By Arielle Levy

Inspired and guided by the traditions of tzedakah (righteousness/charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy (WP) is a group that engages, empowers, and educates women of all generations to strengthen and serve our community. WP is dedicated to the continuity, connectivity and thriving future of the Austin community, Israel the Jewish people. Together as women, they harness their collective power to care for those in need, strengthen the Jewish community, inspire the next generation, and encourage families and friends to change the world.

WP offers a variety of events and programs that are social and educational throughout the year that support areas of engagement, community service, education, leadership, and development efforts. All women, and those that identify, regardless of their giving status are invited to participate with WP. 

The Women’s Philanthropy committee consists of over 50 incredible women involved in Shalom Austin who are committed to making the community as welcoming as possible. They engage both newcomers and those that have called Austin home for many years. 

These efforts are led by WP Chair, Robin Davis. Committee members are made up of Advisory Council members, and Executive and General committee members. In alphabetical order, WP is proud to lead with these dedicated individuals for the 2021-2022 programmatic year: 

• Amy Antonacci
• Beth Danziger
• Katie Dochen
• Jennifer Failla Hoffman
• Pam Frager
• Julie Franklin
• Yael Glazer
• Linda Geller
• Jill Graham
• Jennifer Greenblum
• Lauren Halpern
• Cara Kelly
• Ashley King
• Karen Kogut
• Heather Krol
• Eileen Ladd
• Heilla Lain
• Carlye Levine
• Mae Levitan
• Nora Lieberman
• Phil Loewy
• Amanda Marks
• Frances Meltzer
• Stephanie Miller
• Diane Nason
• Lindsay Neuren
• Suzanne Newberg
• Val Newberg
• Vicki Osherow
• Lauren Patten
• Lainie Polland
• Amanda Poses
• Carli Price
• Stephanie Puente
• Marianne Rochelle
• Debbie Rudy
• Stephanie Saur
• Randi Shade
• Dana Shapiro Spaeth
• Toby Shor
• Margo Smith
• Patti Sokol
• Tracy Solomon
• Robyn Sperling
• Lynne Stein
• Marissa Sternberg
• Elise Su
• Lecia Sud
• Julie Waltzer
• Lorena Waxman
• Leora Yardenay
• Nancy Zimmerman 

 This year WP programming will include Coffee & Conversations, one in the fall and one in the spring, the Annual Book Lovers Luncheon, four L’dor V’dor Ladies Jewish learning opportunities, and Taste of Women’s Philanthropy, among other social, educational, and volunteer opportunities that will be offered.

Taste of Women’s Philanthropy is a four-session program designed to introduce women to the Shalom Austin community while forming bonds with other women and learning about Shalom Austin and how to get involved in a deeper way with Women’s Philanthropy. Community and professional guests present at each session. Whether new to town or have been here a while, consider signing up for Taste of Women’s Philanthropy.

Please join WP for their next event, L’Dor V’Dor Ladies, on Thursday, September 30 from 12- 1:15 p.m.  Register online at shalomaustin.org/ldvd. 

For more information or to get involved with Women’s Philanthropy, contact Women’s Philanthropy & Missions Director, Arielle Levy, at [email protected] or 512-735-8090.