“This network was built to bring our alumni together to grow with, learn from, and support one another,” said Jodi Smolen, director of career services for Lander College for Men (LCM). Smolen directs TFAN and organized the event with the help of Rabbi Eliezer Feder, LCM’s director of special projects. “Whether you're looking for a new job, exploring new partnerships, or thinking about how to give back to Touro, this is the place to start.”

Real Talk on Faith, Work, and Balance

The night featured a panel moderated by Appleson, and included Audrey Weitz, managing director at Old City Investment Partners in midtown Manhattan, and Judah Sokel, Senior Vice President of Finance at Vialto Partners. Both shared candid perspectives on their career paths, current industry trends, and the delicate balance between professional success and religious values.

Sokel spoke openly about how his Orthodox observance has shaped his professional life.

“From day one, I made it clear to my CEO and CFO what it means to be religious—what Shabbos entails, when I’ll be offline. Communication and setting expectations are key,” he said.

Weitz emphasized the importance of knowing your priorities and maintaining integrity in the workplace.

“I am a wife first, a mother second, and a businesswoman third,” she told the crowd. “Being consistent with who you are earns you respect in any setting.”

Alumni Share Career Journeys and Advice

For students and young alumni navigating the early stages of their careers, the event was also a chance to hear directly from those a few steps ahead.

Jonathan Kurayev, a recent graduate of Touro’s Lander College for Men and soon-to-be consultant at PwC, credited both his Touro education and Touro career services with helping him land his position.

“I interned at four different firms, one of them being Old City with Audrey. Each role built on the last,” Kurayev said. “Jodi [Smollen] helped me get my first internship, which set everything in motion. I’m here to help others the way others helped me.”

Elleshevah Rybstein, a 2021 graduate now working as a senior audit associate at Forvis Mazars, also spoke to the value of the night.

“It was great meeting others in the audit world and even better to help students navigate the job market,” Elleshevah said. “I met a few who I’d be happy to recommend at my firm.”

For Sharon Botnick, a 2015 graduate and senior leader at Fitch Ratings, the event offered an opportunity to pay it forward.

“When I was at Touro, the finance major was small, especially among women. I love seeing how much that’s changed,” she said. “If I can give people advice and encourage women to go into finance, I’m all for it.”

Botnick, who now runs a global analytics team in Fitch’s risk department, spoke about how her Touro math and finance education laid the groundwork for her success.

“The analytical thinking and finance vocabulary I learned were key,” she said. “Now I help train entry-level analysts and watch them grow. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Building Careers—and a Stronger Alumni Network

The evening ended with speed networking sessions organized by industry sector: asset management, capital markets, alternative investments, real estate and financial services, and others. Alumni swapped business cards and contact info, shared career advice, and perhaps even scouted potential hires.

And as always, the TFAN event highlighted not just individual success stories, but the power of a shared mission.

“This isn’t just about jobs,” Smolen told the attendees. “It’s about reconnecting to Touro, helping each other, and building a legacy of support and opportunity for the next generation.”