Alexis’s Path From Newsrooms to Classrooms

October 22, 2024 | People in Our Neighborhood

Alexis Gorenstein, current member of The Associated’s Young Leadership Council and serving as an Observer on our Board of Directors, is a passionate communicator with a unique background in journalism, documentary filmmaking, and special education. She is committed to creating inclusive, engaging spaces in the Jewish community and giving back. Get to know Alexis as she shares her journey from media to education, her love for community engagement, and her thoughts on embracing Jewish traditions and urban gardening.

 

You’re going to be working with our marketing committee. What made you interested in taking on this role?

I received my bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism. I worked for seven years in TV news and documentary film, so communicating to a wide audience is my specialty. I strive to ensure that information is clear and easily understood.

 

What inspired you to transition from journalism and documentary filmmaking to become a special education teacher?

I was no longer happy with my work/life balance and wanted to transition my skill to a career that allowed me to do more outside of work. I chose to be a special education teacher because I have a deep love for and long history in the world of disability. This is very important and meaningful work for me.

 

How has your background in TV news and documentaries influenced your approach to community engagement and leadership?

I am a firm believer that the most impactful work happens on the local level. That is why I always chose to work at local news stations. It is also why I believe that targeted, localized community engagement is the most effective way to engage folks. We need to be meeting people where they are, in ways that are meaningful to them.

 

What does creating “a safe and welcoming space” for your community mean to you, and how do you bring that vision to life in your daily interactions?

I believe that it is vitality important to get to know the community before you can truly create a safe and welcoming space. This is because what it is to feel safe and welcomed may look different from community to community and person to person. For me, safe and welcoming starts with inclusion. I strive to create opportunities for folks to engage in ways that are meaningful to them, no matter what their ability level is. Whether my audience is deaf, in a wheelchair, cognitively impaired, etc., there is always a way to make someone feel included and engaged.

 

What advice would you give to someone who feels disconnected from their Jewish identity but is curious about exploring traditions like Shabbat?

The best advice I have to anyone trying anything new is to be bold. Don’t let your fears stop you from a world of possibilities. This includes exploring your Jewish identity. Be bold – go to community events event even when you don’t know anyone there; approach members of our community and strike up a conversation; go to an open-house shabbat – the opportunities are endless. The Baltimore Jewish community is very welcoming. You just need to be bold enough to join in on the fun.

 

How did you first get involved with urban gardening and sustainable growing, and what advice do you have for someone new to the hobby?

I have been experimenting with urban gardening for about six years. Each year I learn more and adjust my method for the following season. The trick to gardening is to not be so hard on yourself. It’s all an experiment. Failure is part of the process – embrace it and grow from it. Also, Maryland has some tricky weather, so don’t be surprised if it takes you a few seasons to get the hang of it.

 

How do you balance your passion for local Jewish community work with your personal interests, like theater, sitcoms, and outdoor activities?

I live off my calendar. I account for everything, even things as simple as making time to clean my apartment. I also color code everything. (Jewish community events are dark blue, of course, and personal time is purple.) Using color as a visual aid allows me to quickly see if I am over-prioritizing one area of my life. If there is mostly dark blue throughout my week and no purple, I know that I need to scale back on some Jewish community events and make time to relax and decompress.

 

Spill the details! What was it like interviewing celebrities like Mariska Hargitay, Seth Meyers, or Susan Lucci? Any funny stories you can share?

The honest answer is that celebrities are just like us. They are there to get the job done. Across my experiences, everyone was very professional and approachable. The best interviews are when the person is really excited about the work they are doing. The folks at SNL are a great example of that. Interviewing them was a pleasure every time, because you could feel their energy and excitement burst through the screen.