Volunteer Leadership Profile — Judith Cohen

 

Judith CohenFederation Annual Campaign Women’s Philanthropy Chair


Volunteer chair of Women’s Philanthropy for Federation’s Annual Campaign, Judith Cohen is no stranger to Jewish Federation’s philanthropic work. She has volunteered for the Annual Campaign as a canvasser, committee member for Night of 100 Dinners, and co-chair of the Lion of Judah committee (both committees organize events to recognize women who make significant gifts to the Annual Campaign).


In addition to having over 20 years of campaign experience, Judith brings business savvy to her role—she is the co-owner of RENEW Period Lighting and Decorative Arts (formerly Vancouver Architectural Antiques Ltd.), which has been in business for over 38 years.


Women Advocating for Women
The Women’s Philanthropy chair is a member of the Federation Annual Campaign’s working cabinet, which provides overall leadership to the Annual Campaign. The Women’s Philanthropy portfolio focuses on fundraising activities such as educational and community building programs, face-to-face canvassing, and reward and recognition programs.


For Judith, being Women’s Philanthropy chair is about specifically encouraging and challenging women in the Jewish community. “It’s really important for women not to lose sight of the impact they have in their home and work environments. If women embraced their influence, then we can talk about how to use that influence and make positive steps in our communities.”


Judith leads the Women’s Philanthropy portfolio with a team of volunteer divisional captains, and with the support of a designated campaign staff liaison. Specifically, she participates in setting division goals for fundraising, increasing the donor base, and developing leaders and successors. She recruits leaders into various division roles, ensures campaign strategies are being implemented and acts as an ambassador for the campaign.


Continuing the Legacy
A lot of Judith’s impetus for volunteering comes from the impact her parents had on her as a little girl. “I watched my parents pour their time and energies into the Jewish community in Ottawa. It was very important, and the synagogue, the old age home, the schools and the food bank that they helped create are the resources that the community still has today.”


Volunteering with Jewish Federation allows her to help many different people. “Federation covers a broad spectrum of support in the community, it touches all the bases,” explains Judith. “When I walk into this building, it brings me back to the days of being a little girl, watching my mom do volunteer work and visiting her before or after her meetings, luncheons or teas. It helps keep me engaged with my roots and connected.”