The Jewish Federation of Orange County hosted the Women’s VOICES event on March 14 to celebrate the impact of women philanthropists in Orange County, Calif. The annual event gathered over 600 local women philanthropists to hear from bestselling author and former Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism Noa Tishby and to honor 2024 “Woman of the Year” Heather Kline, the immediate past chair of Federation’s board and executive committee.

“It’s incredibly inspiring to witness the power of collective purpose in a room filled with hundreds of women philanthropists,” said Tishby. “Our shared commitment to a vibrant Jewish future matters now more than ever, and the event left me feeling confident that we can build a world in which tolerance triumphs over hatred.”

Women’s VOICES was created by the Jewish Federation of Orange County Women’s Philanthropy in alignment with its mission to inspire purposeful and passionate giving. The event highlights the unique Jewish journeys of women working together to amplify Jewish life in Orange County, Israel and around the world. It also raises critical funds for Jewish Federation’s annual campaign, which supports Federation’s mission to enhance and sustain Jewish life, assist Jews in need, mobilize on issues of concern to the local Jewish community and strengthen its bond with Israel and Jewish people globally.

“Thank you to women’s philanthropy and Jewish Federation for this incredible honor,” said Kline. “We find ourselves in a hineini moment, at an incredibly difficult time for the Jewish people and our beloved Israel. We must harness this feeling into action by celebrating and encouraging Jewish life in Orange County and supporting our brothers and sisters in Israel.”

“Women’s VOICES embodies the heart of our mission at the Jewish Federation of Orange County,” said Erik Ludwig, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Orange County. “Heather Kline’s leadership, alongside the impactful words of Noa Tishby, propel our community forward. As we celebrate, we also renew our commitment to strengthening our work to ensure a future where every Jewish voice is heard and valued.”

About The Jewish Federation of Orange County Women’s Philanthropy: The Jewish Federation of Orange County Women’s Philanthropy inspires purposeful and passionate giving. It honors the Jewish values of repairing the world and sustaining future generations locally, globally and in Israel, and engages, empowers and educates the Orange County Jewish community, fostering a culture of philanthropy, volunteerism and leadership.

To learn more, visit: www.jewishorangecounty.org/womens-philanthropy.