Ellen is the CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women in St. Louis, a membership organization that has supported the greater St. Louis community for 125 years and counting. Their work is a combination of community service, education, advocacy and philanthropy-- all to improve the lives of women, children, and families in our community.
The organization is based on the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, which translates loosely to repairing the world or healing the brokenness in the world. Their work is done throughout the St. Louis region; the organization itself is not religious. People of all faiths are welcome to join and support the work of NCJWSTL
As of late, the organization is moving to a social and racial justice model—a mode of operating built on cultural intelligence (learning how to look at the world through the eyes of another). This allows the organization to work in partnership with the populations they serve to better understand and identify their needs. And then together, develop a way to meet those needs.
Ellen values listening and says it’s key to leadership. You have to know when to step back and when to step forward. You have to take stock before you take action.
Ellen is married and has three grown daughters—all based in the St. Louis area. Ellen went to Tulane and is a graduate of the CORO Fellows Program, where she is still active as an alum on their transition team. She also serves on Books for STL Kids Board and is involved with Jewish Federation. She loves to cook, bake, read, and lounge poolside in Florida.
Ellen’s recommendation: “Pitch Like a Girl” by Ronna Lichtenberg. It’s about owning who you are, knowing your own style and figuring out how to get people to support and work with you.