Our Federation’s Lions of Judah are an incredible group of philanthropic, committed and dedicated women that are making an impact on our communities, here and abroad. As the International Lion of Judah Conference is approaching, we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of these Lions!
Laura Ozer has been a Lion of Judah since 2002, and is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board. She is attending for the first time the upcoming International Lion of Judah Conference in September in Washington D.C. Read our interview with Laura below, and stay tuned for more!
What inspired you to become a Lion? What does it mean for you to be a Lion?
“My parents were my inspiration. I grew up in a very charitable family. I wanted to continue this legacy. In my mind this is what you do…you give back to your community. To me being a Lion means more than simply making the donation. The most rewarding part is giving of my time, giving a piece of myself. My mom was a Lion. She was my first recruit. I wanted to share this experience with her.”
What impact has being a Lion had on your life?
“I feel proud to be a Lion. It is an honor and a privilege to belong to such an involved, committed and inspiring group of women. They have motivated me to get more and more involved, and to reach higher and farther. “
What would you tell others who are thinking to become a Lion and/or attend the Conference?
“I would tell others that being a Lion is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It is a chance to connect with other caring and involved women, while participating in charitable community outreach work.”
What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming September Conference?
“I am most looking forward to meeting other women from around the country and around the world who believe in the importance of reaching beyond themselves, and their own individual communities, to connect with one another. There is strength in numbers… When we pool our ideas and our resources, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.”
Lion of Judah recognizes all women who make a gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles’ Annual Campaign in their own name of $5,000 or more. As part of an international organization that connects us to Lions around the world, all Lions can proudly wear a striking gold or platinum pin, highlighted with diamonds or rubies, marking their increased commitment to the work of our Federation.
To find out how to become a Lion, as well as for more information on the upcoming Lion of Judah conference (September 11-13, 2016), please contact: Ronda Wilken at (818) 668-2340 or Karen Sternfeld at (323) 761-8275.
