Laurie Arroyo, VP Membership

My Board position has been VP of Membership, beginning July 2023. My recollection is that I was recruited by my dear friends, Bobbi Horowitz and Joanne Levy.

 

I have attended one NCJW Lobby Day in Sacramento and, unfortunately, although registered for the June 2025 National Institute in Washington D.C., was unable to attend.

 

My favorite memories include our organizing our L’dor V’dor luncheon in November 2024. Preparing for this event gave me an opportunity to meet long-term members with experiences in the varied activities supported by NCJW over our past. As they told their favorite stories of their early NCJW experiences, all the way back to the days of running our thrift store! Did you know that the  which work provided the financial legacy that is keeping us funded these decades later, I was inspired with admiration and enthusiasm for the work NCJW has done, and continues to do, over the years. 

 

As Binnie Berro said, ”We are all heroes. And we owe a debt of gratitude to Council for giving us the opportunity to make the world a better place. And don’t forget – There is work to be done, so let’s get to it!”

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Sharon Brannon, VP Programs

​I joined the Book Club and therefore joined NCJW. Michelle Straicher recruited her at the JCC exercise class and Barbara Shipnuck and Sharon joined Advocacy immediately. NCJW  benefited from her travels in South America  as she volunteered to chair our Immigrant Rights Subcommittee. As soon as Barbara Millman completed her V.P. Programs role, Sharon stepped in. She remembers sharing her V.P. role with Lisa Raufman for two years and then Natalie Swit after that. Her favorite programs have been the first Book Review she organized with Steven Ross, Hitler in Los Angeles: How Jews Foiled Nazi Plots Against Hollywood and America as well as working on the Chanukah parties and going to Washington Institute and Sacramento Lobby Days. She has been active on the Advocacy Committee ever since it started in 2016-7.  She believes that our “programs” start people interacting socially and then like-minded synergy occurs and these same people become active advocates.

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Gayle Ehrenberg, Co-VP Resource Development

For the past 2 years, I have been Co-VP of Resource Development with Roberta Friedman.  I was nominated to the board upon my retirement from Jewish Long Beach Alpert Jewish Community Center where I was in charge of Community Volunteers.

  

I most enjoy helping with assembling of comfort kits and hugpacks. However, as a member of the board of NCJW I automatically feel that I’m an advocate in helping to work towards social justice at both local and national levels. This includes Reproductive Rights, Economic Justice, Education, Health Care Access, Racial Justice.

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Linda Fox, Past President (Past Board Member)

Overseer for all Community Service projects who started on the Board around 2010 and worked my way into many positions of service over 16 years: Co-VP of Membership, VP of Programs, President for two 2-year terms, Executive Vice President, State Policy Advocate (SPA)

 

I attended several Washington Institutes, several Leadership Conferences, several Conventions as well as Lobby Day in Sacramento multiple times. I also served as a representative for NCJW on the Long Beach Early Childhood Education Committee and its Festivals workgroup, as well as the Long Beach Human Trafficking Task Force.

 

There are so many memories over the 16 years, but three stand out for me: In 2016, all 6 California Sections were honored at the National Conference with the Champions for Social Change. I was given the Hannah G. Solomon the following year, and I felt very honored.  

 

Lastly, in 2017, John Lewis received an award from NCJW National at the Convention for his tremendously important contributions in the  fight for equality, especially in voting rights, I will always remember the image of 300 (mostly) women rushing to him as he left the platform to dance with him as his theme song played (Be Happy by Pharell Williams). Lewis’s parting words were to “Make Good Trouble”, his call to action–our NCJW has answered!!

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Roberta Friedman, Co-VP Resource Development

​My mother had been a member of NCJW here in Long Beach for many years, but I never knew anything about it other than the Thrift Store. Linda Calderόn tried to get me involved in NCJW in about 2015 or 2016. I had attended Charter Day when she was given the Hannah G. Solomon award, and she then gave me a gift membership for 1 year. I enjoyed volunteering at a couple of KinderFests, but still did not know much about NCJW and was not ready to be an active member, so I

let the membership lapse. Then in 2023 Joanne Levy recruited me to be the VP of Resource Development.

 

I have not been very active beyond my board role, but have participated in KinderFests, Comfort Kit and HugPack evenings. I helped staff our table at a couple of LB Women’s Fairs, and worked with the Charter Day (2024) and Membership Celebration (2025) committee. I enjoy attending the Planned Parenthood luncheons to get a bigger picture about what we are supporting and advocating for. And, attending the 2025 Washington Institute was a highlight as

well.

 

I do feel a sense of helping others with these events and activities, though it may not be in direct contact with the recipients. I have also gained a better understanding and appreciation of the “Advocacy” component of our mission, and how it will help to accomplish so much more for so many more people. And of course, the social connections with like-minded women have been very fulfilling.

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Dawn Haldane, Co-Treasurer

About twenty years ago, Diane Fike (of blessed memory) recruited me to be Recording Secretary when Elaine Warren was President. Several years after that I became co-Treasurer with Diane. I have the accounting experience, which has helped me manage the budgeting, prepare monthly reports, and work with our CPA. I also have been active on the Investment Committee since its inception. Now I am co-treasurer with Joanne Levy. 

 

I am very much a “behind-the-scenes” worker and have:

• Spearheaded advances related to financial transparency

• Written and edited multiple communications and flyers both for the Section and for our members 

• Prepared handouts for mini-conferences 

• Helped plan dozens of activities especially related to annual Charter Days and Celebrations and Member Recognition events

• Worked with Welcome Circle to prepare and maintain the accounting for the three Afghan refugees we sponsored.

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When Adie Holzman was alive, I attended the NCJW national conference in Chicago with her and several other wonderful women from our Section. One of the most rewarding experiences has been leveraging my background as a project manager to help plan the Section transition to integrating with National over the last 1 ½ years! In 2023, I was surprised and honored to be chosen for the Hannah G. Solomon Award.

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Chana Ham-Rosebrock, VP Advocacy

 

​I attended an NCJW recruiting get-together at Michelle Gordon's home about 10 years ago.  I sat with Sylvia Manheim.  We got to talking and I decided I'd join NCJW to be on the Advocacy committee. Sherri Sobel and Deborah Chankin had just organized an Advocacy Committee and Sylvia. at around 90 years young, was our elder on the Committee.

 

In  July of 2023 I accepted a co-VP position and have stayed on as the VP Last Summer, I attended and helped organize our delegation for the Washington Institute (our National Lobby Day) and have helped organize for 3 or 4 Sacramento lobby days.

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I don't know that I have a favorite activity. I have enjoyed Kinder fest, hug packs, abortion care kit assembly, being an ERH, putting together lobby day appointments and organizing visits with Senators and congress folk in DC and scheduling and attending meetings with our city council members. I've enjoyed putting on a few speaking engagements, working with LWV and AAUW as a few examples

I like the feeling of doing. I imagine it helps others - but mostly, I think it helps me feel like I'm living, not just letting life wash over me. One could say, I am available whenever there is a need! Just ask!

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Judy Leff, Recording Secretary

In 1995, I joined the Sunday Branch of the NCJW Long Beach Section. As a working woman, this branch fit perfectly into my schedule, allowing me to attend Sunday meetings featuring speakers on a wide variety of Jewish issues, participate in outings to local Jewish sites—including the Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles—and connect with like-minded Jewish women. Before long, I became President of the Sunday Branch and later served as Treasurer. During that time, we launched the Hug Pack Project, which continues to this day.

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When I retired as an elementary school principal in 2006, Barbara Wolfe recruited me to join—and eventually co-chair—the newly established Kindergarten Festivals. I was soon elected to the NCJW Board, where I have served in many capacities: Executive Vice President to Linda Calderon, President for one term, Treasurer for eight years, Financial Secretary, and currently Recording Secretary. Over the years, I have represented our Section at Lobby Day in Sacramento several times, at National Conventions in Chicago and Dallas, at the 2010 Washington Institute, and at a Leadership Conference in New Jersey.

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I hold countless fond memories of working alongside dedicated women to help make the world a better place for women, children, and families—whether at Kindergarten Festivals, Hug Pack sessions, Comfort Kit packing, lobbying in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., or planning events such as Charter Day and Chanukah celebrations. It has truly been an honor to serve our section and I have great hopes for its future.

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Joanne Levy, Co-Treasurer

​Currently, I serve as co-treasurer and have had this position the past 2 years. Prior to becoming treasurer, I served as recording secretary as well as executive vice president and have chaired our Investment Committee. Back in 2016, Linda Calderon of blessed memory, suggested that NCJW would be a great group for me to get involved with to put my "progressive energy" to good use.  I agreed to serve on her board and have served under 5 subsequent presidents. 

 

That first year, I attended both Lobby Day in Sacramento as well as the National meeting in Washington DC. One of the highlights for me was a silent protest where, along with 400 advocates, I walked from the Supreme Court to the Capitol carrying copies of the US Constitution. We then delivered these copies to Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa and others.  Our message was to tell them do their jobs and give Supreme Court nominee Judge Merrick Garland a fair hearing. That year, our closing event speaker was a newer Senator, Elizabeth Warren, D-MA! I attended National again this year and the priorities and issues are even more critical than ever.

 

I have also attended Lobby Day in Sacramento on two occasions. These experiences gave me the strength and skills to speak to people in power and be an advocate for women, children and families. For me, the state and national issues and the collective strength of advocates across the country working together are what make NCJW so valuable. 

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Maria Osorio, Past President

Current position is Past President. Before becoming President I served as the Recording Secretary. Sherri Sobel recruited me while we attended Rabbi Abba Perelmuter's classes at the J. I joined soon after completing the Alpert New Leaders Forum (ANLF), a Jewish Long Beach program preparing emerging Jewish community members for leadership roles through year-long training in Jewish values, philanthropy, and community building, sponsored by Jewish Long Beach & the Alpert JCC. It's for rising leaders in the Greater Long Beach area, focusing on skills for synagogues and nonprofits, ensuring future community strength. 

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I joined the Board in 2020 and immediately accepted serving as Recording Secretary. After a few years in this position, I stepped into the position of President. While serving as President I attended Washington Institute with several other Board members.

 

I most enjoyed participating in the Abortion Comfort Kits for Planned Parenthood and Family Planning Associates clinics events. I also enjoyed the letter writing campaigns. Most recently I chaired the Scholarship Committee. I am very happy that I was able to update our Scholarship Application Process so that everything can be applied and reviewed online!

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Lisa Raufman, PRESIDENT

I learned about NCJW from Ann Millman who invited me to speak on The College Promise In 2014. The next year I started my retirement from College Counseling by immediately joining the Advocacy and Legislation Committee and accepted becoming Co-V.P. Advocacy for two years.  I have great memories being with Linda Fox and Harriette Ellis lobbying for local hotel workers getting protective alarms and better pay and also coordinated several NCJW’s programs that took place at the JCC on Meeting the Homeless Needs, and on Immigrant’s Rights.  

 

By 2019, while remaining on the Advocacy committee to promote Economic Justice issues, I accepted becoming NCJW’s co-V.P. for Programs. Two years later I rose to become the Executive V.P. and helped coordinate a 2022 NCJW/AAUW joint program on Childcare Issues for Women Post Pandemic and testified at City Council on the need for a L.B. Commission on Women & Girls.  In 2024, I was elected as President and I value serving our NCJW Section on Kehillah and on the NCJW, Inc “Section Working Group” as one of 10 members. Additionally, I had a wonderful first experience at 2025 Washington Institute.

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In NCJW I have found my like-minded community: a caring activist volunteer organization inspired by the Jewish values of tikkun olam − repairing the world and making a difference as advocates in our local community.

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Cookie Sieger, Executive VP

I am now VP for 1 year. No one recruited me I came for Abortion packing kits and agreed to be on the Board. My interest has always been reproductive rights and NCJW gave me a great opportunity. I am active on the Reproductive Rights SubCommittee of the Advocacy Committee that has been focusing on creating a local ordinance to protect your girls from misleading “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” information. These Centers do not inform girls about abortion as an option and often use unlicensed sonographers.

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Dale Strok, VP Communications

Ilsebill Wolfe who covered Communications until 2017 and my sister Linda, Co-President elect recruited me. But I joined NCJW in 1990 in Jacksonville, Florida! I became co-VP of communications with Harriett Ellis in 2018, replacing Ilsebill Wolfe; then co-VP with Ann Millman for a few years, with Ann handling Pillars. 

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I've attended National Lobby Day at least once, a National Convention in New Orleans, and Sacramento Lobby Days at least twice. A wonderful memory was hearing John Lewis in person and meeting such dedicated and powerful women from all over the country at these events.

 

One of my favorite memories was our Charter Day event where I received the Hannah G Solomon award in 2022. I have lots of great memories:volunteering at YESS, JFCS Race with a View, JLB Purim Carnival, Comfort Kit packings, HugPack packings, ELK Festivals. I'm also proud of taking us technically through Long Beach Gives twice and helping for both to be very lucrative for two of our projects.

 

Perhaps, most important is that I helped others by being involved. I am honored that I could use my technical skills to help keep our communications going strong, especially during Covid years, rebuild our website to bring it up to date, keep our membership data accurate and updated, get us out of trouble when we were hacked, hire and supervise a contractor who created lots of PR content for us, and was also known for my proof-reading ability! Communications is never ending and always essential!

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Natalie Swit, VP Programs

For the past 2 years have been Co-VP of Programs which included an annual Book Review, outings to museums, movies at member’s homes and Hanukkah Parties. Additionally, I served along with Michelle Sztraicher as co-VP of Membership for 4 years and Carrie Tinker 1 year.  

  

I started attending Advocacy committee meetings and Board meetings in the fall of 2016 as an observer and Linda Calderon invited me to join the Board because I kept showing up at meetings; I got involved when the Section was planning the 2017 Addie Holzman Conference titled “Homeless at the Beach.”  

 

I Worked with Lisa Raufman to provide written resource materials for the conference attendees. I attended Washington Institute in 2019 and 2022; I attended Sacramento lobby day in 2018 with Barbara Shipnuck, Sharon Brannon, and others.

 

My favorite memory was with the constraints of Covid, I coordinated a joint Zoom meeting with League of Women Voters in March 2021.  The subject was homelessness; we registered almost 90 people and about 70 attended via Zoom; panelists included a representative from the Homeless Services Bureau (Paul Duncan), LINC housing (Suny Lay Chang; LINC is an affordable housing developer); and a philanthropist to discuss how to get more involved (Julie Lie).

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