Rebecca Dayanim shares her Federation journey and how she plans on leading our Health Professionals Network.
Federation’s Health Professionals Network is committed to tikkun olam — healing the world. Offerings include events featuring high-profile speakers on timely health and medicine issues, as well as volunteer and networking opportunities. We invite community members across the dynamic and innovative health industry to join us!
Can you give us a brief description of what you do as a health professional?
I am a dentist, and transitioned from the private sector to academia and nonprofit/hospital dentistry. In 2018, I started my current position as the program director of the Advanced General Dentistry Residency program at Ostrow USC and the chief of Dentistry at LAC+USC Medical Center. We provide care for oral cancer, people who are medically vulnerable, and trauma patients.
What has your journey been like in the Federation community?
I have always appreciated the Federation, and in searching for how to get more involved felt very fortunate to be a part of the inaugural class of the Community Leadership Institute (CLI). We had an amazing cohort, and formed lifelong friendships and relationships. After CLI I joined the committees for FedConnect, Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy, and Emerging Philanthropists. It was inspiring to share the experience with fellow CLI graduates and to get to know the remarkable women who have led Federation initiatives for so long. My CLI mentor Heidi Monkarsh is one of these women, and I have been lucky to continue my relationship with her as well.
How has your involvement with CLI shaped your leadership?
CLI provided a great foundation to learn about the Federation and its various initiatives. It was wonderful to build relationships with both lay leaders and professionals, and it inspired me to stay connected with the Federation. As part of CLI I hosted a program called “The Untold Stories of Persian Jewry,” which was a way to uplift the voices of the Persian community and embrace the richness of our diverse Jewish community. This was especially meaningful for me as it ties closely with my Persian Jewish roots. Upon my graduation from CLI, I got involved with the Federation’s SWWP division, served on the committee, and produced many meaningful programs for women in our community. During that time, I also got involved with the Health Professionals Network as a participant, so it’s really exciting to now take on a leadership role with this division.
What are your goals for the Health Professionals Network? How do you want it to grow?
The Health Professionals Network is a relatively new initiative within the Federation’s professional networks. Michael and Jessica Hochman and Robin Polansky truly gave life to this group, and Leah Phillips championed it. The first goal is quite basic — we hope to be able to have an in-person event this year! We want this network to be a place for anyone who self-identifies as working in the field of health. We are a diverse group of professionals ranging from tech to legal to wellness and of course all the traditional fields associated with medicine and health. We look forward to having a vibrant group with active involvement and events that attract our diverse group. We also look forward to collaborating with other professional networks on multidisciplinary events, where we can get involved in the bigger landscape of the Federation.
Why should someone join the Health Professionals Network?
We hope anyone who works in the health field is inspired to join our group to meet likeminded professionals. We are dedicated to cultivating a group that feels welcoming and inclusive and continues to grow and represent the Jewish Federation.
Six professional networks bring together some of the city’s most successful industry professionals and emerging leaders. From networking and dynamic idea exchanges to events with prominent speakers, specialized trips, and cross-network opportunities, this is your access point to connect across the diverse business landscape of Jewish L.A.
For more information, please email Healthcare@JewishLA.org or call (323) 761-8158.
