Dear Friends,

This is my final newsletter introduction as Interim Executive Director of NCJW Pittsburgh.  

When I joined the organization in May 2020, my assignment was to support the staff and board during a tumultuous period of leadership transition, the upheaval of COVID-19, a countrywide racial reckoning, and an increased desire to strengthen the strategic direction of our Section. Two years later, we have much to be proud of: an energized board of directors, a powerhouse staff, and a solid organizational roadmap, with guiding principles that prioritize gender and racial equity in both the programming and approach of all we do. Please take a look at our Impact Report, where we have captured highlights of all that we have achieved over the last 3 Fiscal years.  

My gratitude overflows for this opportunity to support NCJW Pittsburgh and to work with an incredible team of volunteers and employees. In particular, Section President Teddi Jacobson Horvitz has been a stand-out leader. It is not an exaggeration to say that our accomplishments these last few years would not have been possible without Teddi’s leadership, both hands-on and big-picture strategic thinking. I cannot imagine a better partner in this work. 

I look forward to advancing the critical mission of NCJW as a volunteer, alongside all of you. I also hope to see you this evening at our Spring Event, where we welcome Tammy Thompson and Sheila Katz.

With a faith in the future and a belief in action,

Sara Segel

Interim Executive Director

NCJW Pittsburgh has hosted several well-attended repro advocacy programs recently. In April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we partnered with Pittsburgh Action Against Rape to discuss the Increased Awareness of Sexual Assault, in the Post-#MeToo Movement. In May, we partnered with the Women’s Law Center to discuss the Crisis of Crisis Pregnancy Centers. On June 16 we will host a lunch and learn with Sydney Etheredge, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Western PA to discuss the current status reproductive access in our region. In July, we will be discussing the complexities of sex work, as well as some of the Jewish history of the field.

After the leaked release of the draft SCOTUS opinion, we have ramped up our rallying, as well as our planning for a post-Roe reality. On short-notice, we helped promote two rallies with Women’s March Pittsburgh, including Pittsburgh's #BansOffOurBodies event. NCJW Pittsburgh had over 50 representatives at these rallies. In Washington DC, more than 5 Pittsburgh women in our network participated in the Jewish Rally for Abortion Justice, an action of NCJW, Inc.'s 73 Forward. We are in conversation with area leaders in reproductive justice to see where we can provide volunteer assistance as it is needed.

Some of our own leaders, Interim Executive Director, Sara Segel, and incoming President, Andrea Glickman, have been asked to speak publicly and have been published in the Jewish Chronicle and Print. Later this month, Kate Rothstein, Programming and Communications Manager, will be speaking at Community Day School with Dr. Rachel Kranson.

There will be much more to come in the near future. Committed advocates can join our planning efforts by clicking HERE to join our repro cohort. Please be sure to check out our future emails, newsletters, and social media for all our calls to action.

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