May 16, 2012

Women's Philanthropy Installs New Officers and Board

Laura P. Koffsky was recently installed as President of Women’s Philanthropy of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation for 2012-13, along with a full slate of new officers and Board members.

“I see this as a time of incredible opportunity,” said Koffsky. “We have managed to sustain our Women’s Campaign over recent years – in a down economy. We have created new programming that caters to specific groups, and there is a new sense of enthusiasm with the recent success of the Miami Mega Mission.

“Now is the time to build on these successes and to create more meaningful connections for engagement among women in Miami’s Jewish community,” she said.

Other Women’s Philanthropy officers to serve in 2012-13 include Elise Scheck Bonwitt, Campaign Chair; Charlotte Brodie, Vice President of Central Area Campaign Development; Sheree Savar, Vice President of Miami Beach Area Campaign Development; Amy Chefetz, Vice President of Northeast Dade Area Campaign Development; and Alisa Oppenheim, Vice President of Southwest Dade Area Campaign Development.

Sara Bejar is the new Vice President of Education and Leadership; and Tracey Spiegelman is Vice President of Outreach and Development. Brett Graff is Secretary and Elizabeth Schwartz is Parliamentarian. Mojdeh Khaghan Danial is Immediate Past President and Nominating Committee Chair.

Newly elected Board Members at Large include Becky Delaster, Adrian Dubow, Belinda Gilbert, Robin Jacobs, Ilene Kossman, Lisa Kudish, Tania Lapciuc, Kim Mendelson, Joanna Segal and Mytyl Simancas-Blister.

Koffsky noted that the coming year holds great promise for increased involvement from members of Miami’s Jewish community.

“So many women came back from Israel feeling a tremendous sense of excitement and commitment,” she said. “We expect those intense feelings to fire up our existing membership and attract a new generation of future leaders to Women’s Philanthropy.”

In fact, while in Israel, 91 women chose to become a Lion of Judah – or to renew a previous commitment to be part of this group. As signified by a gold Lion pin, these philanthropic women make a gift of at least $5,000 each year to the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign.

To learn more about opportunities for involvement in Women’s Philanthropy, email [email protected] or call 786.866.8442.

Elise Scheck Bonwitt, Greater Miami Jewish Federation Women's Philanthropy Campaign Chair, and Laura P. Koffsky, Women's Philanthropy President.