Encinitas resident named executive director of Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego

Encinitas resident Mindi Frankel has been named the first executive director for the newly formed Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego, which provides interest-free loans to the local Jewish community for emergencies, education or other needs.

“I fell in love with the mission and decided I would take the role,” said Frankel, who has lived in Encinitas for about 20 years.

The organization is part of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans, a global network that provides interest-free loans in more than 50 communities.

“Now we’re just waiting for the applicants to come in, but our long-term goal is to have 56 borrowers in our first year,” said Frankel, who earned a master’s degree in literature and writing from California State University, San Marcos, and a bachelor’s degree in English literature and marketing from San Diego State University.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increases in unemployment and other financial hardships, creating a need for financial assistance for many families. The pandemic also limits Hebrew Free Loan to virtual meetings with potential recipients.

“You never get quite the same feeling that you get when you’re sitting face-to-face with someone,” Frankel said. “But I also think with the pandemic, the need for this type of interest-free loan program is exacerbated.”

Before joining Hebrew Free Loan, Frankel held marketing and communications roles for organizations such as Hands of Peace, Financial Profiles and Park Place Productions. She also started her own communications consulting firm, Just Write Marketing, and served as a board member for Temple Solel and the Encinitas Education Foundation.

Selwyn Isakow, board president of Hebrew Free Loan, said in a statement that Frankel’s background made her “the ideal choice to lead our new San Diego endeavor.”

“Her leadership and enthusiasm will bring momentum, organization and initiative to shape and grow our regional efforts,” Isakow said.

“I love our core mission of aiding and empowering members of the San Diego community,” Frankel said. “We like to say it’s not a handout, it’s a hand up.”

Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego is located at 9404 Genesee Ave. in La Jolla. For more information, visit hflsd.org.