Meet Hayley Cushing

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi! I’m originally from Shrewsbury, New Jersey, a very small town in Monmouth County. I attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and later completed my MBA at Loyola University Maryland. My husband Scott and I currently live in Timonium with our rescue pittie, Bubba, who keeps us entertained. When I’m not working, you can usually find me with a good book, spending time with family, or doing a little shopping.

How did you get connected to the Jewish Connection Network?

I first became connected to the Network through my professional life. I have been with Brown Advisory for nearly a decade, and we are a proud corporate partner of The Associated. Over the past two years, in my role focused on our Baltimore office, I’ve become more involved in our community partnerships. This year, I am leading our partnership with The Associated. Through that work, I’ve had the opportunity to experience and learn about much of the programming, connection, and community that the Network creates across Baltimore and beyond.

How has the Network impacted you?

The Network has impacted me both professionally and personally. Professionally, it has introduced me to programs and opportunities that I can now share with colleagues and friends. One meaningful experience was planning and participating in a Bunches of Lunches event with our office, where we made more than 180 lunches for schoolchildren facing weekend food insecurity. Bringing colleagues together across teams to support the community in a hands-on way has been incredibly rewarding.
Personally, Addie Lewis Klein played a significant role in helping me build connections. She encouraged me to meet someone from her team for coffee, which led to a friendship and then another introduction. That ripple effect ultimately led to two new friendships that I truly value and may not have formed otherwise. I’ve been invited to Shabbat dinners, community events, and much more than I ever expected. The Network has also shown me that there are many ways to get involved and stay connected within the community, and that you can do so at your own pace.

Any favorite Jewish holiday memories or traditions?

The Hanukkah and Thanksgiving/Christmas crossovers have become some of my favorite family memories. The food has been so memorable and delicious that my extended Catholic family now fully expects latkes at Christmas dinner. Another fond memory I cherish is attending High Holy Day services with my mom and younger brother.

What advice would you give to someone new to this community?

Be open and say yes. There truly is something for everyone here, and you never know which event, conversation, or introduction might lead to a meaningful connection.