The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Women of Vision affinity group held its annual Spring Event on May 23 at Congregation Rodeph Shalom. Nearly 150 people attended the evening, which focused on “Understanding Equity” and recognizing that people’s circumstances and backgrounds influence the types and amounts of resources needed to have equal opportunities in life.

The program featured a conversation with Qian Julie Wang, award-winning Jewish author of “Beautiful Country: A Memoir of an Undocumented Childhood” and champion for underrepresented communities. 

Following Wang’s presentation and Q&A with attendees, Women of Vision Chair Carly Zimmerman installed Andi Barsky as the group’s new chair, effective September 1. 

"It was so powerful to gather with so many Women of Vision members to hear from Qian Julie Wang. All of the success and learnings that Wang has taken from her experience as a child, and now as a U.S. citizen motivated me to continue to work for social change," Zimmerman reflected.  "I'm so grateful to be part of the Women of Vision community - a group of smart, talented leaders who learn together and then give collectively to make real change."

For WOV member Eileen Dwell, reading Wang's book and attending the subsequent discussion was especially moving because of the impact it made at the high school where she teaches.

"For the last year and a half, I have worked at a Philadelphia high school where over half of the students are undocumented," Dwell explained. "Wang’s story really hit home. I shared this book with several of the teachers at the school. Reading 'Beautiful Country' not only brought a group of teachers to deepen their understanding of the plight of these capable students, but also helped us focus efforts on getting resources to these students without exposing their identities. I am proud to be a member of WOV as we take timely issues and bring them to the forefront, and, in my case, share them with another Philadelphia community which means so much to me."

Chaired by Women of Vision’s Advocacy Co-Chairs Suzanne Feld, Karen Model and Terri Soifer, the signature event concluded with a cocktail reception for Women of Vision members and others to connect over their shared passion and commitment for social justice and change. 

Advocacy Co-Chair Suzanne Feld talked about Women of Vision’s mission to impact the lives of self-identifying Jewish women and girls across generations and geographic boundaries through strategic grantmaking, advocacy and educational programs leading to social change and social justice.

Featured speaker Qian Julie Wang shared her story about being an undocumented child living in poverty in the richest country in the world.

Women of Vision Advocacy Co-Chair Terri Soifer moderated a Q&A discussion with Qian Julie Wang about the injustices of today and what actions we can take to make the world a better place for tomorrow. 

Women of Vision Chair Carly Zimmerman reflected on her past two years of leadership before installing Andi Barsky as the new chair, effective September 1. 

Women of Vision Chair-Elect Andi Barsky spoke to attendees about the impact of their collective work and her vision and hopes as the group’s new chair.

Attendees connected after the program during a cocktail reception. 

The Jewish Federation's Women of Vision leadership  with keynote speaker and award-winning Jewish author Qian Julie Wang. (L to R): Carly Zimmerman, Karen Model, Qian Julie Wang, Andi Barsky, Suzanne Feld and Terri Soifer.

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Click here to see more photos from the event. You can learn more about and become a member of Women of Vision by clicking here or by reaching out to Shara Swift, Director of Women of Vision and Campaign Pipeline, at sswift@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0841.