What’s New at Women’s Philanthropy – Meet Our New President and VPs

by Laura Dorf Queller, Vice President, Communications and Marketing

As we prepare to usher in the High Holidays, we are also excited to begin a new year at Women’s Philanthropy. We are thrilled to welcome and introduce our new Women’s Philanthropy president, Rebecca A. Gold, and seven new vice presidents, and we can’t wait to roll out our jam-packed calendar of events and initiatives.

Each woman comes to Women’s Philanthropy with her own story. In this newsletter, we will meet Rebecca, Ann, Lisa, Michele, Robin, Ruth, and Shira. Although we all have different tales to tell, we are united in our passion for Women’s Philanthropy and its ability to enrich our lives and the lives of others in our Jewish community.

My own Women’s Philanthropy story began in 2010 when I won – yes won – a free trip to Israel from Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey! Earlier that year, my family had volunteered, as we often did, at Super Sunday. All volunteers were entered into a raffle for a free Israel mission and I was the lucky winner! Until that moment, I had been a generous supporter of Jewish Federation and Women’s Philanthropy, but my actual involvement was minimal. I chose instead to give of my time at my children’s schools in Westfield and at my Conservative synagogue and JCC in Scotch Plains. But the Israel mission opened my eyes to the far-reaching impact that Federation has and the dedicated people who make it happen. The mission was way more than a sightseeing trip; it was an immersive experience. Through visits to daycare centers and facilities for at-risk youth, and through chats with factory workers and Ethiopian immigrants, I met first-hand the Israelis whose lives had been touched by Federation. (Check out our “Words Worth Repeating” column to hear from other women who had similar life-changing experiences on Federation missions.)

After my Israel mission, I was hooked! I gradually became a Lion of Judah and eventually added Women’s Philanthropy to my roster of volunteer activities. I co-chaired Women’s Philanthropy’s first Ladies Night Out, joined the Women’s Philanthropy Board of Trustees, and became editor of this newsletter. Getting involved in Women’s Philanthropy was easy with such supportive professionals and such amazing and committed volunteers by my side.

Now as Vice President of Communications and Marketing, my goal is to grow awareness and understanding of Women’s Philanthropy through all its outreach vehicles and to ensure that this newsletter remains inspiring and relevant to readers. I will remain the newsletter editor, along with a dynamic team of women who brainstorm ideas and write articles. Please let me know how our communications and marketing can improve. And please share your suggestions for articles you’d like to read or even write yourself; we are always on the lookout for guest authors. Feel free to contact me anytime at quellerd@aol.com. Better yet, I hope to see you in person soon at an upcoming Women’s Philanthropy event!

Shana Tova,

Laura Dorf Queller