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Women’s Philanthropy Rises to Challenge Under
Julie Savitch’s Leadership in Difficult Year
W HEN JULIE SAVITCH became the Women’s
WHAT IS AN ORGANIZATION, PROGRAM
OR CAUSE THAT THE JEWISH FEDERATION
Philanthropy chair, she did not expect her
SUPPORTS THAT PERSONALLY
first year of a two-year term to be during a
RESONATES WITH YOU? WHY?
global pandemic. But Savitch quickly regrouped, switched
gears and rose to the occasion to lead the affinity group
I don’t have one answer to that question. The Jewish
of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and
Federation makes a vital difference in serving a variety
bring the community together through this isolating and
of vulnerable populations, addressing the full-range of
challenging time.

social service needs. We provide a safety net for the most
“The women who are involved with Women’s Philanthropy
vulnerable, and we advocate for those in distress.

are amazing. Throughout this pandemic, they were
In my “free time,” I am a CASA, or court-appointed
supportive, interested and involved,” said Savitch, who
special advocate. As a CASA, I have represented seven
is also on the Jewish Federation’s board of trustees and
children over the last six years, making sure that all of
Women of Vision Advocacy Committee. “We did not miss
their basic needs are being met. These kids are the most
Women’s Philanthropy Chair Julie Savitch
a step and continued with our programming and our showed true leadership as she guided the
vulnerable, with parents in prison and addicted to drugs,
affinity group
of the
Jewish Federation
fundraising virtually, so that our community’s needs could through a challenging year.

living in poverty in poor communities with few resources. I
be taken care of without a pause.”
advocate for my kids at school, at home, in the foster care
Courtesy of Jewish Federation
system, with their doctors and therapists.

A dedicated leader and philanthropist, Savitch views of Greater Philadelphia
As chair of Women’s Philanthropy, I am drawn to all of
the response to the pandemic as a testament to what
she has long known — that the Jewish community is always there for the programs that advocate for the most vulnerable in our community, ensuring
that they are getting what they need and beyond, with compassion and respect.

one another.

“Despite unforeseen events, we are such a strong community who care
about the most vulnerable. even when we ourselves are thrown off balance,” WHY DO YOU DONATE TO THE JEWISH FEDERATION?
I am so fortunate to be able to give both my time and my financial resources to
explained Savitch, a child welfare advocate and Radnor-based mother of three.

“We even had a very successful virtual class of new leaders in the Women’s tikkun olam, and it is both my privilege and my obligation to support the Jewish
community in Philadelphia, Israel and around the world. The Jewish Federation
Leadership Development Program!”
As Savitch begins her second year, we spoke with the Women’s Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to know what the needs are throughout the community.

chair to learn more about her, her passion for Women’s Philanthropy and the We have a birds-eye view and, therefore, can make critical allocation decisions
Jewish Federation and her aspirations in the year ahead.

based on needs in our community as a whole.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE SECOND
YEAR OF YOUR TERM?
I am so excited that people are getting vaccinated and becoming more
comfortable with in-person events. We are starting to offer some small group,
outside events with limited attendance and are hopeful that we will be able
to offer some hybrid events during the next year. We will be rolling out some
new initiatives this fall, so keep your eyes open for some more exciting ways to
make a difference!
HOW HAS WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY SUPPORTED YOUR
JEWISH JOURNEY IN THE COMMUNITY?
I have so many mentors, and though none of them had been leaders during a
pandemic, all of them have offered words of wisdom, encouragement, and each
lifted me up. There is a strong contingent of past Women’s Philanthropy chairs
who continue to guide and support me. Plus, I am lucky enough to be working
alongside an amazing professional team, Lindsay Davidman and Marni Davis,
who help me to reach beyond my comfort zone, answer my texts at all times of
the day and provide the support so that I can lead more effectively.

10 AUGUST 26, 2021 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE IMPACT OF WOMEN’S
PHILANTHROPY ON OUR JEWISH COMMUNITY THROUGH
ITS COLLECTIVE GIVING?
Collective giving builds community. Women’s Philanthropy connects women
of all ages, providing networking opportunities, peer support, mentoring
partnerships and leadership models for so many women. Additionally, by
working together for a common goal, our voices are amplified. We are able to
impact the community in a much more powerful way than if we just donated
on our own.

WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE PROBABLY DON’T KNOW
ABOUT YOU?
Here are a few little-known facts:
I have three chickens in my backyard coop that I built myself
I love taking ceramics classes, and my pots are taking over my house
I play tennis and canasta in my free time
I am in three book clubs, plus I review books so that I have access to even
more titles l