Living up to the legacy of Judith Chapman

“Some are born leaders, some learn their leadership skills through experience, but all of us in the volunteer world thrive on the inspiration and mentoring a good leader provides.” – Joelle Steefel

Judith Chapman

Every year, the Federation honors a female role model in our community with the prestigious Judith Chapman Memorial Women's Leadership Award. The award recognizes outstanding Jewish volunteer leaders who go beyond just dedicating their time, energy and resources. These women are mentors, modeling and motivating others to express their Jewish values by supporting the overall well-being of their Jewish community.

So who was Judith Chapman? Judith Sirbu Chapman was an esteemed volunteer leader, friend, change agent and member of our Jewish community. Her leadership skills bloomed through dedication, focused effort, on the job training, and vision. Overcoming painful shyness, she became an advisor to community professionals and a mentor to all the women who were fortunate enough to know her. Judith’s expertise benefited the Federation, Mt. Zion Hospital Auxiliary, the statewide Nurses Association, the Democratic Party central committee, JCRC, the j. Weekly, National Women's Division Board and the national organization of Federations.

In her day, few women were professionals, and no women ran corporations. Judith persevered through her intelligence coupled with an intuitive understanding of people and her concern for the future of the overall community (Jewish and secular). Utilizing her natural talents, she charted a career path by lending her time to multiple organizations. Judith used to say that she was a "professional volunteer," treating every position as if she had a paycheck and a promotion at stake. Her personal investment was immeasurable and provided a profound impact on her community. Her permanent fund with the JCEF make grants towards Jewish projects at home and abroad, empowers women to achieve, and provides future leadership training programs.

Lynn Bunim honored with the 2012 Judith Chapman Memorial Women's Leadership Award

Lynn Burrows Bunim

Lynn Bunim, this year's award winner, grew up in a different time. And what connects her to Judith are their shared ideals, values and commitment to their Jewish community. Coming from the for-profit world, Lynn also has a focused determination and a deep dedication to her community. With recently concluding a career as government affairs and community relations executive with AT&T, Lynn has prioritized her volunteerism throughout her lifetime. As a civic and community leader, she continuously strives for excellence utilizing her experience to quickly and clearly articulate gaps and problem solve effectively. Her words inspire, her vision creates change and she functions as a role model for all her peers and co-workers. Congratulations Lynn on receiving this well-deserved recognition!

Lynn Bunim will receive the Judith Chapman Memorial Women's Leadership Award at the Power of One on Thursday, February 16, 2012.