By Isaac Garonzik
This past MLK Weekend, the Social Innovation Fellowship program traveled to New York City for an unforgettable trip, filled with learning, inspiration, and community service. From January 19th to 20th, a group of 32 teens, led by Isabel Lunken and assisted by Barak, CJ, and Molli, explored the Empire State. This adventure provided a perfect mix of new experiences, entrepreneurial insights, and hands-on volunteer work that left lasting impressions on everyone involved.
The journey began early Sunday morning with a visit to Temple Emanuel, one of the world’s largest synagogues, where participants were amazed at the beautiful architecture and rich history.
After enjoying classic New York style pizza, the group headed to Grand Central Station to explore its majestic shopping and dining. A major highlight was the visit to Summit One Vanderbilt, an immersive art experience offering breathtaking views of NYC and a deeper connection to the city’s heartbeat. The evening was filled with laughter and joy as everyone skated at Rockefeller Center, with some experiencing ice skating for the first time.
Monday’s itinerary included an enlightening session with NYC Jewish entrepreneurs. Participants had the opportunity to engage with inspiring leaders such as Mark Nelson, Ben Wolf, Rachel Rothenberg, Rabbi Irwin Kula, and Joseph Frasko, who shared lessons about transforming passions into business ventures. This was followed by an insightful visit to Tablet Magazine’s headquarters, where Alana Newhouse discussed the evolution and future of media and publishing, boosting the group’s understanding of the industry.
In the spirit of service, the fellowship spent the afternoon at the Harlem JCC with Repair the World, honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by packing 350 bags of essential items for the less fortunate. This hands-on experience taught the group the importance of giving back and the impact of collaborative effort.
The trip was much more than just seeing iconic landmarks. It was about the lessons learned and the memories created! From the incredible art at Summit One Vanderbilt to the new wisdom shared by NYC’s finest entrepreneurs, this weekend was life changing. It reinforced the importance of passion, innovation, and community in the world around us.
For more information about our teen programs, please visit Teen Programs | 4Front Baltimore
