What do Dolly Parton, Mandy Damari, Lisa Miller, and Liat Cohen Raviv have in common? How do they all relate to Jewish Federation of Edmonton?

"From the desk of the CEO" what has come across my desk this past week is a steady reminder of the influence of trailblazing women, whether through quiet strength behind the scenes or in bold public gestures.

There are many articles about the vision, impact and generosity of Dolly Parton, but in particular the Jewish world has highlighted how she inspired the creation of PJ Library. Through the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) campaign, we have partnered with the Grinspoon Foundation so that every Jewish child in Edmonton can participate and receive a free Jewish book sent to their home every month. PJ Library's reach extends well beyond North America and has even established two programs in Israel: Sifriyat Pijama and Maktabat al-Fanoos for Arabic-speaking schoolchildren.

Being a changemaker means both identifying a need and having the courage to act; not alone, but by bringing others with us. For me, that is deeply Jewish as it reflects our responsibility to repair, to lead with compassion, and to help every generation inherit a stronger, more connected community.

The special sauce of a Federation is how we support and strengthen our lay leaders (volunteers) to provide both leadership and legacy for Jewish Edmonton. So, it was an absolute pleasure this week to attend the Jewish Senior Citizens Centre membership luncheon and hear from the guest speaker, our Jewish Federation Vice-President and Vice-Chair of the JCC Redevelopment Committee, Lisa Miller. Lisa regaled us with stories from her remarkable career as a sports broadcaster and how she broke barriers as a young female journalist entering the profession. Her talk ended with what brought her back into community work, and I can attest that her tenacity and vision exemplify what it means to be a true Lion of Judah, using philanthropy not only to give, but to lead, inspire and create lasting change for the Jewish future.

This same tenacity is what I admired when I was privileged to meet Mandy Damari in November 2024. Upon returning from that trip to Israel, I shared my absolute awe that this woman, who told us about her daughter Emily being held hostage in Gaza, was travelling the world in her efforts to secure her daughter's release. What felt like an unimaginable situation at the time became 471 days of advocacy, agony and uncertainty, and it was wonderful this week to see her dancing at the wedding of her daughter Emily to her beloved Danielle ("Dani").

Finally, as we are set to welcome two shinshinim from northern Israel to our community for the year ahead, I think of the many conversations we have had and continue to have about the impact of the last few years on northern communities, and the ongoing philanthropy and relationship-building efforts we have undertaken to better understand and support this region. I have a piece of rubble on my desk from Metulla, a reminder of the homes that were hit by rockets and of the people who are returning to rebuild.

Today, I was sent a clip from an Australian newscast interviewing Metulla resident Liat Cohen Raviv, who was asked about the situation after two years of being "refugees in their own country." She stated:"I emphasized that when we build a home, a business and a community there, we are also partners in defining the boundaries of a young country that in many ways is still a project under construction. A project that is important to me, to Jews around the world, and in my eyes to anyone who is moral and believes in universal values."

As we launch this year's UJA Campaign, As One, these stories remind us that change is never carried by one person alone. It is carried by volunteers and donors, families and leaders, here in Edmonton and across the Jewish world, who choose to stand together. Through UJA, we turn generosity into action, compassion into community, and shared responsibility into a stronger Jewish future. Because when we move as one, we can meet urgent needs, push boundaries and build what comes next.

Shabbat shalom,
Stacey