Women's Divisions
WOMEN'S PHILANTHROPY
Women philanthropists are the change-makers and community-shapers of the world. We are compassionate and committed women at every stage of life and career, of all ages, backgrounds and interests. We have a place for you to be involved and make a difference.
Inspired and guided by our tradition of tzedakah (righteousness/charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) Women's Philanthropy engages women in the fulfilling work of making the world a better place. We make a personal commitment to build, support and enrich Jewish lives everywhere and work to create a vibrant Jewish future.
WHAT WE DO
Women’s Philanthropy is about knowing and understanding deeply the breadth of issues facing our community and rolling up our sleeves to help. It’s about educating, inspiring, and empowering women of all ages in our community. It’s about nurturing leadership, connecting with like-minded women and fostering a commitment to philanthropy. It’s about having an impact.
We raise funds for crucial programs, plan for our community's future, and help women develop into tomorrow's leaders.
Through our donations and our hands-on community service, we help bring dignity to people in need, fight domestic violence, provide shelter to vulnerable children, protect at-risk seniors and so much more. We support Israel and world Jewry with our dollars and our presence.
Our collective philanthropy enriches our own lives while improving the lives of others. There’s so much happening in our community. Discover it now!
LEAD
Federation inspires and empowers women to become leaders and decision-makers. We offer many ways to lead:
- Our Women’s Philanthropy Board is composed of a diverse group of devoted leaders who have committed their time and energy to advancing our mission and purpose
- The Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Series is for those interested in furthering their Federation education and exposure as well as their leadership skills in a cohort of like-minded women
- Various leadership training and development opportunities
LEARN & ENGAGE
Connect with like-minded women through fun, social and educational engagement opportunities:
- Attend a Women’s Philanthropy event (visit the community calendar for upcoming programs)
- Participate in the Women’s Philanthropy Learning Series (minimum giving level of $1,000+ to the annual campaign)
VOLUNTEER:
Hand-on philanthropy allows us to mobilize and make an impact:
- Empower low-income women and girls through The Dignity Project by donating personal care items (pads, tampons, liners, shampoo, soap detergent etc) to be distributed through local community agencies
- Volunteer at Federation supported community agencies (add link to volunteer opportunities)
- Participate in Impact Journeys, food drives, celebrations and more (visit community calendar for up to date events)
Giving Levels
Lion of Judah | $5,000
The Lion of Judah is a symbol of a Jewish woman's strength, her passion for Jewish community and a symbol of her financial commitment of at least $5,000 to the Federation's Campaign. Lion of Judah is an international sisterhood of thousands of global philanthropists who care about the Jewish future.
Step Up Lion of Judah | $2,500 - $5,000
Step Up Lion of Judah is a community of women who are passionate and committed to our Jewish community. These women partake in a two or three-year program, where they "Step Up" their gift to become a Lion of Judah.
Shomer | $2,500 - $4,999
Shomer means "guardian" in Hebrew. This level is for women making an annual gift of $2,500-$4,999. It is recognized by a 14k gold diamond-shaped crown pin.
Pomegranate | $1,800 - $2,499
Pomegranate is an ancient symbol found in the earliest synagogues. Women
making an annual gift of $1,800-$2,999 are recognized by a sterling silver pomegranate pin.
Morasha | $1,000 - $1,799
Morasha means "heritage" in Hebrew. Women making an annual gift of $1,000-$1,799 are recognized by a hand-crafted sterling silver and 14K gold bar featuring the skyline of Jerusalem.
Leadership Series
Learning Series
Our Leadership
Andie Temkin Gerszuny, MBA Director, Women's Philanthropy
(954) 252-6923 | agerszuny@JewishBroward.org
About Me
Julie Flansbaum Women's Philanthropy Associate
(954) 252-6925 | jflansbaum@jewishbroward.org
About Me
WOMEN'S EXECUTIVE CIRCLE
The Women's Executive Circle (WEC) of the Jewish Federation of Broward County will exercise the collective clout of Broward County's preeminent Jewish women business and professional leaders to empower the women of tomorrow and employ high-impact philanthropy to strengthen our community today. We welcome the participation of accomplished corporate, entrepreneurial, and professional women who want to make a difference. The WEC represents a view from the top of Broward County's corporate, entrepreneurial and professional world, and each member benefits from the stimulating and supportive relationship she develops. Within this network, peers share best practices, create new ways of collaborating, and explore the balance between personal and professional priorities. WEC members employ innovative mentoring techniques to help mold the next generation of business leaders – mentoring each other, making lasting friendships and business relationships, all while strengthening the Broward Jewish community.
Lori Adelson, Esq.
HR Law PRO
401 East Las Olas Blvd, Suite 1400
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 302-8960
Lori@hrlawpro.com
My Philanthropic Passion is Tikun Olam.
Hobbies/Interests
Travel, food and wine, water activities and live music
Lauren Alperstein, Attorney
Boies Schiller Flexner
2435 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood FL 33020
Phone: (954) 924-0300
LAlperstein@BSFllp.com
My Philanthropic Passion is supporting children and the elderly
Hobbies/Interests
Family time, community relations, politics, theater & concerts, reading, movies, traveling and shopping
Heather Barraza, CFO
Jewish Federation of Broward County
5890 S Pine Island Road
Davie, FL 33328
Phone: (954) 252-6921
HBarraza@JewishBroward.org
My Philanthropic Passion Passions are Jewish children, family engagement and education
Hobbies/Interests
Family time, community relations, politics, theater & concerts, reading, movies, traveling and shopping
Lori Ben-Ezra, Ph.D.
Lori Ben-Ezra and Associates
4700 Sheridan St, Suite J
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: (954) 641-8700
Shrinkmomfl@yahoo.com
My Philanthropic Passion is Jewish Continuity.
Hobbies/Interests
Reading, working out, playing MaJong
Stephanie Cypkin, COO
The Plaintiff Law Group
501 E Las Olas Blvd, Suite 347
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 326-1231
Stephanie@ThePlaintiffLawGroup.com
My Philanthropic Passion are strengthening & advancing Jewish life, women’s equality and wildlife rescue.
Hobbies/Interests
Reading, movies, theater, hiking, traveling, mindfulness and the beach
Lea Salama DiMitri, Attorney
Behar Law Group
888 SE Third Avenue, Suite 400
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: (954) 524-8888
Lea@EB-5Lawyers.com
My Philanthropic Passion are Jewish Federation’s Latin Initiative and Scheck Hillel Community School
Hobbies/Interests
Reading, traveling, cooking.
Ellen Fischer
Better Homes and Gardens Florida 1st
2139 Imperial Point Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Phone: (954) 557-8879
EllenFischerRealtor@gmail.com
www.EllenFischerRealtor.com
My Philanthropic Passion are PJ Library, Food Bank, Rack Pak
Hobbies/Interests
Walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, jewelry making, weaving
Gail Fisher, P.L.
Law Offices of Gail M. Fisher, P.L.
8551 W. Sunrise Blvd, Suite 300
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Phone: (954) 315-1169
Gail@LawOfficesGailFisher.com
My Philanthropic Passion are Justice and Fairness
Hobbies/Interests
Travel
Adrienne Frank
Frank & Levy Wealth Management Group, UBS Financial Services
401 E. Las Olas Blvd, Suite 2300
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 290-8545
AdrienneFrank@comcast.net
My Philanthropic Passion are Adults with disabilities; at risk seniors
Hobbies/Interests
Tennis, fitness training, travel and cooking
Alona Geysman, Director
Jewish Federation of Broward County
101 NE 3rd Ave, Suite 1500
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 252-6945
AGeysman@JewishBroward.org
My Philanthropic Passion are people and animals in need
Hobbies/Interests
Travel, food & wine and the environment
Heather Gilbert
Angiology Corporation of America
6986 Clarksville Pike
Joelton, TN 37080
Phone: (615) 400-1773
Heather.Gilbert@Angioscreen.com
My Philanthropic Passion are Jewish Federation of Broward County, David Posnack, AIPAC, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-el, PJ Library, JAFCO, Making Mitzvah Memories, enriching lives and connecting people
Hobbies/Interests
Exercising, traveling and bike riding
Jacqueline Gillman
Gillman Homes
2395 Pheasant Lane
Weston, FL 33327
Phone: (954) 557-0218
JGillman18@gmail.com
My Philanthropic Passion are women, children and Israel
Hobbies/Interests
Traveling, reading [at the beach], orchids, cooking/baking and being with my family
Jill Ginsberg
Ginsberg Shulman, PL
401 E Las Olas Blvd, Ste 1400
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 332-2310
Jill@GinsbergShulman.com
My Philanthropic Passion as the Board Chair-Elect of Meals on Wheels, is to make sure no one goes hungry, collecting art from local and emerging artists; supporting museums, local galleries, and artist collectives.
Hobbies/Interests
Studying Wine (I have a Level 2 WSET Degree), being outdoors, dog rescue
Randi K. Grant
*WEC Founding Chair
Randi K. Grant
3132 NW 84th Ter
Cooper City, FL 33024
Phone: (954) 383-4320
RandiKGrant@gmail.com
My Philanthropic Passion are women and girls
Hobbies/Interests
Books, theater, learning and people
Sheryl Greenwald, President
Sam Berman Charitable Foundation
19925 NE 39 Pl, Suite 203
Aventura, FL 33180
Phone: (305) 588-0751
SGSBCF@gmail.com
My Philanthropic Passion are helping women and children
Hobbies/Interests
Volunteering, the beach, canasta, photography and tennis
Bette Hochberger, CPA, CGMA
Bette Hochberger, Inc.
3980 N 42nd Ter
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: (954) 235-6339
Bette@BetteHochberger.com
My Philanthropic Passion are women, children and Israel
Hobbies/Interests
Stage combat/sword fighting, cosplay, crochet, sewing, science fiction
Sandi Jarrett, Manager
Kaufman, Rossin & Co, PA
100 SE 3rd Avenue, Suite 2400
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394
Phone: (954) 566-4400
SJarrett@KaufmanRossin.com
My Philanthropic Passion are helping children and the elderly
Hobbies/Interests
Reading, hiking and running
Helen Karpel, General Manager
The Club at Boca Pointe
7144 Boca Pointe Drive
Boca Raton, FL 33433
Phone: (954) 294-3841
HLKarpel@yahoo.com
My Philanthropic Passion are Judaism, Israel and health.
Hobbies/Interests
Reading, exercising and spending time with family & friends
Lisa Lader, PA
Solemar Beach & Auberge Beach Residences
Related Realty
1116 N Ocean Blvd
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Phone: (305) 331-0039
Lisa@SolemarBeach.com
My Philanthropic Passion are supporting women and children
Hobbies/Interests
Biking, walking, jogging, tennis and water sports
Carol Lasek,
Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC
1000 Corporate Dr, Suite 600
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33334
Phone: (954) 689-9484
CLasek@blsfinancial.com
My Philanthropic Passion are activism and advocacy for aging in a place of dignity, safety and health for senior citizens, Jewish education and safety for children and benefits for US Veteran’s (I’m a daughter of a WWII POW)
Hobbies/Interests
Orchids, butterfly gardens and spending time with my family
Denise Lettau
Secured Futures Pooled Trust Company
2875 NE 191 St, Suite 500
Aventura, FL 33180
Phone: (954) 296-0493
DLettau@SecuredAlliance.org
My Philanthropic Passion are all things related to improving the lives of women and girls.
Hobbies/Interests
Yoga and reading
Karen Levy
Wells Fargo Private Bank
350 Las Olas Blvd, 19th Floor
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (917) 734-4010
Karen.Levy@WellsFargo.com
My Philanthropic Passion are cat and dog rescue, neglected pets, breast cancer/all cancer, Alzheimer’s, and helping under-privileged women and children in the community
Hobbies/Interests
Golf, biking, running/walking and travel
Leslie Linevsky, President
Share America, Inc.
2735 Hackney Road
Weston, FL 33331
Phone: (954) 649-1432
Leslie.Linevsky@ShareAmerica.com
My Philanthropic Passion are Judaism, elderly, Israel, fighting hunger and women’s equality.
Hobbies/Interests
Gourmet cooking, travel and exercising
Elissa Mogilefsky
*WEC Founding Chair
5100 Dupont Blvd, Unit 5A
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33308
Phone: (954) 629-4870
EMogil43@gmail.com
My Philanthropic Passion are advancing Jewish life, programs for the elderly and those in dire need, women’s rights, fighting hunger and concern for our environment.
Hobbies/Interests
Golf, visiting museums and galleries, travel, reading, live performances, meditation, Mah Jong, good restaurants
Kristina Olsen Madden
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
2400 E Commercial Blvd, Suite 1200
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308
Phone: (646) 388-1440
Kristina.Olsen@MorganStanley.com
My Philanthropic Passion are Nat King Cole’s Generation Hope and Jewish Federation of Broward
Hobbies/Interests
Yoga, tennis, golf and Zumba
Robbin Newman
Newman Law Office, P.L.
7700 Congress Ave, Suite 3100
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Phone: (954) 817-5511
RNewmanAtty@gmail.com
My Philanthropic Passion are Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program (mentor and national board member), Jewish Women's Foundation
Hobbies/Interests
Golf, Broadway theater, collecting antique dinnerware, cooking
Nikki Packer, Vice-President
Wells Fargo Private Bank
350 East Las Olas Blvd, 19th Floor
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 712-3746
Nikki.Packer@WellsFargo.com
My Philanthropic Passion are Israel, Hunger, Jewish camping, March of the Living
Hobbies/Interests
Going to the beach, walking, reading, watching my kids play sports, The Grateful Dead
Elsa Rozenberg
Keller Williams Realty
3301 N University Dr, Suite 120
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Phone: (954) 918-3785
Elsa@ElsaRozenberg.com
My Philanthropic Passion are empowering women, be mindful about our Jewish identity and defend it again anti-Semitism.
Hobbies/Interests
Traveling, discovering other cultures, reading, movies/shows, food/wine...in two words: enjoying life!
Stephanie Saunders, Director
United Claims Specialist
520 NW 165th St Suite #110
North Miami, FL 33169
Phone: (305) 563-0404
Stephanie@ucsfl.com
My Philanthropic Passion are community housing assistance, natural disaster preparedness & response, animals in need
Hobbies/Interests
Group exercise classes, yoga, volunteering, gourmet cooking, travel, event hosting
Sheri Fiske Schultz, CPA
Fiske and Company
1000 S Pine Island Road, Ste 440
Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: (954) 236-8600
Sheri@fiskeco.com
My Philanthropic Passion are the elderly and women in need.
Hobbies/Interests
Snow skiing, traveling and reading
Nicole Shacket
Insurance Litigation Group, P.A.
1500 NE 162nd St.
Miami, FL 33162
Phone: (321) 303-9594
Nicole@ILGPA.com
My Philanthropic Passion is the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Broward County
Stacy Silver, President
Silver Hospitality Group
2420 Deer Creek Road
Weston, FL 33327
Phone: (954) 305-0747
SSilver@SilverHospitalityGroup.com
My Philanthropic Passion are helping others find the best in themselves and connect with those who can assist them.
Sherryl Steinberg,
Donna Klein Jewish Academy
9701 Donna Klein Blvd
Boca Raton, FL 33428
Phone: (561) 504-0600
SherrylFS@gmail.com
My Philanthropic Passion are Jewish education, Israel and Jewish life
Hobbies/Interests
Spinning, cycling, exercise, traveling, theater, movies and reading
Gaby Thierer
The Corporate Graphic Center
5400 S University Dr, Suite 208
Davie, FL 33328
Phone: (954) 588-7711
GabyB@TCGCenter.com
My Philanthropic Passion are to make the world a better place and leave a mark
Hobbies/Interests
Travel & Learn
Cindy S. Vova, P.A.
Law Offices of Cindy S. Vova, P.A.
8551 W Sunrise Blvd, Suite 301
Plantation, FL 33322
Phone: (954) 316-3496
CindyVova@VovaLaw.com
My Philanthropic Passion are supporting children’s charitable organizations; Godparent with JAFCO
Hobbies/Interests
Raising orchids, travel, cooking, wine, reading historic fiction and non-fiction
Susan Weisman, CFO
Finance and Strategic Consultants, LLC
600 W Las Olas Blvd. Suite 2001
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Phone: (954) 236-8600
Susanwcpa@aol.com
My Philanthropic Passion are helping others through hands-on projects, as well as, supporting the Federation in financial areas.
Hobbies/Interests
Travel, photography, yoga, meditation and boxing
Women's Executive Circle Co-Chairs:
Outside of her leadership roles, Sheri brings over 30 years of experience to her clients, offering both professional expertise and practical insight toward business valuations and litigation support services. In addition to being a licensed CPA, Sheri holds the designation of Accredited in Business Valuation and is Certified in Financial Forensics by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Sheri joined Fiske & Company in 1990 and is now Managing Partner of the firm.
Jacqueline Gillman is co-chair of the Women’s Executive Circle of Jewish Federation of Broward County. Jacqueline’s involvement with the Jewish Federation began in the 80s with the Young Leadership Council of Miami Jewish Federation, where she was an active member and joined several missions to Israel; her favorite being Mission 1000. Giving back has always been important to Jacqueline and it shows as she has always been involved with many organizations. Currently, she is also on the Board of Temple Dor Dorim and Sisterhood Co-President, is a board member of the Rotary Club of Weston and the Rotary Club of Weston Foundation, and a member of several others.
In addition to philanthropy, Jacqueline’s passion is her family; her 3 adult children, Daniel, Michal, and Sarah, and her husband, Henry. Being with them on staycations and vacations is her ultimate “why”. Professionally, she is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty in Weston, FL, and brings with her a financial background of banking, trusts, and financial planning.
Alona Geysman Eastside Community & Women’s Executive Circle Director
(954) 252-6945 | ageysman@JewishBroward.org
About Me
Who We Are:
The Jewish Women's Foundation (JWF) Trustees are a group of philanthropic women who are committed to transforming the lives of Jewish women and girls and fostering life-long social change, one woman at a time. Through our generous allocation of innovative grants, programs here in Broward County and Israel are making a real difference by providing educational opportunities, crisis relief, and advocacy. JWF Trustees are decision-makers—analyzing needs, comparing grants, voting on grant applications, and evaluating outcomes.
Our Guiding Values:
JWF has proudly allocated over $205,900 in grants to help transform the lives of women and girls in Broward County and Israel.
JWF Trustees & Membership Information
MEMBERSHIP
Individual membership shall be through a financial contribution in one of five categories:
TRUSTEE
Trustees make a $10,000 commitment, payable over five (5) years. Trustees in good standing are those who have paid a minimum of $2,000 per calendar year. At the completion of five (5) years, Trustees may renew their membership by making a $5,000 commitment, also payable over five (5) years.
YOUNG WOMAN TRUSTEE (UNDER 40)
Young Woman Trustees make a $5,000 commitment, which may be payable over five (5) years. Young Woman Trustees in good standing are those who have paid a minimum of $1,000 per calendar year. At the completion of five (5) years, Young Woman Trustees may renew their membership by making a $5,000 commitment, also payable over five (5) years.
LION OF JUDAH TRUSTEE
Current Lions of Judah make a $5,000 commitment, which may be payable over five (5) years. LOJ Trustees in good standing are those who have paid a minimum of $1,000 per calendar year. At the completion of five (5) years, LOJ Trustees may renew their membership by making a $5,000 commitment, also payable over five (5) years. LOJ Trustees must maintain their LOJ status in order to be considered a LOJ Trustee.
LIFETIME TRUSTEE
Lifetime Trustees make a one-time commitment of $50,000, which may be payable over five (5) years. Lifetime Trustees in good standing are those who have paid $10,000 per calendar year.
MULTI-GENERATIONAL TRUSTEE
Multi-Generational Trustees make a one-time commitment of $100,000, which may be payable over five (5) years. The original member may appoint additional family members to join them as Multi-Generational Trustees. Original Multi-Generational Trustees in good standing are those who have paid $20,000 per calendar year.
JWF TRUSTEES*
Arlene Backman
Jane Basch
Terry Breitbord
Karen Dombey
Goldie Dropkin
Wandy Druss
Adrienne Frank
Agnes Gray
Sheryl Greenwald
Laura Gordon
Gladys Hirschman
Bette Hochberger
Marcy Hoffman
Stephanie Houser
Joan Kuriansky
Carol Lasek
Denise Lettau*
Jami Levy**
Audrey Meline
Gina Stelnik
Elissa Mogilefsky
Robbin Newman
Karen Roberts
Susan Samrick
Karen Saster
Stephanie Saunders
Susan Schneider
Hanita Schreiber
Ibby Schulman
Esther Shacket***
Nicole Shacket**
Merryl Shapiro
Gina Shull
Gina Stelnik
Corina Waldman
Karen Zemel
as of May 2020
JWF Grants Awards & Application Information
2020 Grant Co-Chairs:
Sheryl Greenwald & Robbin Newman
2021 Letters of Intent will be available in January, 2021.
GRANTS AWARDED - $208,900
Recipe for Success - $5,000
Awarded to Be'er Sova, this program provides culinary training, skill-building and emotional support to help southern Israeli women age 20 – 60 who suffer from nutritional security and unemployment to break free of the cycle of poverty, eventually becoming financially independent and ensuring long-term job retention in the food industry
Tech Training with Guaranteed Jobs for Negev Women - $10,000
Awarded to Eretz-Ir, this is a holistic 4-month comprehensive training program for 20 women age 22 - 35, followed by a 4-month paid internship program that will teach young women to build websites using the WIX platform. Graduates will be able to work from home, with guaranteed 2-year job placements with TribeStudio and Eretz Ir will continue providing support for program graduates for the first 6 months
Your Voice, Your Choice - $7,500
($5,400 plus a $2,100 match from the Sam Berman Foundation)
Awarded to Goodman Jewish Family Services, this program will consist of workshops to promote safety, security, strength, and self-esteem for teens and young adults. The workshops include topics such as safe dating, healthy relationship, consent, bullying, identify abuse, speaking up, how to get help and debunking myths about abuse in the Jewish community
Women's Jewish Leadership Fellowship - $5,800
($3,600 plus a $2.200 match from the Sam Berman Foundation)
Awarded to Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach, this 10-week theme-based seminar will include the study of rabbinic texts alongside contemporary analogs, learning skills to express and defend themselves, leadership skills, weekly dinners together, and including and Shabbat experiences. The cohort will have 12-15 participants and include a JLF unpaid intern who will help to create a feeling of sisterhood amongst the group.
Karen Zemel Director, Jewish Women's Foundation & Horizons Young Leadership Program
(954) 252-6978 | kzemel@JewishBroward.org
About Me
1718 individual March of the Living participants since 1988.
