Interview with Emily Finkelstein, National Young Leadership Cabinet Member

Emily Finkelstein is an entrepreneur who has been involved with Jewish young professionals programs in Greater Raleigh. Recently, she has joined National Young Leadership Cabinet, a program from Jewish Federations of North America to empower the Jewish community’s emerging global leaders and philanthropists. We spoke with Emily to learn more about why she joined and what she hopes to gain from the experience.

Emily Finkelstein, National Young Leadership Cabinet member

Q: How long have you lived in Raleigh? What brought you here?

A: I’ve lived in Raleigh for over 16 years, but the story of how I got here is just as important as how long I’ve stayed.

I grew up on Long Island in a large, deeply rooted Jewish community where connection and identity were built in—you didn’t have to think about it; it just existed around you. When I moved south, first spending time in places like Ann Arbor and then ultimately Raleigh, I experienced something very different. Community wasn’t automatic—it had to be built.

I originally came to Raleigh to join my brother, who went to Duke, because we saw an opportunity not just to start a business, but to build a life here together. Between RTP and the universities, there was incredible talent and energy, and it felt like the kind of place where you could build something meaningful. What I didn’t expect was how much the community side of that would shape me.

Over time, Raleigh became more than just a place to start a business—it became a place where I felt a responsibility to contribute. I’ve been part of helping grow and connect the young Jewish community here, not through one specific role, but by being someone who brings people together, asks questions, and helps others find where they fit.

Living in both large and smaller Jewish communities has given me perspective: strong community doesn’t happen by default—it’s built through relationships, intention, and people who are willing to show up. That’s what has kept me here.

Q: What is your professional background?

A: My background is rooted in marketing, technology, and building things from the ground up.

I studied business marketing management at Indiana University, and early on I was drawn to the intersection of technology and human behavior—how people discover things, what makes them take action, and how systems can be built to support that. That led me to Google, where I was part of the early wave of online advertising. It was a moment in time where digital marketing was still being defined, and I got to see firsthand how powerful it could be when done right.

But I’ve always had a builder mindset. I didn’t just want to optimize within a system—I wanted to create something of my own.

Today, I lead VentureXpert Advisors, where I work with businesses and entrepreneurs on growth strategy, digital marketing, and building scalable systems that drive real results. My approach is hands-on and grounded in execution—helping companies not just think differently, but operate differently.

Alongside that, I lead Auction Experts, a company I built to specifically serve the auction industry. We help auctioneers modernize how they show up online—transforming their websites into high-performing marketing platforms that attract new bidders and drive meaningful business growth. It’s a distinct approach from traditional industry solutions, and one that has helped our clients stand out and scale in increasingly competitive markets.

Across both businesses, my focus is on building systems that create long-term value. I love working at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and people—helping others bring a vision to life in a way that is both practical and impactful.

Entrepreneurship has also shaped how I think about leadership. It’s taught me how to navigate uncertainty, trust my instincts, and stay committed to a vision even before it fully exists. That same mindset carries into how I show up in community spaces—always looking for ways to build, connect, and create something that lasts.

Q: What is National Young Leadership Cabinet? How did you get involved?

A: National Young Leadership Cabinet is a highly selective, five-year leadership development program through the Jewish Federations of North America that brings together emerging leaders from across the country who are deeply committed to strengthening Jewish life.

The program combines leadership development, education, and connection through domestic retreats, international study missions, and advocacy opportunities. It also includes a strong philanthropic commitment—members contribute a minimum of $5,000 annually to their local Federation throughout the program.

At its core, Cabinet brings together thoughtful leaders to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and better understand how Federation systems operate and create impact. It’s an opportunity to gain perspective, share strategies, and bring those insights back to strengthen your local community.

I was introduced to the program by a friend in Houston, and it immediately resonated with me. I’m naturally entrepreneurial and always interested in how different communities approach growth and engagement. The opportunity to learn alongside other leaders, build meaningful relationships, and step more intentionally into the nonprofit space felt like the right next step for me.

Q: What will you be doing as part of NYLC?

A: As part of Cabinet, I’ll be joining a cohort of leaders from across North America and participating in a multi-year experience focused on leadership development, education, and connection.

It begins with the annual Cabinet Retreat, where members come together for several days of learning, discussion, and relationship-building. From there, there are opportunities to participate in international study missions—particularly to Israel and other global Jewish communities—to better understand the impact of Federation philanthropy and the broader ecosystem we’re part of.

There are also opportunities to engage in advocacy, connect with leaders across the country, and gain deeper insight into key areas like community building, public affairs, and global Jewish initiatives.

What I’m most excited about is being in a room with people who are all thinking about similar questions—how to lead more effectively, how to build stronger communities, and how to create meaningful, lasting impact—and then bringing those insights back to Raleigh in a way that continues to strengthen and grow our local community.

Q: What are you looking forward to about the experience? What do you hope to get out of it?

A: What I’m most looking forward to is the opportunity to connect with thoughtful, driven leaders from across the country and around the world who are all committed to strengthening Jewish life in their own communities.

I’m at a point in my life where I want to be more intentional about how I grow as a leader—especially in the nonprofit and philanthropic space. Cabinet offers the chance to learn from different perspectives, gain a deeper understanding of how Federation operates, and be exposed to ideas and strategies that are working in other communities.

I also see this as an opportunity to help shape what the future of our local community can look like. I want to challenge what’s been done, think bigger about what’s possible, and help create a more inclusive path forward for people with different perspectives and ways of engaging. It’s important to me that we’re not just doing things because they’ve always been done that way, but instead approaching our organizations with intention—thinking strategically, operating effectively, and building in a way that allows everyone to succeed together.

Having access to Cabinet will give me the perspective, tools, and relationships to be a stronger, more thoughtful leader for our community, and to bring back ideas that can help us continue to grow in meaningful and lasting ways.

Q: What do you want people to understand about NYLC, or getting involved with your local Federation?

A: I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that getting involved in leadership or philanthropy requires a certain title, level of experience, or stage of life—but that hasn’t been my experience.

My leadership style has always been more relational than formal. It starts with showing up, building connections, and helping people see where they fit. I’ve found that both peers and established leaders often just need perspective—how to engage, where to start, or how to take the next step—and I’ve naturally stepped into that role as a connector and sounding board within the community.

I also care deeply about demystifying leadership and philanthropy. Engagement doesn’t require following set steps or instructions.  Programs like Cabinet are about taking your interests and learning the skills you need to make a meaningful difference in that area of your community. The more we create flexible, accessible pathways, the more people feel empowered to step in—because more restriction often leads to less engagement.

At the end of the day, the goal is to bridge that gap. When leadership and philanthropy feel approachable and relevant, it creates stronger connections and a more vibrant, sustainable community. There’s real opportunity to learn, contribute, and help shape what comes next—and that starts with simply getting involved.

If you are interested in learning more about National Young Leadership Cabinet, contact Tamara Zishuk at tamara.zishuk@shalomraleigh.org.