This week, we shine our spotlight on one of our two KOLOT Fellows, Alyssa Strang. KOLOT was established to honor the memory of Federation Past President Leslie Shuman Kramer and underscore her extraordinary leadership amplifying women’s voices. The KOLOT Fellowship is one of the inaugural programs supported by the Fund.

A WNY native, Alyssa reflects fondly on her time growing up in Buffalo and is eager to give back to a community that has played such an integral part in her life. She spent her formative years attending Camp Centerland and the former Camp Lakeland. There, she met her future-husband, Colin. In 2009, Alyssa moved to NYC to teach while pursuing her master’s degree. After five years, Alyssa and Colin returned to Buffalo and welcomed two children, Jonah and Even, into their family.

Alyssa is proud to be a fourth-generation legacy at Temple Beth Tzedek where she also serves on the Board. In the summer of 2022, Alyssa participated in Federation’s Momentum Program that included a powerful, Mom’s only trip to Israel. Alyssa will be attending the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly in DC this month with many other Federation leaders and our second KOLOT Fellow, Talia Fuld. At the GA, Alyssa will join other emerging Jewish leaders in learning about pressing issues, best practices, and adaptive solutions.

Mazal Tov, Alyssa!