Message from Our CEO 

Now Is the Time for Jewish Women to Lead Social Change

Now is the time for Jewish women to lead social change — and that is exactly what we are doing at Elluminate.


We are empowering Jewish women leaders, advocates, and philanthropists who are advancing equity and justice through a Jewish and gender lens. In a world facing rising antisemitism, deepening inequality, and threats to democratic values, women’s leadership is not optional — it is essential. And we are taking action.


Our Collective leadership program is in full swing, educating 20 visionary Jewish women leaders across Cohorts 6 and 7. This April, we will gather all 70 current and former Collective members in New York City for our inaugural Global Jewish Women’s Leadership Summit — a powerful moment to connect, learn, and launch a global network committed to collective impact.


At Elluminate, we deeply believe in our Jewish values of equity and justice for all — and in a world where women lead across sectors, including nonprofits and philanthropy, in Congress and the Knesset, and as advocates shaping policy and public discourse.


No one woman can do this alone. True and lasting change happens when women come together. We cannot do this work without our generous donors and community of supporters. I invite you to join us at our Annual Luncheon, where we will celebrate Elluminate’s 30th Anniversary and honor two extraordinary philanthropists who exemplify leadership and commitment to social change.


Now is the time to invest in women’s leadership.

Now is the time to help Elluminate scale and grow its impact.

Now is the time.



With gratitude,

Melanie Roth Gorelick

CEO, Elluminate

Join us on April 29th for the Elluminate Annual Luncheon

Celebrate our 30th anniversary and honor two extraordinary women leaders who inspire change!

We are proud to announce our 2026 Annual Luncheon honorees, Marcy Syms and Andrea Baumann Lustig — two extraordinary leaders whose vision, generosity, and commitment to impact exemplify the values at the heart of Elluminate’s work.

Andrea Baumann Lustig

Mission-Driven Philanthropist & 
Strategic Business Leader

Managing Partner, Fischer Stralem Advisors

Marcy Syms

Philanthropist, Independent Director, Activist, & Longtime Champion of Social Justice

Former CEO and President, Syms Corp.


This year’s Luncheon is more than a celebration. It is a gathering of community leaders, advocates, and philanthropists who believe in showing up, leading with purpose, and investing in a stronger future. It is also a special milestone as we celebrate Elluminate’s 30th Anniversary.


Join us to celebrate, connect, and be inspired.


For information about corporate sponsorship opportunities or joining the host committee, please get in touch with Pamela S. Goldstein, Chief Development Officer, at Pamela@elluminatewomen.org.

Elluminate in Action

Visionary Circle is In-Session

Elluminate’s Visionary Circle is underway with 43 outstanding women participating. Visionary Circle members help shape the future of Jewish women’s leadership by recommending the next cohort of The Collective leadership advancement program.


The Circle launched in January with orientation and education sessions focused on Jewish values, feminist values, and social change criteria. Members will continue to meet regularly through June, and we look forward to the outcomes of their thoughtful and impactful work.

Elluminate Launches NEW Roundtable: 
U.S.-Israel Women's Leadership

This is not a lecture series.

It is a journey into leadership.


The Elluminate Roundtable: U.S.-Israel Women’s Leadership offers a unique opportunity to explore Israel through a gender lens, engage with women leaders, and build relationships that support future collaboration.

This multi-part journey begins with a virtual roundtable in March, continues with an in-person gathering in New York City, and culminates in a Fall 2026 Israel trip — each stage deepening learning, connection, and insight.

Elluminating Conversation Webinars - Register Today

Turning Awareness into Action

Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking


Thursday, February 12, 12:00 PM ET

Featuring: Lori Cohen, CEO of PACT


Click Here to Register

Don’t Miss it- Elluminate hosts a monthly webinar to highlight members of The Collective, our signature leadership advancement program for Jewish women leaders who focus on today’s intractable issues and innovative solutions. 

Jewish Women's Leadership

Elluminate is launching the Global Jewish Women’s Leadership Network to connect Jewish women leaders. An invite-only inaugural Summit will take place this April to shape a shared strategy and networked vision. For more information, contact Sara Shapiro-Plevan, Chief Program Officer, at sara@elluminatewomen.org.

News from the Field

Now is the time to support Jewish Students on Campus


In a powerful OpEd, Julia Jassey, CEO and Founder of Jewish On Campus (Cohort 6), shares that our support for Jewish university students cannot rise and fall with the news cycle. Julia's relentless work supporting students in these difficult times can be read here. We also encourage you to watch our recent Elluminating Conversation with Julia highlighting her work.

Itworks is recognized for its commitment to Women's Social Equality and Advancement in Israel


Mazal Tov to Ifat Baron, CEO and Founder of itworks (Cohort 6), whose organization was recently awarded the Medal of Appreciation from the Minister of Israel for Social Equality and Advancement for Women. Since its founding, itworks has provided programming that expands employment gaps in Israel's High Tech Sector. Learn more about the work itworks is doing by clicking here.

Elluminate Co-Sponsors Repro Shabbat 2026

As part of Repro Shabbat 2026, Elluminate is joining NCJW’s campaign to protect medication abortion. Medication Abortion is safe, effective, and used in over 63% of abortion care. Unfortunately, it is under attack by those seeking to ban abortion entirely. We encourage you to send a postcard to HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. and call on him to reaffirm that medication abortion is safe, effective, and widely used.


To learn more click here.

Elluminate empowers feminist Jewish women leaders and philanthropists to advance equity and social change.


elluminatewomen.org

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn