Carol Guzman Karlinsky
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Carol strengthens Jewish institutions from the inside out-transforming the Jewish spaces she manages through system improvements and operational excellence.
The daughter of Guatemalan Jewish immigrants, her unique perspective and bilingual skills have inspired her commitment to inclusion, and to making Jewish spaces more accessible, particularly for Spanish speakers.
As a founding member of YLD's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, she evaluated programming to recommend more inclusive practices, bringing her perspective as a Latina Jewish woman to this important work.
She worked at JUF for almost seven years-in both the YLD department and Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics. Then, she pivoted to Anshe Emet Synagogue, Chicago's largest Conservative synagogue, where she serves as Office Manager and works to ensure all office operations run smoothly.
"Carol's work embodies service and dedication to community infrastructure," said her husband Marc, who Carol met while planning YLD programs that he attended. "She understands that strong Jewish organizations require not just inspiring leaders at the podium, but dedicated professionals ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes."
AGE:
31
PRONOUNS:
She/her/hers
PRIMARY GIG:
Office manager, Anshe Emet Synagogue
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
Becoming a bat mitzvah at 28, one week before my wedding, because apparently I like to stress myself out.
A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My mother. She came to the U.S. from Guatemala in the 1980s and connected with organizations helping refugees. When she described family customs that didn't quite fit Catholic norms, they introduced her to a Spanish-speaking rabbi—Victor Mirelman—who helped her understand what she was already practicing. To her, it felt like finally having words for things that had always been there. Watching her navigate a new country, new languages, and build Jewish community for our family taught me that Jewish identity is about choices you make and relationships you foster, not assumptions about where you come from.
YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Heated blankets.
