NWC Newsletter March 2009
NWC Luncheon in March
During the RJC's spring leadership meeting, the NWC will host a women's only luncheon to discuss the new administration and the role of the NWC. This meeting is an opportunity for the women of the RJC to come together and discuss programming, grassroots, media outreach, and NWC's goals for the future. Hosted by our NWC Acting Chair Diane Sembler Kamins and moderated by NWC Executive Director Lisa Spies, the luncheon will take place on Saturday, March 21st at 12:30 PM at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Fort Lauderdale.
NWC Board Announcements
NWC Acting Chair
Diane Sembler Kamins is active in serving her community and is passionate about herpolitical activities. Diane was President for the Pinellas County Jewish Day School and served 6 years as Vice President for Development. Diane has served her local Jewish Federation in many capacities from Campaign Chair, Women’s Division Campaign Chair, Budget and Allocations Chair, Main Event co-chair, as well as being a member of the National Women’s Young Leadership Cabinet. She also served the national organization as a solicitation trainer. She was co-chair of Jewish Outreach for the State of Florida in the Bush 2004 race. Diane has served on the Temple Beth-El Art Festival committee, a large weekend art show supporting the Temple, for the past 35 years. She has 5 children, 3 of whom are married and 2 grandchildren. Diane has been a member of the RJC for the past 19 years.
NWC Board Members
Ann Conlin Tanenbaum is Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Conlin’s Digital Print and Copy Centers, a family owned and operated business established 29 years ago. While the company headquarters is in King of Prussia, PA, Conlin’s services customers throughout the United States and Western Europe. Ann serves as member of the Board of Women Visitors, University of Pennsylvania Health System. She is the corresponding secretary, a member of the Executive Committee and works as liaison to Penn Medicine at Radnor. Ann serves as member of the Board of Musicopia, providing music programs – now removed from school curricula - to students who might otherwise never be exposed to the potential they possess. Ann is married to Myles H. Tanenbaum and they live in Villanova, PA. Together they support a variety of philanthropic causes and political organizations actively assisting in their programs, fundraising and general support.
Eloise Gerson was born in Peru and came to the US as a student. Eloise rapidly learned English and graduated from Loyola University with a business degree in Marketing. Thereafter, Eloise worked as an account executive for a major Chicago advertising firm for more than ten years. Eloise eventually obtained her Real Estate license and joined her husband in their real estate management/investment business. The career switch afforded Eloise more time for her avocation, politics. Upon earning her US Citizenship in 1994, she immediately got deeply involved with the Republican Party. Eloise joined the 42nd Ward Republican Organization, the most vibrant and largest GOP organization in Chicago. The lake-front 42nd Ward encompasses Chicago's renowned business downtown (the "Loop") as well as the city's "Gold Coast," "Magnificent Mile" of Michigan Avenue and the Rush Street entertainment district. She became 42nd Ward President in 2001 and was elected its Committeeman in February, 2008. In April 2008, Eloise was elected Chairman of the Chicago Republican Party by her 49 fellow Ward Committeemen. Eloise was an Illinois State Delegate and Deputy Whip to the 2004 Republican Presidential Convention in New York. Eloise is a member of International Women Associates, Chicago Chapter, an organization promoting understanding and co-operation among Chicago area women of all nations. She has been a member of the RJC since 2005.
Lynne Lechter has lived in Upper Merion Township in Pennsylvania with her husband Ab for 16 years. She has served as a citizen member of the Upper Merion Fire and Emergency Services Board, as a member of the Montgomery County Commission on Women and Families, and most recently as a trustee for the Montgomery County Community College, where she served on its Finance Committee for five years. During her time with the college, Lynne worked towards a number of accomplishments, including the extension of the Pottstown campus, a continual expansion of the curriculum, an increase in enrollment, and guaranteed transfer opportunities for qualified students to a wide variety of four-year colleges. An avid music fan, Lynne is a past President of the Philadelphia Opera Guild and a Board Member of the Opera Company of Philadelphia. She works to promote the arts in the region, and has spent over ten years raising funds to support the Opera Company’s Sounds of Learning Program, a nationally acclaimed, award-winning educational program for Philadelphia and suburban students. Additionally, Lynne and her husband Ab support the Upper Merion’s “Music Under the Stars” series, and the Settlement Music School, which has helped train thousands of local students at affordable prices. Lynne and her husband Ab are also strong supporters of the Cancer Foundation for Personal Wellness, a non-profit organization that provides support and aid for cancer patients undergoing therapy who cannot afford products such as wigs. Recently Lynne joined an organization in West Conshohocken that is dedicated to building a Vietnam War memorial for soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Lynne thinks globally as well, and was a previous Board Member of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), an organization that works to rescue and resettle Jewish and non-Jewish people and provide assistance to them as they transition into American culture, helping them to become productive members of society. Lynne graduated from Russell Sage College, earned her Masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and her J.D. from Villanova University. Currently, she is the general counsel to an international sales and marketing corporation, designing and producing furniture for American furniture companies and the hospitality industry. Lynne was co-founder and Chair of the International Law Committee for the Montgomery County Bar, and she was a member of the Desmond McTighe American Inns of Court, an organization made up of Judges and Attorneys dedicated to upholding the highest ethical and legal standards. In addition to practicing law, Lynne has previously served as an adjunct professor at the Villanova University Law School’s Domestic Abuse Clinic.
NWC A Day on the Hill. Save the Date
The NWC will host an event in October 2009 in Washington, DC (date to be announced soon). This event is open to all NWC members who are at the Leadership Level. We will have two days to visit with members of Congress in our nations' capitol. To hold your space please contact Lisa Spies at 202-744-7373 or Lisa@theLSgroup.com
A Letter from NWC Executive Director
As the head of the only Jewish Republican Woman's Group, I am looking forward to an exciting few years. With a new administration and a Democratic Congress, this is the time to make our voices heard. As I travel the country and meet with members of the NWC, I realize that their are many of you whom I have not had the chance to meet. I wanted to take this opportunity to give you a little background. I have been involved in Republican politics since my college years at the University of Kansas. After graduating, I moved to Washington, DC where I have worked for several Republican organizations and members. My past employers include the College Republicans National Committee, the Republican Jewish Coalition (as their deputy grassroots director) and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Currently, I have my own company and my clients include Senator John Thune, Senator David Vitter, and State Senator Florence Shapiro. One of the greatest aspects of being the executive director of the NWC is hearing from like-minded women from across the country. I welcome you comments, questions, and most of all suggestions. I am available by email at Lisa@theLSgroup.com as well as by phone at 202-638-2909 ext. 109. I look forward to meeting more NWC members these next few years! Thank You, Lisa Spies
