Shira Ruderman

Back in 2001, when I first got involved in leading the Ruderman Family Foundation, I often found myself the only woman in the room. That wasn’t especially nerve-racking since I had just wrapped up a stint with the Israeli army’s intelligence unit, so briefing American men in business suits seemed like a cinch. 20 years have passed and luckily the philanthropic world changed dramatically, and I was more than happy to take part in this drift. As a senior executive in the world of social justice, my impact over the past 20 years has focused on disability rights & inclusion, US-Israel relations, and strategic philanthropy. I am a big believer in building sustainable partnerships amongst organisations that have similar goals. One of my proudest achievements was establishing Israel Unlimited, which delivers services and programs for people with disabilities in Israel such as public housing and implemented community services. This was a first of its kind partnership between the Israeli government, a private foundation, and the third sector (JDC). I initiated LINK20, a global social movement led by a network of young activists, with and without disabilities, who rapidly respond to any challenges in the disability community. In Israel, the movement has led to an increased state budget in accessible public transportation. In Hollywood, we launched a successful campaign called the “Ruderman Family Foundation Seal of Authentic Representation”, which advocates for the inclusion and authentic representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry. After three long years of campaigning, CBSViacom, NBCUniversal, Paramount Pictures, and Sony Pictures signed our pledge. The Foundation is also responsible for an Israeli Knesset caucus on Israel-American relations, the establishment of the only master’s degree program in American Jewish Studies at Haifa University and seminars for Knesset members and journalists. I also serve as a board member in Haifa University, Committed to Give, and on the board of directors of the Jewish Philanthropic Network and Fulbright Israel. I am active in the Israel-American Community Organization (IAC) and the FIDF organisation. I was born and raised in a middle class family in Rishon Letzion, Israel. At a certain point of my life I became intimately aware of the barriers people with disabilities have to face in modern society. I promised myself I would always remember where I came from and so my initiatives are all guided under the principles of including each, strengthening all.