Distinguished Additions Enhance Expertise to Support Non-Profits Advancing Equity and Social Justice
Elluminate, a national organization empowering feminist Jewish non-profit leaders and philanthropists advancing equity and social change today announced the appointment of three accomplished women to its Board of Directors: Amy Neu, a real estate executive and educator; Avra Gordis, an entrepreneur, educator, and social worker; and Nina Smith, an internationally- recognized leader in human rights and social enterprise.
These Board members join Elluminate at a pivotal moment in advancing women’s leadership to deliver impactful, measurable improvements for many of our most challenging social issues, supporting the efforts of founders, CEOs and directors of non-profits through a Jewish values and gender lens.
Elluminate currently supports dozens of organizations and their leaders who are tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time.
“The non-profit leaders supported by Elluminate are advancing bold solutions, and shaping the future of their communities and society at local, regional, national, and international levels,” stated Melanie Roth Gorelick, CEO of Elluminate. “Our Board of Directors is deeply engaged in sharing their support and knowledge to accelerate goal achievement with passion and innovation, activating with purpose and partnership across all constituents,” she continued. “With the help of our new Board members, we will continue to create synergies between all of the women leaders we support, and together we can and will accomplish social change,” Gorelick concluded.
Amy Neu is an accomplished real estate executive with more than 20 years of experience in asset management and development. She has managed a national portfolio of commercial properties and led large-scale development projects across the country. In addition to her professional work, Amy is an educator and thought leader, teaching at both the Schack Institute of Real Estate and Fordham University.
Avra Gordis is a social worker, educator, and entrepreneur with a longstanding commitment to Jewish women’s leadership and community engagement. She previously served on the Board of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York — Elluminate’s predecessor organization — and her return reflects a deep and continued commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls. Avra has remained actively engaged with Elluminate through its Visionary Circle Program and in strengthening connections across U.S. and Israeli communities.
Nina Smith is an internationally recognized leader in human rights and social enterprise. A former member of Elluminate’s leadership advancement program, The Collective, Nina now joins the Board bringing both lived experience within Elluminate’s leadership pipeline and global expertise. As the founding CEO of GoodWeave International, she built one of the leading global initiatives combating child and forced labor in supply chains. She now advises organizations on human rights strategy and social impact and has received numerous international awards for her leadership.
About Elluminate
Elluminate empowers Jewish women nonprofit leaders and philanthropists to advance equity and social justice. Established in 1995, Elluminate supports women driving change across sectors and communities through leadership development, funding, and a growing global network.
Elluminate’s work reflects what is possible when women leaders are resourced, connected, and supported to lead — strengthening communities and advancing a more just and equitable future.