The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund presented longtime volunteer, leader and philanthropist Eileen Ruby with the Judith Chapman Memorial Women’s Leadership Award on May 2.
Ruby served as board chair of the S.F.-based Federation from 2023 to 2025. She previously served as board president of the former East Bay Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay and has served on the boards of several other local Jewish institutions including Kevah, the Jewish Film Institute, the East Bay JCC and Berkeley Hillel. She also chaired the endowment campaign for the Piedmont Education Foundation and served as a Piedmont Park commissioner for two terms.
Laura Lauder, current Federation chair, called Ruby “one of the key leaders who says, ‘Hineini,’ here I am.” Ruby was introduced at the award ceremony by former Chapman winner and J. board co-chair Carol Weitz.
Ruby was instrumental in merging the East Bay Federation and the current Federation in 2019 and led the process of crafting a new strategic plan for the Federation.
Federation CEO Joy Sisisky said Ruby has “transformed this Federation into a model for all of North America.”
The Women’s Power of Giving Luncheon brought more than 150 people together for the award presentation, co-chaired by Tina Sharkey, a member of the PBS board of directors, and Lily Kanter of Serena & Lily. The annual luncheon featured Jill Kargman, author of “Momzillas” and originator and lead of the TV series “Odd Mom Out,” in conversation with Sharkey. Attendees included former Chapman award recipients Nancy Grand, Lynn Bunin and Dana Corvin.