MISSION & RESOLUTIONS

NCJW’s faith in the future and belief in action are reflected in its mission statement:

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

In the United States

In the US, NCJW’s work includes:

  • BenchMark: NCJW’s Judicial Nominations Campaign

  • Plan A: NCJW’s Campaign for Contraceptive Access

  • Higher Ground: NCJW’s Domestic Violence Campaign

  • Promote the Vote, Protect the Vote

  • Voices for Reproductive Choices: NCJW’s Emergency Initiative

IN ISRAEL

NCJW has been a leading organization in supporting Israel for more than 60 years, helping to lay the groundwork for important social change efforts in Israel. We are now witnessing the evolution of Israeli society as more and more women demand their fair and equal rights amidst serious challenges to those rights. NCJW has long been committed to advancing women’s status in Israel by helping women to develop a stronger voice at all levels of society.

Today, strategic efforts like the Israel Granting Program and NCJW’s advocacy and coalition work continue in this spirit of education and empowerment — helping to advance the lives of women, children, and families and ensure Israel’s future.

HISTORY

In 1893, Hannah G. Solomon of Chicago was asked to organize the participation of Jewish women in the Chicago World’s Fair. When Hannah and her recruits discovered that participation was not substantive, but would consist of pouring coffee and other hostess duties, they walked out. Hannah then took matters into her own hands, building on the courageous action and volunteer work she had been leading for years. By the end of the World’s Fair, Hannah and the accompanying delegate body of women had founded the National Council of Jewish Women, changing forever the role of Jewish women and the nature of volunteerism.

Today, 118 years later, NCJW remains distinct among organizations — courageous, compassionate, powerful, and, above all, pioneering.

LEADERSHIP

As an organization on the forefront of social change for 120 years, one of the keys to NCJW’s success is strong and strategic leadership. NCJW is governed by a Board of Directors which sets the policy and direction of the organization, contributes to the achievement of programmatic goals, and fulfills a variety of fiduciary responsibilities. NCJW is a also leader among leaders, serving as an active member of several prestigious alliances and councils.

Learn more about NCJW’s accomplished Board of Directors and various affiliation relationships.

NCJW-SA 2026-27 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Amy Saklad

Immediate Past President:  Rhonda Grimm

Treasurer: Elaine Kovner

Corresponding Secretary: Gayle Kipp

VP Communications:  Glenda Halpern

VP Membership: Debbie Tharp

Co VPs Advocacy: Lori Stocksteil and Ann Winer

Co VPs Programming: Marsha Krassner

Co VPs Community Service: Alissa Levey Baugh and Debbie Maltz

Trashy Book Club Chair: Susan Butler

Temple Beth-El Sisterhood Liaison:  Amy Strickland

Congregation Agudas Achim Sisterhood Liaison:  Susan Gordan

Rodfei and Chabad Sisterhood Liaison: Martha Serfaty

JCRC Liaison: Mina Lopez

HMMSA Liaison: Robin Long

Board Members At Large

Irene Burns

Pat Kalmans

Jill Rips

Shannon Seglin

Board Members Emeritus

Wendy Geisler

Ruthie Wurzburg

Marcia Waldgeir

Janet Neunschwander

Renee Sabel

Executive Committee

If you are interested in being part of the “NCJW Team,” please contact us at contact@ncjwsa.org.