From the community: North Shore local named to national Jewish women's board

From the community: North Shore local named to national Jewish women's board

Wendy Abrams named chair of JFNA's National Women's Philanthropy Board (Posted by jessicaleving, Community Contributor)

By Community Contributor jessicaleving

North Shore local Wendy Abrams, a past Campaign Chair and president of the Jewish United Fund's Women's Board and Young Women's Board, has been installed as Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) National Women's Philanthropy Board.

"Wendy is a charismatic, thoughtful, collaborative and smart leader. Under her leadership, the power of women's philanthropy will continue to shine and succeed," said Jamie Weiss, Associate Director of the National Women's Philanthropy Board.

In 2016, women's giving accounted for over $205 million of JFNA's national Annual Campaign-over $14 million of which comes from Chicago.

The National Women's Philanthropy Board is comprised of 150 women from 60 communities who meet annually to hone their fundraising skills, learn from experts about women's giving, discuss trends, and gain a little inspiration to bring back to their home communities.

The Board also provides leadership for the annual Financial Resource Development mission, sponsors its own women's missions, and plans and hosts the International Lion of Judah conference, which attracts over 2000 women biannually. Members travel to communities to serve as speakers, trainers and consultants, and the Board serves as a resource and connector for women's philanthropy across the country.

"Chicago has been a wonderful training ground for me. I'm so grateful to the incredible professionals and lay leaders from whom I've learned. I stand on the shoulders of the women who have come before me," said Abrams. "I'm thrilled to have this new opportunity to guide, inspire and educate women nationally and work to increase women's giving. I hope to bring my experience and expertise back to Chicago."

Over her nearly two decades of JUF leadership, Abrams has served on many JUF committees and boards, including JUF's Planning and Allocations Committee, Community Outreach and Engagement Committee, Health and Human Services Commission, and Leadership Development Advisory Committee.

A native of Glencoe, Abrams currently lives in Deerfield with her family.

The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago is the one organization that impacts every aspect of local and global Jewish life, providing human services for Jews and others in need, creating Jewish experiences and strengthening Jewish community connections.

This item was posted by a community contributor. To read more about community contributors, click here.

Copyright Š 2017, Chicago Tribune