April 2025 Mensches of the Month: Josh Sherman & Minda Heyman

A Conversation with Our April Mensches of the Month!

Josh Sherman and Minda Heyman are both volunteers and friends to Third Space. They recently worked together to help pack the mishloach manot (Purim packages) so many of our extended Third Space community enjoyed receiving!

Get to know Josh and Minda:

JOSH SHERMAN

What is your connection to Third Space?

Third Space has become a special place for me and my family. I was lucky to marry my wife at Third Space this past November and look forward to continuing to find ways to support and uplift the programming and community building of Third Space. 

What was the last book you read and loved?

The Taqwacores by Michael Muhammad Knight

If you could have dinner with two people, living, dead, or fictional, who would you choose?

If I could have dinner with two people it would be James Baldwin and Frank Zappa.

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

My favorite thing about myself is my sense of humor.

What do you wish people knew about you?

I’m an avid collector (vinyl, posters, pins, baseball cards/memorabilia).

What is one simple thing you do (or think others could do) that extends more kindness into the world?

I try to keep water bottles/granola bars in my car for people experiencing homelessness or asking for assistance. Even if you have nothing to give, simply making eye contact, saying hello, and exchanging a few words can really change someone’s day and outlook. We are all human and deserve respect and dignity. 

MINDA HEYMAN

What is your connection to Third Space?

I volunteer as a Third Space Ambassador, where I help with events and welcome visitors into the space. I’m also an active participant in programs and events. It’s exciting to see new life and joy filling the building!

What was the last book you read and loved?

I recently finished listening to the book version of Wicked and really loved it. I was struck by how relevant it is today as it explores the hierarchy of societies – How we categorize and assign value to living beings. How do we accept ourselves and what makes us reject individuality to fit into society.  It was very powerful and beautifully written.  I’ve also been listening to a lot of nonfiction audiobooks and podcasts on the neuroscience of the brain, mind-body connection, and financial security – Hidden Brain, So Money, and The Neurodivergent Woman are three podcasts I enjoy. 

If you could have dinner with two people, living, dead, or fictional, who would you choose?

The Obamas – Brilliant, fierce trailblazers with good senses of humor, and full of knowledge and experiences. In my humble opinion they are The Best First Family! They seem very down to earth and I bet they would tell some great stories. I would love to tell them how much I appreciate all they have sacrificed for this country and we see them! Plus, I know they love music and dancing so I hope they would be down for an after dinner dance party.

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

My willingness to take risks and step out of my comfort zone. I’ve always had a sense of adventure and a desire to see the whole world. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized I learn through connection and experiences. I feel alive and fulfilled when I meet new people, explore new cultures, and navigate unknown terrain. These experiences help me expand my mind and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Traveling around the world and meeting people from all backgrounds and experiences helps me see new perspectives and reaffirms how interconnected our world truly is.  

What do you wish people knew about you?

I love working with my hands to build, design and create things, but I’m a novice to all of it. I’m exploring my artistic self through creative writing, dancing, playing the drums, and home renovations. I’m learning to enjoy the creative process without worrying about the outcome. 

What is one simple thing you do (or think others could do) that extends more kindness into the world?

I’ve been reading a lot about compassion and exploring how self-compassion allows me to move in the world with a bit more openness and kindness. For me, this is about noticing my own feelings and emotions and grounding myself through breathing, movement or mediation to be present and to show up as my best self. It is definitely a practice and I am a work in progress! The world is chaotic and everyone is navigating through it with their own personal challenges. I  practice the generous assumption that we’re all doing the best we can at this moment.