Women in Business Panel
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Downtown Seattle*
Cocktails and appetizers**
Join us for an evening of learning and connection with Jewish women in the Seattle area across generations!
In this inaugural event of the newly launched Women’s Philanthropy program, three incredible women will share their professional journeys, lessons learned, and experiences navigating different stages of work and life. From building careers to transitioning into retirement to juggling family life in between, this evening is for women of all ages, whether you’re working professionally or taking a career break!
*Location provided closer to the event. **Dietary laws observed.
Women in Business Panel
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Downtown Seattle*
Cocktails and appetizers**
Join us for an evening of learning and connection with Jewish women in the Seattle area across generations!
In this inaugural event of the newly launched Women’s Philanthropy program, four incredible women will share their professional journeys, lessons learned, and experiences navigating different stages of work and life. From building careers to transitioning into retirement to juggling family life in between, this evening is for women of all ages, whether you’re working professionally or taking a career break!
Our Panelists
Aline Flower
Associate General Counsel,
Gates Foundation
Ellie Halevy
Former VP, Food & Lobby, Starbucks
Current: Sammamish High School Teacher
Judy Neuman
Former CEO, SJCC
Current: Jewish Community Lay Leader
Judy was the Chief Executive Officer of the Stroum Jewish Community Center from 2009 to 2017. Growing up and starting her career as a camp counselor at the Long Beach JCC, she came full circle to lead the only JCC in the state of Washington. Prior to joining the SJCC, Judy spent 30 years in the consumer marketplace.
Judy was Managing Partner at CenterStone Executive Search. From 1999 to 2006, Judy was a Partner at Maveron LLC, a Venture Capital Firm in Seattle. From 1990 to 1999, Judy worked at Eddie Bauer and became Vice President of Interactive Media, launching the Eddie Bauer e-commerce platform in 1995.
Judy is most proud of her lay leadership in the Jewish non-profit sector. Currently, Judy holds the Vice-Chair role at Samis Foundation, becoming Board Chair in April 2026. Neuman also serves on the national board of the Foundation for Jewish Camp. She held numerous lay leader roles for the Jewish Federation, including General Campaign Chair, Co-Founder of the Young Leadership Division, Chair of the Planning & Allocations committee, and a member of the Board of Directors. Judy spent 15 years on the Board of Jewish Family Service, serving as Board President, Co-Chair of the JFS $25M capital campaign, and Co-Chair of Strategic Planning.
Judy is a Wexner Fellow, graduating with the first Seattle cohort in 1997, a member of JFNA Young Leadership Cabinet in the early 90s, and a member of Congregation Herzl Ner Tamid for the past 20 years.
Judy lives in Seattle with her husband, Nissim, and has three adult children – Daniel, Adam, and Maya.
Moderated by
Moderated by
Lynne Herer Smith
Strategic Advisor & Federation Board Member
Lynne Herer Smith is a strategic advisor to business and philanthropic organizations. During her career, she has guided business transformations for more than 40 organizations, primarily in the healthcare, technology, pharmaceutical, financial services, and social impact sectors. She has built and led teams internally as well as served as an advisor to design the infrastructure and cultural shifts that enable rapid growth, sustained scale, and positive impact.
Lynne has held senior leadership positions with The Gates Foundation, Jones Lang LaSalle, as well as finance and strategy roles with both privately held companies and Fortune 500 global corporations. She taught corporate finance at DePaul University in Chicago and has been a speaker on a variety of topics including venture integration, change acceleration, and building effective team cultures. Lynne’s experience as a Lean/Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Human Centered Designer, and Change Management expert, has enabled her to guide organizations in implementing practices that reduce the risk of strategy execution not meeting intended outcomes.
Lynne received her MBA in finance and strategy from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BS in finance and accounting from the University of Florida.
Lynne is an active board member for the Holocaust Center for Humanity, Jewish Family Services, and Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. She is an avid traveler and reader. She and her husband are the parents of three young adults, all of whom work in Seattle’s vibrant tech sector.
Ticket Tiers
Event Patron – $180
Includes reserved seating
Regular Admission – $54
Young Adult Admission – $36
Under 30
Questions?
Reach out to Marika Cohen, Associate Director of Development,
at marikac@jewishinseattle.org.
