Kathy Williams
Kathy Williams, long-time JCF and Women’s Philanthropy lay leader, has been named the Federation’s 2013 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recipient. The national award recognizes extraordinary women who have set a high standard of philanthropy and volunteerism in their community.
For more than three decades, Williams has displayed a passionate commitment to the Bay Area Jewish community through her work as a volunteer leader and philanthropist. Known for her warmth, elegance, modesty, and wit, she has been active on the boards of the Bureau of Jewish Education, Peninsula Temple Sholom, the Wornick Jewish Day School, and Pacific Northwest regional AIPAC, among others. Williams first joined the JCF Board in 1993, and among her many contributions, she co-founded the Women in Leadership program in 1999. A former volunteer and professional counselor who has worked with abused children, Williams is passionate about abuse prevention, education, health issues, and overseas needs.
JFNA and its National Women’s Philanthropy (NWP) created the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award as a tribute to Norma Kipnis- Wilson and Toby Friedland, z”l, co-founders of JFNA’s Lion of Judah program in 1972. The Lion of Judah is an international honor society that recognizes women who make gifts of at least $5,000, in their own names, to the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign in their respective communities.
Kathy will be honored at the bi-annual International Lion of Judah Conference, held September 10-12, 2012 in New York City. For more Information about the conference, visit:
http://www.lionconference.org/
“There are women who touch your life and you know they will have a lifelong impact on you and your community. Lynn Bunim is one of them. As Chair of the Judith Chapman Leadership Award Committee, I had the privilege of calling Lynn Bunim to tell her she was selected as the recipient of the 2012 Chapman award. Lynn’s initial response was the silence that often comes with the surprise of winning a prestigious award followed by a humble thank you — though it is our community that should be thanking Lynn for her leadership. She embodies the heart and soul this award represents. She has dedicated thousands of hours as a leader and volunteer to organizations including Jewish Vocational Services and Federation ensuring critical lifelines are available to those in need, in our Jewish and secular communities, ranging from basic work skills that help individuals return to work or ensuring seniors have transportation preventing them from being homebound. Always with an eye on the future, Lynn manages to find time in her busy schedule to mentor some of our younger leaders. Regardless of age, Lynn has served as a role model to all of us and shown us through her actions how to be a strong, articulate and committed leader. Yasher Koach, Lynn.”
“I believe Lynn is one of the rare leaders in the community who is able to both see the big picture from 40,000 feet, and ready and willing to delve into the work of implementation and ultimately translating vision into impact. To our work she brings a deeply respectful and collaborative approach that enhances any communal process. Not one to shy away from a challenge or to lose momentum amidst competing interests, Lynn remains grounded and wise in complex situations. All of these traits make Lynn the quintessential leader, whether it is in a board room or otherwise in her day-to-day life. On a personal level, Lynn has always been a role model of mine, as I am continually impressed by her grace under pressure and ability to make the balancing act of professional, volunteer and family responsibilities seem effortless.”
“When I was accepted into Women In Leadership, a leadership mentoring program of the Jewish Community Federation a few years ago, I was excited to have the opportunity to work with a mentor. Then I received the news that Lynn Bunim was to be my mentor and I looked her up online. Have you seen this woman’s resume? Executive Director for External Affairs for AT&T; Chair of the Mayor’s Fiscal Advisory Committee under both Gavin Newsom and Willie Brown, Founding Trustee and board member of the San Francisco Day School; and the list goes on. Lynn was recognized by the League of Women Voters as a “Woman Who Could be President.” President! To be honest, it was a little intimidating.
“In the early days of the Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) lunch ‘Strictly Business,’ I called Lynn because we needed help with corporate sponsors. I thought Lynn would be a perfect person because of Lynn’s incredible reputation and experience in the business world. Lynn was a bit reluctant at first to serve on the JVS committee, but very thoughtful— asking lots of questions before she got involved because Lynn does not like to do anything half-way. Agreeing to serve on this one committee led to being on many other committees at JVS, heading up the committees, then taking a board position, and then becoming the head of the whole organization! Lynn then became a member of the Board of the Federation and then worked her way up the JCF organization the same way she committed herself and worked her way up JVS. She asked a lot of questions and dedicated herself to learning and loving the organization, Along the way she helped to create new areas of involvement for young people, business people and those who wanted to enter the portals of Jewish community life.
Throughout the year, the Federation honors individuals who are truly making a difference in our community. Before that can happen though, we need some nominations. If you know someone befitting an award, please don’t hesitate to submit his or her name. Many of the honorees will receive not only recognition for their projects, but financial assistance as well to carry out their important work.
