Jewish Women International Brings Leadership to the New Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake

The new Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake brings together a diverse coalition of Jewish organizations — including Jewish Women International, Congregation Kneseth Israel, Temple Beth Shalom, Temple Solel, Congregation Kol Shalom, Hadassah, Jewish War Veterans and others — to create a stronger, more connected Jewish community across the region.

One of the key groups involved in the new Federation is Jewish Women International (JWI). For generations, Jewish Women International has championed women and girls — ending gender-based violence, promoting economic security, and advancing women’s leadership. It is led in Annapolis by longtime star leaders Ellen Baron and Laura Sutton. Locally, JWI Tradition Chapter #1468 has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in Anne Arundel County, bringing women together through learning, friendship, and community action. Their example reminds us that when Jewish women lead with compassion and purpose, the light of our community shines ever brighter. JWI’s Tradition Chapter has led with decades of commitment to Jewish values, service, and leadership that is helping to strengthen our region’s growing Jewish community.

A Legacy of Jewish Women Leading for Good

Founded in 1897 as the Daughters of Judah — the first B’nai B’rith auxiliary — now JWI, has evolved into a global leader advocating for gender equity and safety. Today, it envisions “a world, free of violence and inequity, where all women and girls thrive.”

Locally, Tradition Chapter embodies that vision. Under the thoughtful leadership of Laura Sutton, who has served as JWI National Vice President, and Ellen Baron, who leads the chapter’s community outreach, the group continues to inspire engagement and purpose. Well known for their book club and kindness, together, they have built a vibrant space where women support one another and make a difference through education, philanthropy, and advocacy. JWI’s Tradition Chapter has an active on-line membership celebrating many years of friendship and connection.

Each year, Jewish Women International’s global leadership proudly honors an extraordinary group of trailblazing Jewish women who are redefining leadership, shaping industries, and lifting up their communities at a Women to Watch Awards Gala Luncheon. This year it will be held Monday, December 15 in Washington, DC. The 2025 Women to Watch are bold thinkers, changemakers, and visionaries whose work is building a more equitable, compassionate, and empowered future. JWI is thrilled to introduce this year’s honorees, women you’ll want to know, celebrate, and follow.

You can join JWI in Washington, DC from Sunday December 14th through Monday the 15th, for two meaningful days of connection, conversation, and community. The weekend begins with their signature conference on Sunday, offering dynamic sessions on leadership, impact and so much more. Then, on Monday, the group comes together for their annual luncheon, where they will honor the 2025 Women to Watch, extraordinary Jewish women making a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. Participants can attend one or join for both. To learn more about Jewish Women International, visit www.jwi.org.

JWI is a part of the new Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake. JFedA-C is building and sustaining a flourishing Jewish community that is safe, caring, inclusive, and engaged. Guided by Jewish values, the new and completely volunteer-led Federation works collaboratively to combat antisemitism, support Israel and global Jewry, and ensure that Jews of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can learn, serve, and celebrate together. To get involved with the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake, visit JFedA-C.org or email INFO@JFedA-C.org.