The Charlotte Jewish News- June- July 2026- Page 10
Inspiring Change: Meet the Women Behind SGC’ s Transformative Work
By Mary Eshet This spring, the Stan Greenspon Holocaust Education Center( SGC) announced a bold new chapter as an independent nonprofit organization. At its helm are two leaders whose work reflects both deep expertise and a clear sense of purpose: Executive Director Judy LaPietra and Education Director Katie Cunningham.
Together, they share an unwavering commitment to Holocaust education, to deepening understanding of Jewish history and culture, and to empowering individuals to confront antisemitism and all forms of hate.
“ The Holocaust stands as a stark reminder of what can happen when hatred is allowed to flourish and humanity fails,” Judy said.“ Rooted in the destruction of Jewish life and community, its memory is a responsibility and a privilege we must carry with humility.”
Judy and Katie both believe education is one of the most powerful tools in combating hate. Their paths to this work are different, but equally defined by depth, intention, and sustained commitment. Judy LaPietra: A Life in Education
Judy LaPietra’ s career has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to teaching and learning. A doctoral student in Holocaust / Genocide Studies, she has taught at every level, from middle school to university, and led educational programs across the United States, Germany, Poland, Israel, and Rwanda.
By Zack Tabachnikoff
Nearly 200 Jewish teens from across the Southeast gathered for Eastern Region BBYO’ s 2026 Spring Convention, a weekend of leadership, community, and Jewish connection that underscored the energy shaping the next generation of Jewish life.
From immersive Shabbat programming to guest speakers and the election of a new regional board, the convention reflected
Her work extends far beyond the classroom. Judy has volunteered at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, first as a preservation volunteer and, in the years since, accompanying educational groups as they encounter the site firsthand. She has also worked with refugee populations in Greece and Poland, bringing her commitment to education and human dignity into some of the most complex and urgent global contexts.
Her work has been widely recognized, including selection as a Master Teacher by the Shoah Foundation and as a Teacher Fellow at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. But what defines her work is not recognition, it is consistency. She shows up, again and again, to teach, to guide, and to ensure that memory is carried forward with care. Katie Cunningham: Expanding the Reach
For Katie Cunningham, the path began early. She remembers reading“ Night” by Elie Wiesel in eighth grade and recognizing, even then, that this was work she felt called to do. She built her career around that moment, focusing intentionally on the age when many students first encounter Holocaust history, which is English class.
Today, as director of education for SGC, Katie leads the development of Holocaust and antisemitism education initiatives across K – 12 settings, reaching more than 5,000 students and educators in the past year alone.
Her work operates at both the
the depth of engagement driving teens across the region.
BBYO’ s commitment to pluralism was reflected through a range of Shabbat experiences designed to help teens connect to Judaism in ways that felt meaningful to them. Services included an island-themed“ Shabbat Shaloha,” a high-energy experience inspired by the atmosphere of a Tel Aviv nightclub, and a
Outgoing VP Niyana Sorell Smiling with newly elected VP Daniel Bregman classroom and systems level. She collaborates with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to develop curriculum, leads the SGC’ s Certificate in Holocaust Pedagogy program, and works with national and international partners to expand the reach and effectiveness of Holocaust education.
The impact is exponential. Educators trained through SGC go on to reach thousands more students, extending the work far beyond any single classroom. Currently, Katie is pursuing a doctorate focused on Holocaust pedagogy and antisemitism interventions. Allies in the Work
One detail often surprises people: neither Judy nor Katie is Jewish. Neither identifies with an organized religion, yet both speak about their work with a sense of moral clarity and responsibility that is unmistakable.
“ I cannot not do this,” they each say in their own way.
Their presence also reflects something essential about this moment. While the Jewish community must always advocate for itself, there is particular strength in partnership. Research consistently shows that messages about antisemitism can resonate differently and sometimes more broadly when delivered by non-Jewish allies.
“ The Charlotte community is extraordinarily fortunate to have leaders like Katie Cunningham and Judy LaPietra,” said Douglas Greene, director of Jewish Community Relations at Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte.
gratitude-focused service centered on reflection and appreciation.
Guest speakers brought a mix of inspiration, energy, and hands-on experiences to the convention. Israeli Olympian Jared Firestone spoke about the mental toughness, discipline, and resilience required to compete at the highest level, encouraging teens to apply those lessons to leadership and everyday life.
Alongside his professional mental coach, he led drills and competed with attendees. Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader Elana Horowitz taught Israeli dance moves while sharing her passion for performance and Jewish pride. Chef Ksenia Prints offered attendees a taste of the Middle East through a culinary experience.
The event also marked an important leadership milestone with the election of Eastern Region BBYO’ s fourth regional board for the upcoming school year, including four Charlotte teens stepping into regional leadership roles. The elections
Katie Cunningham, left, and Judy LaPietra attend a session in Chicago as part of their master’ s concentration in Israel education through The iCenter and George Washington University.
“ Their work reflects not only deep expertise, but a genuine commitment to standing with the Jewish community in confronting antisemitism through education, relationship-building, and moral clarity.” Looking Ahead
As SGC enters this next chapter as an independent organization, the work remains urgent and clear.
Education, when done well, does more than inform. It shapes how people think, how they engage with one another, and how they respond to hate when they
reflected the region’ s commitment to empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders and ensuring Eastern Region continues to grow and thrive.
For many seniors, the weekend was especially emotional as it marked the closing of an important chapter in their BBYO journeys. Charlotte teen Niyana Sorell, one of the convention coordinators, described planning the convention as a deeply meaningful, full-circle experience.
After years of being shaped by BBYO conventions herself, she said it was rewarding to create that same sense of belonging and Jewish excitement for younger members. Seeing nearly 200 teens come together and watching new friendships form reassured her that the future of Eastern Region is bright.
Another Charlotte teen, Jessie Wolkofsky, reflected on how the event celebrated both the accomplishments of the current year and the future of the organization. From honoring leaders during the State of the Union to
encounter it. Through their determined leadership, Judy and Katie are ensuring that this work continues. Not only in classrooms, but in communities, in conversations, and in the choices people make every day.
For more information, visit stangreensponcenter. org
Shaping the Next Generation of Jewish Leaders
watching new regional leaders get elected, she said the weekend highlighted BBYO’ s ability to foster pride, community and lifelong Jewish connection.
Newly elected Eastern Region Mekasher( Small Communities Support) Ethan Gran shared his excitement for the year ahead, saying he hopes to bring meaningful Jewish experiences and stronger community connections to teens in smaller Jewish communities throughout the region.
As another year comes to a close, the Spring Convention offered a clear glimpse of the future: a generation of Jewish teens deeply invested in leadership, community, and one another.
For more information, contact Ztabachnikoff @ bbyo. org.