Donna DeBenedetto Barwald

donnabarwald@gmail.com
7024 Keokuk Avenue Winnetka, CA 91306 818-635-1824

PROGRAM AND EVENT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

Sunrise Senior Living, Woodland Hills Created and led Jewish services (Passover, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur,
Shabbat) as cantorial soloist for seniors. (2014- Present)
To Theo, LChaim, To Life! Concert Celebrating Theo Bikels 90th Birthday With Hazzan Mike Stein,
produced concert at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills including reception. (2014)
Temple Aliyah Produced, directed, wrote and performed in musical Purim Shpiels (2002-present); coordinated
Women of Aliyahs Rosh Chodesh program (2014-present)
The Village in Northridge Planned activities for seniors, including concerts, trips, parties and themed dinners
with entertainment; entertained and served residents; led games; taught classes including Great American Songbook,
computer, jewelry making, cooking, fitness and dancing. (2010)
Saris Family Clubhouse Created two-week family winter holiday program at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in
Santa Monica: arts & crafts, games, music, drama, movies, treasure hunt. (2008)
Camp Madison Assisted Camp Director and Program Director; planned and scheduled activities; set up computer
lab; recruited and registered campers; wrote procedures and job descriptions; trained staff; drove camp van, ran
canteen, prepared payroll and paid bills. (1992-1994)
San Jose New World Festival coordinated KidFest, a two-day outdoor multicultural arts festival for families
sponsored by the City of San Jose, attended by 50,000 people (1990).
Opera San Jose As Development Director, wrote grant proposals, coordinated fundraising campaign, and
produced a 24-hour Operathon which raised $100,000. (1986-1987)
San Jose Repertory Theater As Assistant to the Executive Producer, coordinated special events and ran front of
house operations for nonprofit professional theater company (1981-1985)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Jewish Day School Computer Teacher, West Hollywood, CA (2007-2008)
Created curriculum and taught computer skills to K-8 students, faculty and staff at Maimonides Academy;
collaborated with teachers to integrate technology into instruction and class projects.
Created 128-page full-color Middle School Yearbook using Memory Book online.
Jewish Studies Teacher, Los Angeles, CA (1998-2003)
Taught 2nd and 5th grade Judaic studies, Jewish prayers, and family education at Temple Aliyah, Temple Solael
and Kehillat Israel Religious School; led Shabbat services; wrote and directed plays and presentations.
Technology Coordinator / Computer Enrichment Specialist, Pacific Palisades, CA (1998-2001)
Created curriculum, recommended equipment and software, and taught computer skills to K-5 students, faculty &
staff at Marquez Charter School (LAUSD)
Maintained server and network of 125 computers throughout campus (including a computer lab of 20 PCs) and
provided on-site technical support for students, faculty and staff.
Trained and supervised paid aides and parent volunteers.
Computer Teacher, New York, NY (1992-1993)
Set up Computer Lab and taught Computer skills to K-8 students and staff at Madison Square Boys & Girls Club.
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Donna DeBenedetto Barwald

donnabarwald@gmail.com
7024 Keokuk Avenue Winnetka, CA 91306 818-635-1824

LOS ANGELES JEWISH COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Temple Aliyah (1999-Present): Member of Community of Caring; member of Women of Aliyah; Torah reader;
singer with choir and klezmer band; served on Board of Directors and Membership Committee.
Kadima Day School (2002-2012): Wrote and directed the 3rd grade play for four years; served as Brownie Girl
Scout leader for two years; chaperoned field trips; served as interim bookkeeper for five months.
Volunteers for Israel (1998): Worked on an army base in Israel for the month of August.
Project Chicken Soup (1997-1999): Cooked and delivered meals to people living with AIDS.

Kehillat Israel (1995-1997): Coordinated Library on Wheels to bring books and readers to children in foster care.

SALES EXPERIENCE
Temple Aliyah Gift Shop, Woodland Hills, CA Manager (2005-2007)
WCI, Santa Monica, CA (www.weitbrecht.com) Sold devices for people with hearing loss.
General Manager (2004-2005), Sales Manager (2003), Sales Supervisor (1995-1997)
MPC, New York, NY Sold Macintosh computers and trained users. (1993-1994)

EDUCATION
San Jose State University, B.S. Business Administration, magna cum laude
Concentration in Management, minor in Theater Arts
Alpha Al Sirat Award for Outstanding Graduate in the School of Business (1985)
University of Judaism, Los Angeles, Jewish education courses including Yesod Program (1998-2003)
Certifications: Red Cross First Aid/CPR, LiveScan, Eligible for CA 30 Day Substitute Teaching Permit

ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Actress/Singer/Cantorial Soloist www.donnadebenedetto.weebly.com
American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) Sick & Relief Shows for Seniors (2012-Present)
Costume Character - Entertained guests as Dora the Explorer, The Lorax, Bart Simpson, Paranorman at Universal
Studios Hollywood (2012-2013), Mickey Mouse for Walt Disney Productions in New York City (1994), and Elf at the
Puppet Theater at Macys Santaland in New York City (1991)
The Second City Training Center in Hollywood, Improvisation training (2012-2013)
American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York City (1992-1993)
Radio City Music Hall tour guide and usher in New York City (1991-1992)
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