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There are a handful of callings in my life that have monumentally shaped who I am and set me on the incredible path I walk today. Stepping into the role as Women’s Philanthropy Chair two years ago was one of them—before October 7, before the meteoric rise in antisemitism, and before this new reality where the fight to live openly, proudly, and safely as Jews has become my raison d’être. This is my final letter to you as chair, and it has made me pause and reflect on what can happen when we say ‘yes.’ I never imagined the personal growth I would undergo, the deep and lasting relationships we would forge, or the strength I would need—and find—in facing the challenges we now confront as a community of committed Jewish women. I am profoundly changed for the better.
Opportunities rarely announce themselves with fanfare. They often appear quietly, in a conversation over coffee or a spontaneous moment of connection at a community event. That’s how I found myself in this role. And so, I encourage each of you: say yes. At last year’s Lion and Pomegranate event, Mijal Bitton shared how it’s often ordinary individuals who do extraordinary things. To make an impact, we don’t need titles, influence, or all the answers; just the courage to take the first step. Each of us holds both the ability—and the responsibility—to shape the world around us. When we use our influence in the spaces we inhabit—within our families, friendships, workplaces, and communities—we ignite collective change more powerful than anything we could accomplish alone. That’s why our individual contributions matter, but even more so, why we must raise each other up.
To do this well, we must nurture talent, leadership and learning: three things I have cherished bringing to this role. And now, it is with great pride that I pass the baton to our next Women’s Philanthropy Chair, Alisha Cipriano. Alisha is not only brilliantly sharp and deeply passionate, but her devotion to our community and Jewish life is a legacy passed down through generations of service. I can’t wait to see all she’ll accomplish in the coming years, guided by her selflessness and tenacity. Please reach out to Alisha; offer your talents, your energy, and your partnership. The work ahead is both urgent and inspiring, and it will take all of us. I cherish the privilege I’ve had in getting to know so many of you. Thank you for walking this journey with me; it has been an honor beyond words.
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Evi Shekhman
2024 - 2025 Women's Philanthropy Chair
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Our Woman of Impact profile features a local woman making a notable impact in our community. For this issue, we spoke with Jessica Fish, a dedicated community leader who has served on the boards of both Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford. A Long Island native, Jessica built a successful marketing career in New York City before relocating to Connecticut with her husband Michael in 2008. During her time in the Greater Hartford area, Jessica has become deeply involved in Federation’s community work, including serving as a co-chair of Women’s Philanthropy’s Pearl Society, co-chairing the CEO search committee that hired David Waren, and participating on numerous committees including governance and allocations—and the grants committee for Community Foundation. She also serves on Federation’s new Women's Philanthropy Cabinet. Jessica and Michael live in Avon, where they are raising their three sons: Jordan, 16; Ryan, 14; and Brody, 11.
What role has being Jewish played in your life historically?
I was raised in a conservative Jewish household and actively participated in Jewish life, attending day school, summer camp, and organizations like BBYO. Despite this, I often felt disconnected from the spiritual side of Judaism, even while deeply engaged in cultural life.
When my husband and I moved to the Greater Hartford area in 2008, someone from Federation reached out and welcomed me to their annual women’s event, which I went to with my mother-in-law. That event helped me reconnect with Judaism, in terms of our traditions and values. I experienced a sense of love, community, and philanthropy, and I enjoyed meeting other Jewish people who believed in volunteering and embraced values like tikkun olam—all of which helped me appreciate how our religion teaches us to do good in this world.
At what point did you decide to get more active in Jewish causes?
Around the same time, my husband and I were invited to participate in what was then the Frank Stavis Group, a Federation-sponsored leadership development program with attendees across all religious observances. Together, we’d have group discussions about spirituality and Jewish values, but not always in a religious context. It was action oriented, very much about putting these ideas to practice in the community, and I thought, “This is something I could really get behind.” So, I sat down with Debbie Glassman, who was a Federation staff member at the time, and said, “Ok, you’ve got me. I’ve done marketing for a long time and I’m here to get involved.” And I never looked back!
To read our full interview with Jessica Fish, click here. To nominate someone as a Woman of Impact, contact Laurie Mandell.
| | Welcome to Our Newest Giving Society Members | Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford is delighted to welcome our newest women's giving society members! To learn more about women's giving societies at Federation, click here or contact Laurie Mandell. | | |
Lions of Judah
$5,000+ annual gift
Sapphire ($18,000+)
Ann Sagalyn
Diamond ($5,000 - $9,999)
Carol Fishman
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Pomegranate Society
$1,800 to $4,999 annual gift
Randi Friedman
Jean Meyer
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Pearl Society
$180 to $1,799 annual gift
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Alexandra Attas
Jenna Attas
Laura Barash
Laurene Bauchman
Amy Beauvais
Rebecca Boissy
Kristina Bontempo
Abbie Bottaro
Stephanie Brown
Jennifer Caras
Nancy Cowan
Veronica Dicke
Kayla Edelheit
Samantha Edelheit
Marissa N. Fierston
Traci A. Friedman
Rachel Gelb
Amy E. Genser
Gina Gluck
Mushky Gopin
Deena Grant
Joni Harris
Avery Hersh
Esta Jacobskind
Marsha Jacobskind
Laura Kaplan
Shelby Katz
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Lauren Krasnow
Stephanie Kudler
Michelle Kunzman
Diana J. Lafer
Ellen Last
Ellen Lescher
Sheryl Levin
Sandra Lusky
Kim Malkin
Kim Matus
Jennifer McPhee
Stacy Millman
Jackie Mozzicato
Ellen Nestler
Elissa Port
Amy Raskind
Inbal Rozen
Remy Schwartz
Brittany Seidel
Liora Silverman
Nicole Skalina
Sally Solomon
Tamara Stein
Elena Tunitsky
Johanna Zelman
Inna Zhitomirsky
Deborah Zuckerman
| | Montana Tucker Brings Message of Courage to Voices Event | |
| |  | Lauded as an award-winning actress and social media influencer, Montana Tucker became a courageous activist against hatred and antisemitism following the October 7 attacks. This May, she captivated and inspired a roomful of Greater Hartford's Jewish women at our 2025 “Voices” event, where she spoke candidly about losing followers after standing with Israel—and her willingness to accept this consequence for doing what she believes is right. To draw attention to the plight of the hostages in Gaza, Montana wore a bold “Bring Them Home” bow to the 2024 Grammy Awards; when asked to cover the bow at a reception, she refused—a moment that soon went viral. At our “Voices” event, she discussed her documentary “The Children of October 7” and shared how her grandparents, both Holocaust survivors, have inspired the purposeful direction of her art and career. Her impact was immediately evident as generous donors made 40 new gifts, including 17 from individuals who had not given for a year or more. The gathering proved to be multigenerational, with mothers, daughters, and granddaughters in attendance—including Montana’s own mother, Michelle. An event highlight came when Elyse Rosenstock, founder of Elyse Ryan Jewelry, presented Montana and Michelle with her “Forever” bracelets—jewelry she created to benefit the people of Israel after October 7 that has raised more than $50,000 to date. Following such a powerful event, we extend our deepest gratitude to all attendees and our dedicated co-chairs: Alisha Cipriano, Jessica Fish, Tali Kest, and Nina Kunkes.
| | Above: Activist and influencer Montana Tucker speaks at “Voices” event | | |
From rising antisemitism to increased costs of living for our most vulnerable neighbors, our Jewish community's needs have grown dramatically in recent years. But thanks to you, we are uniting to meet this moment. Together, Federation raised nearly $5.5 million for this year's Annual Campaign—far surpassing our goal. Our generous community of women philanthropists alone contributed almost $2 million, a remarkable 10 percent increase over last year. Words cannot fully express our gratitude, but please know that your generosity has helped keep our community safe, our elderly well-cared for, and our friends in Israel supported during these incredibly challenging times. Todah rabah!
| | Alisha Cipriano Named New Chair of Women's Philanthropy | | |
We are pleased to announce that Alisha Cipriano will serve as the new Chair of Women's Philanthropy, succeeding Evi Shekhman in this important leadership role. For Alisha, this appointment represents the continuation of a meaningful family legacy of Jewish community service that spans generations. Alisha shared how her great-grandparents lobbied the U.S. government to bring Jewish refugees to America in the years leading up to World War II, and her parents modeled a spirit of volunteerism as longstanding supporters of Greater Hartford’s Jewish community. In a true passing of the torch, three generations came together when Alisha became a Lion of Judah: her mother—herself a Lion—performed the pinning ceremony using the pin of Alisha’s grandmother, who had helped bring the Lion of Judah giving society to Federation.
An educator with a master's degree from Columbia Teachers College, Alisha has taught history and continues tutoring high school students. Her background in Jewish American history informs her commitment to preserving and strengthening our community. Beyond Federation, she serves on the boards of Mandell JCC and Beth El Temple, and works with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute at the University of Michigan combating antisemitism and bias in all forms, and building foundations for civic discourse.
Alisha lives in Avon with her husband Ron, who serves on both the JFGH board and Chabad board, and their three children: Jordan, 17; Ella, 14; and Olivia, 11. We look forward to her inspiring leadership!
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Jewish women have always led with pride and strength—and on Thursday, September 18 we will “stand with the pride” at our Annual Lion and Pomegranate Dinner! Join us as we hear from special guest Wendy Sachs, a director, writer, and executive producer of “October 8,” a documentary about the explosion of antisemitism on college campuses, social media, and in the streets of America following the attacks of October 7. Wendy is also an Emmy Award-winning TV producer (NBC, CNN, FOX), writer, and speaker: a true multi-hyphenate who will inspire as a fellow leader and philanthropist. Be sure to watch “October 8” on YouTube or Amazon Prime before our event. Our dinner and celebration will be held from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (address provided upon registration). We wish to thank our two event co-chairs, Marcia Lazowski and Lori Flaks! A $118 couvert will include a kosher dinner. Click here to register or email Laurie Mandell with any questions at Lmandell@jewishhartford.org.
| | Carolyn Gitlin Named Chair of Upcoming Mission to Israel | | |
We are pleased to announce that Jewish Federation of North America’s (JFNA) National Women’s Philanthropy has named our very own Carolyn Gitlin as Chair of the International Ruby Lion of Judah Mission to Israel. This mission will take place in late January 2026 and is open to any Lion of Judah who has donated at least $10,000 to Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign. Carolyn has a longstanding history of leadership in our community, including as Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Board of Directors and as Chair of JFNA’s National Women’s Philanthropy. Stay tuned for more information on this important mission—and join us in extending a huge congratulations to Carolyn for this honor!
| | Save the Date: 2027 International Lion of Judah Conference | | |
We are so excited to share that the next International Lion of Judah Conference will take place in Austin, Texas from February 28 to March 2, 2027. This conference is open to all philanthropists recognized as a Lion of Judah. Be sure to mark your calendars!
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