Megan Bell Named 2020 Forty Under 40 Honoree

Farash Foundation News Release
November 13, 2020

Megan Bell, director of grants & programs for the Max and Marian Farash Foundation, has been named a 2020 Forty Under 40 recipient.

Forty Under 40 recognizes 40 men and women, under the age of 40, who have achieved professional success and who have also made significant civic contributions to the community. A panel of judges consisting of previous winners from various professions selected the Forty Under 40 honorees. In choosing the winners, judges looked for candidates who excel both professionally and who are actively involved in and giving back to the community.

“The Forty Under 40 honorees are not only achieving success in their careers but giving back in meaningful ways to the Rochester community,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, group publisher of the Rochester Business Journal. “It can be difficult for successful individuals in demanding careers to find time to give back to our community, but our Forty Under 40 honorees are doing just that.”

“I am honored to be in a class that celebrates a diverse and innovative group of winners,” said Bell. “I am grateful to have a career whose main purpose is to make the world a better place. The team at the Farash Foundation and the work we do together to help impact our community is the true prize. I appreciate the recognition but hold it up as a group award because I certainly do not do it alone.” 

The winners were honored at a November 12th virtual celebration and profiled in a special section of the Rochester Business Journal.

Bell joined the Foundation as director of grants & programs in October 2019. She was previously Executive Director of the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation.

She has served on boards for Venture Jobs Foundation, Wilson Commencement Park (where she served as chair), Rochester/Monroe County Homeless Continuum of Care, Grantmakers Forum of New York, and Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women.

The Farash Foundation, established in 1988 by Max and Marian Farash, makes grants to secular organizations within Monroe and Ontario counties, as well as Jewish initiatives both locally and globally.