JERUSALEM (Press Release) – Heidi Gantwerk, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County, is among 12 Jewish women that Masa Israel Journey has recognized for their leadership and commitment to advancing a brighter future in honor of International Women’s Day.
Masa is committed to helping young Jewish adults realize their potential while also connecting to their heritage, in hopes to inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders and empower women across the globe.
These distinguished women come from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds, from education and advocacy to community building. They have bolstered businesses, launched innovations and through their dedication, created meaningful impacts that will uplift generations to come. Thanks to these trailblazers, there are now more opportunities for women in both private and philanthropic sectors.
This year’s honorees are Gantwerk; Amy Albertson, Jewish Advocate and Educator; Meara Ashtivker, New York Director of PJ Library; Shiri Madar, CEO of Habonim Dror; Lori Palatnik, Founding Director of Momentum; Danit Peleg, 3D Printed Digital Fashion Designer; Rachel Sasiene, Manager of the Israel Action and Addressing Antisemitism Program at Hillel International; Emily Schrader, CEO of Social Lite Creative, Journalist, and Video Host and Producer; Jane Sherman, Jewish Philanthropist; Veronica Siegel, Jewish Educator; Adeena Sussman, Cookbook Author and Culinary Consultant; Mandie Winston, CEO of United Jewish Israel Appeal.
Gantwerk was born in Israel and holds a B.A. in psychology from Yale University. Prior to joining the Federation, she was Vice President of Viewpoint Learning for 10 years, where she led work in civic engagement and public policy research, building on a background in community relations and media production combined with experience as a foundation program officer. She also served as the founder and principal of HG Consulting Group, LLC., where she served as a longtime consultant to the Federation and many other Jewish organizations. She has been a highly engaged lay leader in San Diego’s Jewish Community for nearly two decades, most recently as Board Chair of the San Diego Jewish Academy, as a board member of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture and Hillel of San Diego. She is also part of the team of musical service leaders at Congregation Beth Israel.
To learn more about the honorees, visit Masa’s Inspiring 12.
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Preceding provided by Masa Israel Journey