Nearly 300 women attended VOICES, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s largest annual event for women, on the evening of Sept. 11 at Beth El Temple in West Hartford. Lieutenant Commander Alexa Forsyth Jenkins – the first Jewish woman to command a U.S. Naval warship – explained how her Jewish values of family, community and joy have influenced her approach to leadership, service and teamwork. The interactive program was intended to inspire attendees to carry these same values into their own lives and work.

CAP: Lieutenant Commander Alexa Forsyth Jenkins of the U.S. Navy (center), with Voices co-chairs (l to r) Lisa Fishman, Jessica Fish, Laurie Goldsmith, Arlene Neiditz, and 2018 Women’s Philanthropy chair Dana Keller. Credit: J. Fiereck Photography