Meet Sarenka Smith, active volunteer with The Associated, as she shares her captivating journey filled with personal insights, community volunteering and a profound commitment to mental health.
Background and Upbringing
“I was born and raised in Baltimore City, and attended Krieger Schechter Day School, Baltimore City College High School (“City”) and Johns Hopkins University on a full merit scholarship. Krieger Schechter was critical in shaping my strong relationship with Judaism, and City was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I wrote my college essay about the transition from Schechter to City — titled Fried Chicken and Speaking Jewish — to articulate what it was like to learn about the importance of community: a place that includes people who do not look like me or share a common background.”
Involvement in the Associated
I’m actively involved in several Baltimore Jewish community initiatives with The Associated, Chabad, and Beth Am Synagogue, where I have been a life-long member. I also participate in a monthly women’s Rosh Chodesh group, conceived by a friend who works for The Associated. I always joke that I’m a ‘volunteer’ for the organization; this past summer, I was asked to serve as “Camp Ambassador” for Camp Nai Nai Nai and actively supported outreach, recruiting marketing, etc. That was a really fun and memorable experience since it allowed me to be creative while building community…I find it so enriching to bring people together and support new connections and relationships.
