Interview with Marc Dinitz, Raleigh Chamber
The Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary is proud to partner with the Triangle DEI Alliance, a program of the Raleigh Chamber, on “Courageous Conversation: Supporting Our Jewish Community.” To learn more, we talked with Marc Dinitz, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Raleigh Chamber.
Q: How long have you lived in Raleigh? What brought you here?
Marc Dinitz: My family and I moved here from Maryland in June 2019. I was finishing up a 20-year career in the US Air Force and we were looking to relocate, preferably somewhere further south as my wife Meredith is originally from Florida. We heard great things about Raleigh, so we visited a few times and felt very comfortable here. We were excited by the growth we saw happening, and we are super excited to be here now!
Q: What's your role at the Raleigh Chamber?
MD: I am the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, and have been in this role since March 2022. I am in charge of a team that markets over 200 Chamber events and initiatives throughout the year, mainly through emails, videos, and social media. We also design original graphics and create print materials for our membership and events including signage, banners, and electronic communications. I handle press inquiries both for our events and for stories related to business in this region, and also develop and maintain relationships with all of our media partners in this region to promote Raleigh business and quality of life as our region grows.
Q: What is Courageous Conversation? How did Federation get involved?
MD: The Triangle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Alliance, a program of the Raleigh Chamber, developed the Courageous Conversation series to present an ongoing dialogue about DEI and non-dominant groups in this region. Whether it is a discussion centered on creating accessible workplaces or confronting anti-Asian violence, we address these topics so we can make change for the better. These topics highlight a major reason why the Triangle DEI Alliance was formed; to ensure that we can lead the effort to make this region the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive business environment in the country. As this area continues to grow, we want to do it in the right way, and events such as Courageous Conversation and many others throughout the year help the organization lead our business community on the path to achieve these goals.
The Jewish Federation obviously has a vested interest in the growth of this region, and they became a member of Raleigh Chamber and the Triangle DEI Alliance. [Federation CEO] Phil and Torri Staton, the Vice President of DEI for the Raleigh Chamber, spoke about incidents of antisemitism that are happening across the country and in our neighborhoods. They decided it would be important to have a conversation about antisemitism on this series, and how the business community can assist in education about this issue.
Q: How do you hope that Federation and Raleigh Chamber can work together in the future?
MD: We want to make sure that this region can grow in the right way, and that everyone has a seat at the table. At Chamber events, we can connect Federation staff (as well as all of our member businesses) with both our local business and political leaders. That’s a natural way to keep the dialogue going and affect change. It is one of the Chamber’s main goals, to connect our region’s business community, and also help develop the leaders of tomorrow who will lead us in the future. That’s how the work gets done, when you have these personal connections.
Q: What is something you would like the Jewish community to know?
MD: Since I have started with the Chamber, I have had the opportunity to meet with many of this area’s business leaders, and those who work with the Chamber share our belief that growing with an inclusive mindset is the way forward. Admittedly, our Jewish population is still relatively small, and education needs to continue to teach our leaders in both our schools and the workplace who may not have experience with Judaism about our traditions and rituals. I am proud that the Raleigh Chamber is leading the charge by example to be open to different faiths and to promote diversity, and I believe that our lead will be followed to continue to make this a region a place where all are welcomed and treated equally.
To register for “Courageous Conversation: Supporting Our Jewish Community” on January 26, CLICK HERE.
