Our Woman of Impact profile features a local woman making a notable impact in our community. For this issue, we spoke with Jessica Fish, a dedicated community leader who has served on the boards of both Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford. A Long Island native, Jessica built a successful marketing career in New York City before relocating to Connecticut with her husband Michael in 2008. During her time in the Greater Hartford area, Jessica has become deeply involved in Federation’s community work, including serving as a co-chair of Women’s Philanthropy’s Pearl Society, co-chairing the CEO search committee that hired David Waren, and participating on numerous committees including governance and allocations—and the grants committee for Community Foundation. She also serves on Federation’s new Women's Philanthropy Cabinet. Jessica and Michael live in Avon, where they are raising their three sons: Jordan, 16; Ryan, 14; and Brody, 11.
What role has being Jewish played in your life historically?
I was raised in a conservative Jewish household and actively participated in Jewish life, attending day school, summer camp, and organizations like BBYO. Despite this, I often felt disconnected from the spiritual side of Judaism, even while deeply engaged in cultural life.
When my husband and I moved to the Greater Hartford area in 2008, someone from Federation reached out and welcomed me to their annual women’s event, which I went to with my mother-in-law. That event helped me reconnect with Judaism, in terms of our traditions and values. I experienced a sense of love, community, and philanthropy, and I enjoyed meeting other Jewish people who believed in volunteering and embraced values like tikkun olam—all of which helped me appreciate how our religion teaches us to do good in this world.
At what point did you decide to get more active in Jewish causes?
Around the same time, my husband and I were invited to participate in what was then the Frank Stavis Group, a Federation-sponsored leadership development program with attendees across all religious observances. Together, we’d have group discussions about spirituality and Jewish values, but not always in a religious context. It was action oriented, very much about putting these ideas to practice in the community, and I thought, “This is something I could really get behind.” So, I sat down with Debbie Glassman, who was a Federation staff member at the time, and said, “Ok, you’ve got me. I’ve done marketing for a long time and I’m here to get involved.” And I never looked back!
You’ve been especially involved in volunteering with Federation over the years. What drew you to their work?
Very early on in my involvement with Federation, I saw a video about all of the things the organization does around the world and in our community, including bringing meals to the elderly and caring for Jewish cemeteries. Just the cemeteries alone—Federation puts almost $250,000 toward keeping them clean and respected every year. There are so many ways that Federation touches the world that people don’t understand or aren’t aware of.
I was impressed by what I saw, and once I got more involved, I started to see Federation as an umbrella organization for our entire community. Without them, so many other organizations we rely on couldn’t do what they do, living out their mission in the day-to-day. I know that many people choose to give to this or that organization, but Federation is here to make sure they all run smoothly.
You're well known as being a positive person; where does your positivity come from
I’m a strong believer that what you give to the world will come back to you—and positivity breeds positivity. My attitude is that I’m just happy to be here. And as I look at my life, I’m a healthy woman with three beautiful children and a husband I love more than anything. I also get the opportunity to give my time to organizations that are truly helping people, and I don’t take that for granted at all. All of that is a gift, and I try to stay appreciative for what I have every day.