By Elizabeth Johnson
Michelle Rusgo has spent years at The Levine JCC building the kinds of dynamic programs people always show up for. Now, as she steps into a newly expanded role, Director of Arts, Events and Program Innovation, her work is becoming something more deliberate and more ambitious.
It is less about filling a calendar and more about creating moments that linger. Namely, the kind people carry with them long after they’ ve left the room. Whether through the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival or a single evening program, Rusgo is helping to redefine how a community gathers, connects and sees itself.
You’ re stepping into a new role with“ innovation” in the title. What will this look like in your day-to-day work? Innovation, to me, is about listening closely and responding intentionally. Day-to-day means asking: What do our members need right now? What would make them feel more connected? What’ s missing? It involves creative brainstorming, strategic planning, building partnerships, shaping experiences, and ensuring we’ re not repeating the same calendar year after year just because it’ s comfortable. It also involves taking thoughtful risks and being willing to try something new, even if it’ s not perfect the first time.
You’ ve been behind so many of The Levine JCC’ s most visible, impactful programs. When you’ re building something new, where do you start? I always start with people. I start by paying attention to what I’ m hearing in the hallways, what people are asking for, and what they’ re craving whether it’ s community, joy, culture, meaning, or even just a reason to get out of the house. Then I ask: What experience do I want someone to have when they walk in the door as well as out the door? Once I have that emotional“ why,” the logistics and structure come organically.
You lead the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival( CJFF), which has become a much-anticipated, signature component of the community’ s annual calendar. What are you looking for when you choose films? Can you give us any teasers for the 2027 lineup? When I choose films, I’ m looking for stories that stay with you. Films that spark conversation, challenge assumptions, and reflect Jewish life in all its complexity. Common themes include identity, history, resilience, humor, family, Israel, culture, and everything in between. I’ m also looking for emotional honesty. I want people to laugh, cry, debate, and leave the event thinking, I didn’ t know that story needed to be told until I saw it. As for 2027, I can’ t give
The Charlotte Jewish News- June- July 2026- Page 17
The Person Behind the Moments Everyone Remembers
Michelle Rusgo pictured on the Right with Charlotte Jewish Film Festival organizanizers. too much away yet, but I will say we’ re exploring a lineup that includes powerful international storytelling, at least one film that will surprise audiences in the very best way, and a few selections that feel especially timely right now. As always, there will be a sound mix of heart, edge, and inspiration, which is exactly what makes CJFF feel like a signature experience.
There’ s a difference between putting on an event and creating something people remember. How do you think about that? I think the difference is intention. Anyone can host an event with a schedule and a speaker. But a memorable experience is shaped by atmosphere, meaning, and connection. It’ s how someone feels when they arrive, how they’ re welcomed, which specific details signal thoughtfulness, and whether the program creates a moment that feels personal. I always ask myself: What will people talk about on the car ride home? If the answer is“ nothing,” then we haven’ t done enough.
What makes someone walk out of a program and think,“ I’ m really glad I came?” It’ s when they feel seen. When they learn something, feel something, or meet someone new or familiar. Sometimes, it’ s a powerful speaker or a film that opens their eyes. Sometimes it’ s simply feeling like they belong in the room. I think people leave feeling fulfilled when the experience gives them something they didn’ t know they needed whether it be connection, inspiration, pride, laughter, comfort, or even perspective.
You spend so much time bringing people together. What have you seen, either in a room or after a screening, that stays with you? The moments that stay with me are the ones that remind me why this work matters. Watching a packed room sit in silence after a film because everyone is processing what they just experienced. Seeing and hearing strangers turn into friends during a post-film discussion. Listening to someone say,“ I didn’ t know anyone else felt this way until tonight.”
Those moments when community becomes real are what I carry with me.
As you step into this next chapter, what are you most excited to explore or try that maybe you haven’ t had the space to before? Right now, I’ m focused on building cultural experiences that feel fresh, bold, and unexpected. I want to attract people who don’ t always walk into Jewish spaces, while deepening the experience for those who do. I’ m also expanding partnerships within Charlotte and beyond, exploring events that blend arts, identity, storytelling, and community in new ways. Most of all, I want the work to embody where we are now and where our community is ready to go next.
THE OUTDOOR LEARNING VILLAGE: BUILDING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER
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