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22 January 2020
We have several local women who participate in Women’s Philanthropy on the national level, including National Chair for National Women’s Philanthropy Shelly Kupfer. Our community leader, Nancy Duber, who was Lion of Judah co-chair and Israel YOUR Way co-chair, plays an active role on this national board as well. We had a chance to hear about their experiences.
WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN NATIONAL WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY (NWP)?
Shelly Kupfer: Joining National Women’s Philanthropy allows me to engage with leaders from around the country and the world who share the same values and love for Federation as I do. I have travelled on Federation missions around the world to see the impact of my philanthropy and appreciate the power of a global Jewish community.
Nancy Duber: Being involved nationally helps me continue to increase my Federation knowledge. I enjoy working with other like-minded women to accomplish what we cannot do individually. The Jewish Federation’s mission has always inspired me to care for those in need in local, national, and international communities.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR NATIONAL EXPERIENCE?
SK: Traveling to different communities and meeting with the local Women’s Philanthropy boards where I get to share my Federation experiences with them has been very rewarding. I love being a part of a dynamic group of passionate women.
ND: I am so motivated by women I have met. They are from all parts of the country. The knowledge, history, and dedication that each member brings is inspiring. We know that the personal connections are at the core of what we do. Each woman has her own personal story. My story is quite simple, “I want to help contribute to a better Jewish tomorrow.”
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR EXPERIENCES?
SK: Women’s campaigns are the fastest growing campaigns in the Federation system. I have learned about the power of the women’s philanthropy movement. When I co-chaired the 2016 International Lion of Judah Conference, I was so inspired by being in a room with 1,500 women who share the same values and passion that I do about our global Jewish community. The energy at that conference was palpable.
ND: I have enhanced my Jewish leadership skills. Each year, a few NWP members rotate off and several new members are added. The overlap of experienced leaders and new members ensures that understanding and leadership are passed along. It allows for a new chapter of knowledge each year and helps us create an unbreakable bond with one another.
HOW CAN LOCAL WOMEN GET INVOLVED WITH NWP?
SK: The International Lion of Judah Conference provides women with the opportunity to convene and connect about Jewish community, values, and philanthropy. The next one is January 2021 in Phoenix. AR.
ND: Local women can participate in some of the opportunities NWP provides, like the Heart to Heart mission to Israel.