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Washington, DC— Jewish Women International (JWI), the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls, has elected Vivian G. Bass, of Bethesda, Md., chair of its board of trustees. Bass, who was honored as the Sondra D. Bender Community Leadership Woman to Watch honoree by the progressive women’s organization in 2007, has been a member of the board since 2011 and was elected vice-chair in June 2013. After 30 years of leadership at the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes (JFGH), she currently serves as the organization’s CEO Emeritus.

“Vivian is a remarkable leader and visionary,” said JWI CEO Lori Weinstein. “Her commitment and dedication as a JWI board member, as our vice- chair and as the chair elect, have strengthened her dedication and support of the organization. She is extraordinarily supportive of the mission and work of JWI and her leadership will help to strengthen our organization in every way.”

Bass has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life, independence, community inclusion and dignity of individuals with disabilities on a non-sectarian basis throughout the Washington, D.C. area, nationally and internationally. She has served as a consultant to more than 25 communities over five continents. In addition to being sought as a speaker for major national and international disabilities and/or Jewish conferences, serving on numerous boards, and playing a pivotal role in a myriad of consortiums and legislative/consumer advocacy efforts, Vivian has been the recipient of many distinctions including 'Washingtonian of the Year' by Washingtonian magazine.

“I didn’t know much about JWI when they named me a ‘Woman to Watch’ in 2007, but I quickly fell in love,” said Bass. “To feel like I am part of an organization that helps all women and girls thrive in safe homes and healthy relationships is a gift. I am inspired by the children’s libraries JWI builds in domestic violence shelters and our financial literacy workshops for women of all ages. And, as someone who has both benefited from mentors and served as a mentor, I look forward to deepening my engagement with JWI’s Young Women’s Leadership Network.”

Bass succeeds Kim Oster-Holstein of Chicago, who will now serve as the non-profit's board of trustees immediate past chair and is joined by Ellen Stone of New York, who has been elected vice-chair. Oster-Holstein is co-founder of Kim & Scott’s Crave Bar; Stone is executive vice president of marketing for Bravo and Oxygen Media.

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Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls domestically and internationally. JWI is a Steering Committee member of NO MORE and the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women and convenes the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Clergy Task Force to End Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community, and is a member of the Gun Violence Table. JWI’s advocacy efforts focus on the passage of legislation that supports women and girls, ensures their economic security, and protects their right to live free of violence.

Vivian G. Bass elected Chair of the Board of Trustees for Jewish Women International