Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center Hosts Bagel Breakfast with Immigrant Rights Advocate Kimberly Plotnik

The Social Justice Committee of Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center is hosting a bagel breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 4, featuring Kimberley Plotnik, Program Director of the Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, a program under Catholic Charities of Los Angeles. The event begins at 10 a.m. at the PJTC, located at 1434 N Altadena Drive.

In her current role, Kimberley Plotnik leads initiatives supporting and empowering immigrant communities. Plotnik’s expertise extends from strategic program management to coalition building and fostering partnerships to address pressing immigration issues.

Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project has over the past 15 years become one of the leading immigration-focused public interest organizations in the country. Esperanza (“hope” in English) serves some of the most vulnerable people in the Los Angeles Area – immigrants facing deportation from the U.S. The group is made up of a team of passionate staff, interns, and volunteers who work together to advance the rights of vulnerable immigrants through education, representation, and advocacy.

Before the Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, Plotnik served as the Western States Civil Rights Counsel for the Anti-Defamation League, focusing on civil rights issues such as hate crimes, immigration, and voting rights. Her background also includes valuable work as a pro bono attorney with the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees in Kampala, Uganda.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Plotnik actively contributed to leadership development and community empowerment initiatives. Serving as Co-Chair of the Glass Leadership Institute Program from 2017 to 2018, she facilitated programs nurturing leadership skills and fostering empowerment among participants. At Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, she was also a pro bono coordinator providing legal assistance to vulnerable populations.

Plotnik’s educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Law with a specialization in Human Rights and Immigration from UCLA, earned in 2014, and a Bachelor of Laws and BA in Political Science and Government from Monash University in 2007.

During her time at UCLA, Plotnik actively participated in various activities and societies, including serving as Public Counsel in the Immigrants’ Rights Project and the Jewish Law Students Association.

The event will also recognize individuals committed to social justice. Alongside Plotnik’s talk, the PJTC Social Justice Committee will present the annual Marv Gross Social Justice Award to the family of Rabbi Aimee Irshay Gerace, recently deceased.

While the program is free to attend, there’s a suggested $15 donation for breakfast. Interested attendees can RSVP at SJCPJTC@gmail.com.

To learn more about the Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, visit www.esperanza-la.org.