Women’s Philanthropy
Your place to inspire, help and connect.
Who are the women of Women’s Philanthropy?
Well, we’re you. We’re compassionate and committed women representing every stage of life, who are dedicated to being changemakers and community builders. We love connecting with one another, honoring traditions, trying new things, lending a hand and ensuring that everyone in our community is taken care of and feels like part of the family.
Women’s Philanthropy. Your Way.
In whatever way you’re inspired to get involved — from hands-on volunteering and leadership opportunities to networking events and learning about communities all over the world — our events and programs are the perfect way to make meaningful connections and memories.
Jewish Working Women’s Network (JWWN)
JWWN provides engaging and educational programs as well as networking opportunities for Jewish working women in our community.
JWWN offers:
- A Facebook page of more 2,400 members who actively post and share referrals, job listings, recommendations and resources.
- Pure Networking events that bring together women from around Metro Detroit to meet new clients, find new employment opportunities and make personal and professional connections.
- Recent JWWN programs include How to Get a Bigger Slice of the LinkedIn Pie, Leveraging AI and A Women’s Business Accelerator Series, in addition to our Pure Networking events.
To learn more about JWWN, contact Marianne Bloomberg at bloomberg@jewishdetroit.org | 248.642.4611
Young Women’s Philanthropy (YWP)
YWP welcomes women who are interested in growing their connection to our Jewish community. Whether you’re looking for what’s next after NEXTGen Detroit or this is your first time getting involved with the Jewish Federation, YWP is ready to help you find meaningful ways to connect socially and educationally to other young Jewish women.
Here are a few of our recent YWP events:
- Succulent planting at Goldner Walsh.
- A night of beauty inspiration at Todd’s Room.
- Parenting expert Julie Fisher discussed tweens/teens and social media use.
- Mixology class on the roof of Social Kitchen.
To learn more, contact Jodi Feld at feld@jewishdetroit.org | 248-833-2512
Up Next
Up Next is our stage-of-life group for women who are entering that chapter of life where the list of responsibilities is a bit shorter and precious “me time” is finally more plentiful. There’s no better time to pursue what’s next — from new interests and community service to traveling and connecting with others — and we’re here to help make it happen for you!
Here are a few of our recent Up Next events:
- Guided walking tours of Eastern Market murals
- Social happy hours at local hot spots
- Cooking and entertaining demos with local chefs
To learn more, contact Amy Wayne at awayne@jewishdetroit.org | 248-203-1483
Volunteer with Us
If you love giving your time and talents to great causes, then you’re going to love TOV! Women’s Philanthropy’s Tikkun Olam Volunteers (TOV) plans one-time, hands-on volunteer opportunities that benefit people and places making a difference throughout our community.
Here are a few of our recent TOV events:
- Preparing holiday packages for Jewish seniors
- Collecting household items and other essentials
- Soup and diaper drives for local non-profits
- Volunteering at Bookstock
To learn more, contact Amy Wayne at awayne@jewishdetroit.org | 248-203-1483
Travel Opportunities
There’s nothing quite like traveling with like-minded women and experiencing first-hand the sights, sounds, tastes and cultures of Jewish communities all over the world. Whether we’re flying to the other side of the globe or road tripping across the country, traveling with Women’s Philanthropy means you’re in for an immersive, educational experience that is sure to inspire.
Here are a few of our recent trips:
- Civil Rights Journey to Alabama and Atlanta
- Mosaic Mission to Israel
Why Make a Gift with Women’s Philanthropy?
Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy is made up of over 4,000 generous, motivated women who raise nearly $7 million annually for Federation’s Annual Campaign. This represents over 18% of the total campaign achievement!
As we work together to take care of our fellow Jews, every gift matters. By making a gift in your own name, a gift that is distinctly and independently yours, you:
- Create social justice, aid the vulnerable, preserve human dignity and strengthen Jewish identity
- Forge a connection to the Jewish community that is deeply personal and incredibly powerful
- Act as a role model to thousands of other women and inspire the next generation to stand up and be counted
Upcoming Events
Jewish Federation Up Next Presents
Preservation and Renovation: A Tour of Michigan Central Station
- Max M. Fisher Federation Building , Bloomfield Twp
- Monday, November 11 at 11:30 am
- Learn More or Register
Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy Presents
Volunteer Day at Gleaners
- Max M. Fisher Federation Building 6735 Telegraph Rd,
- Thursday, November 21 at 11:45 am
- Learn More or Register
Jewish Federation Working Women’s Network Presents
The Mother (Handsome) of All Networking Events
- Mother Handsome 14661 W Eleven Mile Rd, Oak Park
- Friday, December 6 at 7:30 am
- Learn More or Register
See More Events
Meet the Women Who Are Helping to Make It Happen
The Women’s Philanthropy Board of Directors is made up of approximately 150 women who come from a wide range of backgrounds, professions and are in different stages of their lives. But they all have one very important thing in common and that’s their commitment to building a strong, vibrant Jewish future here in Detroit, Israel and around the world.
Nancy Glen, President
“I am inspired by individuals who understand the importance of listening and supporting others. My grandfather (z”l) liked to invoke a Jewish ethical teaching that a wise person listens and learns from all people, that everyone has a voice, and everyone’s voice matters. I try to be guided by this principle.”
Nancy is a true Michigander having grown up in Southfield, attended Michigan State University and the University of Detroit Law School before settling down with her husband, Ralph and their three (now grown) children in Huntington Woods. Her long-time involvement with Federation and Women’s Philanthropy includes various leadership roles in Planning and Allocations, Partnership2Gether, and Campaign. She currently sits on Federation’s Executive Committee and Board of Governors. Nancy is deeply committed to Israel and the future of the Jewish people worldwide.
Shelly Rubenfire, Campaign Chair
“My mother and grandmother taught me the importance of getting involved and building Jewish community. I have tried to pass on these values to my children and feel privileged to work with Detroit Federation to ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to live a life of dignity, happiness and fulfillment.”
In addition to leadership roles with Women’s Philanthropy, Shelly is a past Board Chair of BBYO – Michigan Region, served twice as Chair of Housing for the JCC Maccabi Games and member of the On Board Leadership Cohort. Shelly is a life-long Detroiter and lives in West Bloomfield with her husband, Mark. They are incredibly proud of their children, Jason, Adam,Fiancee Erica Broder, Brett and daughter in law Meredith.
Contact us for more Information
- Amy Neistein
- Director, Women’s Philanthropy
- Email Amy
- 248-205-2543
- Amy Wayne
- Associate Director, Women’s Philanthropy
- Email Amy
- 248-203-1483
- Lauren Soifer
- Associate Director, Women’s Philanthropy
- Email Lauren
- 248-203-1480
- Marianne Bloomberg
- Associate Director, Philanthropic Engagement
- Email Marianne
- 248-642-4611
- Jodi Feld
- Associate Director, Affinities Department
- Email Jodi
- 248-833-2512
- Toni Hayes
- Senior Data Specialist
- Email Toni
- 248-203-1523