Photo courtesy of NCJW | Dr. Jeanette Epps, a former NASA astronaut and aerospace engineer.
National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan (NCJW|MI) will host its annual Women of Vision fundraising event on Thurs. Oct. 8 at Adat Shalom Synagogue (29901 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334). This year’s inspiring keynote speaker will be Dr. Jeanette Epps, a former NASA astronaut and aerospace engineer who spent over 233 days aboard the International Space Station as a mission specialist for the Space X Crew-8. Dr. Epps has contributed to critical research, maintained complex space systems and collaborated with international partners to advance human space exploration. She is also a former CIA intelligence officer. Dr. Epps is renowned for her engaging and authentic speaking style, seamlessly blending her technical expertise with fascinating personal narratives about her career and life. For more information on the Women of Vision event, which includes, boutiques on site, luncheon and a raffle, or to buy tickets, go to ncjwmi.org/women-of-vision.
President of NCJW|MI Margo Stocker described Dr. Epps as a trailblazing NASA astronaut with a career that many people could only dream about.
“Our event acknowledges the wonderful achievements of women and Dr. Epps is an outstanding example of a woman who has achieved so much in a largely male-dominated field, and whose contributions to science and space exploration continue to benefit humanity. We are all looking forward to hearing some of her out-of-this-world stories,” she said.
Dr. Epps said that part of her talk will be about resilience. “Women are resilient because we are always willing to do what it takes to be called resilient. Resilience is earned!” she says. Dr. Epps says that people often describe her in this way because she had to overcome many obstacles to get a space mission, but she believes that her mother was incredible resilient because she went through a divorce after having seven children and she has seen so many other women do what it takes to thrive.
The fundraising luncheon will also honor long time community volunteer Carolyn Tisdale with the Woman of Vision award.
Tisdale had chaired the Board of Directors of Mazon and co-chaired the Bookstock Fund. Her other notable roles include serving as President of the Hebrew Free Loan and the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit, and she is a proud supporter of National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan and participates in the annual Back2School Store.
The Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network, founded in 1999, will be presented with the Josephine S. Weiner Community Service Award. President and CEO of the network, Rabbi Joseph Krakoff, said: “JHCN is deeply honored to receive this meaningful recognition from NCJW|MI. We are privileged to walk alongside individuals and their families every day as they face life’s final chapter. At JHCN, we offer comfort, compassion, and unwavering support while honoring the dignity and humanity of every person in our care. This award is a powerful affirmation of the importance of our mission and shines a light on the sacred work we are privileged to do.”
The Women of Vision event will support NCJW|MI’s many community impact projects and social justice advocacy work.
Recent projects of the 135-year-old organization include the Back 2 School Store, which provides free clothing and school supplies to 700 Detroit children in need annually, the Backpack project which provides backpacks and school supplies to more than 1,000 homeless and low-income students in Oakland County, literacy outreach, fleece blankets for hospitalized children, and Kosher Meals on Wheels. The organization is at the forefront of voter advocacy, women’s reproductive rights and gun safety, holding programs and educational initiatives to promote these issues.
Tickets for the Women of Vision event are available at several donation levels, starting at $54. Registration is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.; boutiques are open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; meet and greet with Dr. Jeanette Epps, for patrons, is from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. speaker and awards presentation; 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. will be luncheon and door prizes; 2 p.m. will be a 50/50 raffle. Complimentary valet parking is available. For more information on the event, or to buy tickets, go to ncjwmi.org/women-of-vision.
About the National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan
Founded in 1891 and inspired by Jewish values, National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan has maintained a progressive stance on issues at the local, state, and national levels. It is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates committed to social justice and a call for action, ‘Powerful Voices. Progressive Change’. The mission of supporters is to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
