Network and Corporate Partnerships at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. He brings more than a decade of experience in Jewish communal leadership, fundraising, and education, with a professional focus on strengthening Jewish identity, addressing antisemitism, and building meaningful pathways for engagement and philanthropy.
Ryan earned his undergraduate degree from Randolph College and holds dual master’s degrees from Brandeis University: an M.A. in Jewish Professional Leadership from the Hornstein Program and an MBA from the Heller School, with a focus on leadership, organizational behavior, and social impact.
Prior to joining Federation, Ryan held leadership roles with the Anti-Defamation League, BBYO, Hillel, and Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, where he developed national programs, cultivated strategic partnerships, and supported emerging leaders. In his current role, Ryan leads the Business & Professional Network, the Corporate Partnership Program, and the Economic Forum, connecting professionals and businesses to Federation’s mission and impact locally, in Israel, and around the world.
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 Lions 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.
