Pam Sherman Elected Chair of Jewish Women International Board of Trustees
Rochester-based leadership consultant, actor, writer and lawyer elected to lead board as JWI enters new strategic chapter
WASHINGTON — Jewish Women International (JWI) announced today that Pam Sherman of Rochester, N.Y., has been elected chair of its board of trustees, effective June 10, 2026.
Sherman, a leadership coach and consultant, actor, writer, lawyer and 2017 Jewish Women International Women to Watch honoree, succeeds Michelle Carlson of Las Vegas as chair. Carlson remains a member of the board of trustees.
Through her company, The ShermanEDGE, Sherman coaches executives at Fortune 50 companies, professional firms and global leadership organizations on leadership, communications and business development. She is the bestselling author of the new book “Play You, the Role of a Lifetime,” which explores how to bridge the believability gap to help boost confidence, connection and impact. Sherman’s column, “The Suburban Outlaw,” was published on the USA Today Network for 15 years. Her one-woman show “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End” has played to sold-out audiences around the country.
Sherman assumes the role as JWI enters a new strategic chapter, with 2027 marking the organization’s 130th anniversary year, the 25th annual Women to Watch leadership celebration and the launch of its Knowledge Center, a digital hub of training, tools and resources for organizations and professionals working in domestic violence prevention and survivor support. As vice chair, Sherman proudly led the board’s Strategic Planning Task Force in 2026.
The announcement follows the April 2026 release of survey findings from “Unpacking the Experiences of Young Jewish-American Women in a Post-October 7th World,” a national survey of hundreds of Jewish women across 35 states and Washington, D.C. Ninety percent of respondents reported experiencing antisemitism since October 7. In response, JWI has launched Holding Space, a free weekly virtual support group for young Jewish women, and Strong, Seen, and Successful: Jewish Women at Work, a three-part workshop series beginning July 22 in New York City.
“Pam understands both JWI’s mission and the responsibility of helping guide an organization at a pivotal moment,” said Meredith Jacobs, CEO of Jewish Women International. “She brings energy, focus and a strong commitment to the women and girls JWI serves, and I am grateful to have her partnership as JWI enters this next chapter.”
Sherman has been active in Jewish and civic life in Rochester, having served as a moderator, host and auctioneer for local Jewish organizations including Temple Beth El, the Rochester Jewish Book Festival and the JCC Gala. Her board leadership, philanthropic and advocacy work has benefited many local organizations, including Gilda’s Club of Rochester, the Young Women’s College Prep Charter School, Geva Theater and NY Kitchen, among others.
“JWI’s mission is longstanding and urgently important,” Sherman said. “At a time when Jewish women and girls are seeking safety and connection, JWI helps them build healthy relationships, grow economic security, and empowers their leadership. I am honored to serve as chair and grateful for the opportunity to work with Meredith Jacobs, JWI’s CEO, the entire board and the JWI community as we grow our legacy of impact.”
Carlson began serving as chair in July 2023 and has been a longtime champion of JWI’s partnership with Sigma Delta Tau Sorority on sexual assault and dating violence prevention, including Safe Smart Dating, a workshop that has reached more than 4,000 students on nearly 50 campuses nationwide, and Sigma Delta Tau’s Centennial dedication of a JWI library in a domestic violence shelter in New York City.
“Michelle helped guide JWI through a period that included strategic planning, expanded programming and the national survey that is now informing JWI’s work with young Jewish women,” Jacobs said. “JWI is stronger because of her leadership as chair, and we are grateful that she will continue serving as a trustee.”
About Jewish Women International
Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading organization dedicated to making the world safer for Jewish women and girls. For more than a century, JWI has worked to end gender-based violence and the conditions that allow it to persist, build economic security and advance Jewish women’s leadership.