Date
Wednesday, June 17
6:15—9:00 PM
SPEAKERS
Chani Greenwald
Associate Director, Human Services, Community Capacity Building
Chani Greenwald is Associate Director, Human Services at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, where she leads initiatives that strengthen access to coordinated, community-based support for individuals and families across the GTA.
With a background in social services and community capacity building, Chani brings deep expertise in designing and implementing programs that respond to complex needs with both compassion and strategic focus. Prior to her roles at UJA, Chani worked in program and project management roles at Gilda’s Clubs, supporting families navigating serious illness and bereavement.
Chani works closely with community partners to reduce barriers and ensure people can access the support they need when they need it. She is passionate about building a more connected and responsive system of care, grounded in Jewish values and a deep commitment to community.
Daniel Held
Chief Program Officer, Community Capacity Building
Dr. Daniel Held is the chief program officer at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, responsible for the organization’s strategy to strengthen the vibrancy and vitality of Jewish Toronto. Daniel previously served as the executive director of UJA’s Julia and Henry Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Education, overseeing UJA’s work in Jewish education and engagement.
A passionate educator, Daniel was a teacher and educator in a wide range of settings. He holds a doctorate in Jewish education and is an alumnus of the Wexner Fellow/Davidson Scholar Program and the Mandel Executive Leadership Institute.
Nancy Konopinsky
Senior Vice President, Community Capacity Building
Nancy Konopinsky is Senior Vice President, Community Capacity Building at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. In her role, she oversees core portfolios focused on affordability, research, and poverty reduction, advancing efforts to strengthen Jewish life and increase community impact using data-driven and strategic approaches.
Nancy brings over 25 years of experience across corporate and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining UJA, she was Chief Operating Officer at Canada Learning Code and Managing Director at Geometry Global Toronto (Ogilvy), and is the founder of Naked Consulting, where she advises organizations on strategy and operations. She is passionate about building strong, resilient communities and driving meaningful change.
Joshua Otis
Senior Director, Social Services and Community Innovation, Community Capacity Building
Joshua Otis is Senior Director of Social Services and Community Innovation at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. He has served since 2017 after a career in the Ontario Public Service in social services planning and policy.
Joshua leads UJA’s Human Services Team and its $13M annual investments portfolio focused on supporting vulnerable community members, with priorities in fighting poverty, advancing mental health, and building an aging-friendly community.
He is committed to ensuring community members are embraced in moments of need and supported to live with dignity, stability, and connection. Joshua works in partnership with social service agencies and community organizations—including synagogues, schools, and JCCs—to strengthen coordination and impact across Jewish Toronto’s network of care. He also partners with donors and philanthropic advisors to shape strategic investments that advance a more caring and resilient community.