Described by Fanfare Magazine as “one of the most talented and intriguing of living composers,” Lori specializes in writing classical music for the voice. Her work, ranging from recital songs to grand opera, is performed around the world. Bruce serves as a Managing Director at The Carlyle Group, an international investment firm. He also works with a number of nonprofit organizations, including Friendship Circle, and maintains an active schedule as an amateur musician. They have lived in Potomac, MD for over 35 years, raised three children (all of whom are musicians married to musicians!) and are now proud grandparents.
Adam is a partner in Holland & Knight's Corporate, M&A and Securities Practice Group and is the Practice Group Leader for the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Brooke and Adam are strongly tied to their local Jewish community, whether it be serving on the board at their synagogue or chairing dinners for their children’s school, the Berman Hebrew Academy. They have instilled the importance of being involved in the Jewish community in their three children, Ava, Maya and Alex. Their children were integral in introducing them to the Friendship Circle. Brooke and Ava participated in the Miami Marathon three times, running and raising funds on behalf of the Friendship Circle. Both Ava and Maya have served on the Friendship Circle Teen Leadership Board and their son, Alex, will be volunteering this year. Friendship Circle has been a family affair for the Augusts and they will continue to volunteer, raise funds and awareness for this incredible organization.
Sandy and Elliot both attended the University of Maryland in College Park and Elliot attended American University’s Washington College of Law. Elliot is a real estate attorney and the Chief Executive Officer at Closeline Settlements and the Capitol Title Group. Sandy taught elementary education for many years at Potomac Elementary and is currently a real estate agent, acting as the head of transaction management for MarketPro Homebuyers, which buys and sells homes in the DMV and Pennsylvania. The Liss’s have four children (Jared, Alexa, Drew, Morgan) and many dogs.
The Liss family has been involved with Friendship Circle for many years. The children have all volunteered for Friendship Circle in various roles while Sandy and Elliot have been active in the organization's continued growth and success. Their youngest daughter, Morgan, currently serves on the Friendship Circle Teen Leadership Board.
After sharing a hometown growing up in Coral Springs, Florida, Julie and Mark met by chance post-college in Washington, DC. They have been married for 17 years and have twin boys, Jack and Aidan, who recently turned 13. Mark works at the National Institute of Health- Division of AIDS and focuses on regulatory oversight of HIV research. Over the last few years, he has been working on pandemic-related research around COVID-19 and Monkeypox. Julie is a pediatric occupational therapist working in an inclusion-model preschool in Washington, DC.
One of their sons, Jack, has a rare genetic disorder called SYNGAP1 which presents ongoing challenges for Jack and the entire family. It takes a village and Friendship Circle has been part of that ‘village’ for the Mishkin family. The support and resources found through the Friendship Circle have been beyond a blessing for Jack and the entire family. Julie ran her first 1/2 Marathon as a part of Team Friendship in February of 2020 and looks forward to rejoining Team Friendship next February to raise money and awareness for this amazing organization.