SAM member Lauren Schiff embodies the ripple effect that has become a hallmark of The SAM Initiative. “The ripple effect is not only for expanding philanthropic dollars, but also about people connecting and making a real difference in our community by extending their reach, taking on leadership roles with SAM, and volunteering at other nonprofits.”  

A third generation Angeleno and mother of two, Lauren reconnected with SAM Founder Mindy Freedman through the Jewish Venture Philanthropy Fund, a collaborative giving circle. Joining SAM in 2016, Lauren began volunteering on Due Diligence committees. “Researching, learning and vetting our potential grantees was a real learning experience. I met amazing women who mentored and taught me. I soon took on the role of Due Diligence co-chair for several years and hoped to do the same for other members.”

One of many members who have benefited from Lauren’s mentorship is Associate Director Laurie Bahar. “I came to SAM and became a Due Diligence lead my first year. It was very overwhelming but Lauren welcomed me, taught me and supported me every step of the way.”

These collaborative relationships are another hallmark of SAM. “SAM gives our members the opportunity to find their philanthropic passion and voice, and to become changemakers. We learn about the needs in our greater LA community; we find organizations addressing those needs, and we work together to make a difference.”

Mentoring other SAM members gives Lauren immeasurable joy, as does watching the organization grow. Lauren credits this growth with SAM’s nimbleness, willingness to try new things, and ability to adjust to emergent needs in our community. 

Lauren definitely deserves some credit for this growth. “Lauren is so humble and a quiet leader,” says SAM founder Mindy Freedman. “She is a great example of how women can really find their voices through working with SAM. Lauren’s natural talent for leadership and her ability to manage other people is where she has truly shined. She’s really accessible – a good listener and a kind leader, and that really shows.”

In a prime example of how Lauren’s passion and talent has rippled out to other philanthropic endeavors, she has taken the principles she’s learned at SAM and applied them to other causes. This includes her current leadership role as co-chair of Sylvia Weisz Women's Philanthropy, of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles (JFEDLA) and her position on the JFEDLA Caring for Jews in Need committee, which gives partnership grants to nonprofits that help those emerging from poverty, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), older adults and holocaust survivors, and those experiencing crisis. 

“With SAM I definitely get back more than I put in,” adds Lauren. “I love being surrounded by the amazing women who make up SAM. I have met women who are new to philanthropy, some who have founded nonprofits, and some who are nonprofit professionals. We all come with open hearts to learn from each other.” 

Lauren Schiff is a testament to the power of mentorship, leadership, and the ripple effect. Her dedication to SAM and her willingness to share her knowledge and expertise with others have had a profound impact on the organization and the broader philanthropic community.