40 Under 40: Ryan Kaplan

Ryan Kaplan started his career at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, but his Jewish identity really took shape in, of all places, Poland.

After his graduation from Georgia State and initial involvement in Federation, Kaplan learned about JDC Entwine, and the Jewish Service Corp. He was paired with JCC Krakow, but it would take some time before the program started. By then, he had a couple years of fundraising experience with Federation, giving him a better launching off point to direct Ride For The Living, a bike ride from the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau to the JCC’s front door.

“It shows a lot that the Krakow Jewish community is still there and is still thriving, and it was not totally decimated by the Holocaust, and there are still modern expressions of Jewish vibrancy and joy that deserve to be celebrated and supported.”

After Krakow, Kaplan worked for some time in the fundraising wing of CHOA’s Aflac Cancer Center as the Major Gifts Officer.

“I felt that it was important to have some secular fundraising experience on my resume, and it felt like there was no better place to do that then Children’s of Atlanta. They have a world-class fundraising shop, and the mission is really second to none.”

Now back again with JDC Entwine, he helps pay forward the experience he received.

“I raise the funds that send young adults to see Jewish communities around the world for themselves. Most come home realizing the same thing I did in Krakow.”

As life-changing an experience as it was, Kaplan is glad to be home.

“After three years in Poland, I’m happy to be back in Atlanta, where I live with my partner, Sarah, and our three dogs, Leona, Canela, and Olive.”