On May 21, Women of Vision celebrated 30 years of empowerment and transformation of self-identifying women and girls during its annual Spring Event. 

“After three decades, we know who we are as Women of Vision members,” said Women of Vision Chair Andi Barsky during her welcoming addressment. “We are passionate, determined, prepared and ready to make a long lasting change for Jewish women and girls as we create a more respectful and equitable world for all.”

More than 240 attendees commemorated this milestone anniversary at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.

WATCH: 30 Years of Vision

The signature event featured bestselling author and activist Jennifer Weiner in conversation with sportscaster and third generation Holocaust Survivor Jamie Apody.

Spearheaded by Women of Vision Advocacy Co-Chairs Lynne Jacobs and Brandi Lerner, the evening included optional self-guided museum tours, hors d’oeuvres and mingling, and dinner and a dessert reception which followed the program. 

The event also sported a polling station for members to cast their ballots on organizations they believe should receive funding for this grants cycle to advance the mission of advancing the lives of women and girls. Members also had the opportunity to vote at home with results expected to be announced in late June.

Women of Vision Chair Andi Barsky welcomed the attendees and discussed the group’s achievements over the past three decades and its future.

Women of Vision members joined their granddaughters to welcome them into the group as some of the newest members. (L to R): Mary Relles, Ruby Vogel, Siena Vogel, Gayle Vogel, Maya DeCamp, Penni Blaskey, Naomi Feldman and Renée Sackey.

(L-R) Immediate Past Women of Vision Chair Carly Zimmerman with her mother and Women of Vision member Margie Adelmann.

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO Michael Balaban congratulated Women of Vision, an affinity group of the organization, on 30 years and the actions the group took following the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel to demand justice for the innocent victims of the systematic use of rape on that day and since in captivity.

(L to R) Women of Vision Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Lynne Jacobs and Women of Vision Advocacy Committee member Resa Levinson. During the program, Jacobs discussed the group’s theme of “Understanding Equity” and introduced the keynote speaker Jennifer Weiner.

The New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner discussed gender equality in the media, body positivity and how women writers are viewed in the publishing world.

(L to R) Featured speaker Jennifer Weiner spoke with journalist Jamie Apody about equity, representation and Judaism.

Past Chairs of Women of Vision with featured speaker Jennifer Weiner.

Women of Vision Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Brandi Lerner closed the program, reminding members to make their voices heard by casting their ballots on which organizations they believe should receive funding for this grants cycle. 

(L to R): Women of Vision members, mother Jordy Feldman, daughter Naomi Feldman and grandmother Renée Sackey.

Women of Vision members voting on which grantee finalists should receive funding to forward their missions of creating social change.

Members received an “I Voted” sticker after casting their ballots. 

Women of Vision Chair Andi Barsky with her daughters, mother-in-law and friends. 

WATCH: Author Jennifer Weiner Congratulates Women of Vision 

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Women of Vision is a group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia which impacts the lives of self-identifying Jewish women and girls across generations and geographic boundaries through strategic grantmaking, advocacy and educational programs that lead to social change and social justice. 

Click here to see more photos from the Women of Vision Spring Event. For more information about Women of Vision and to become a member, please click here or contact Shara Swift, Jewish Federation’s Director of Women of Vision and Campaign Pipeline, at sswift@jewishphilly.org.