Unchained At Last’s founder and executive director, Fraidy Reiss, has been chosen as one of 10 social entrepreneurs for this year’s Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York Collective.
The Collective, established in 2019, is an incubator for Jewish women changemakers who address critical societal needs and issues, both existing and emerging, with the innovation and determination to make meaningful systemic change and inspire others.
Reiss, a forced marriage survivor turned activist, was selected for her work to end forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and advocacy. Through Unchained, Reiss has started a national movement to eliminate child marriage in every U.S. state – and already has helped to achieve historic legislative victories in six U.S. states.
“I am honored to be chosen for The Collective and deeply humbled to be included among such extraordinary women leaders,” Reiss said. “Thank you, JWFNY, for believing not only in my mission to eradicate forced and child marriage but in my ability to achieve that mission.”
Reiss and the nine others were selected from a pool of nearly 350 social entrepreneurs. JWFNY introduced and honored them April 27 at an in-person and live-streamed event inaugurating the foundation’s 25th anniversary.
“As the entire world searches for and adopts new paradigms, JWFNY is privileged to partner with each of these remarkable leaders, elevate them and provide them with opportunities to advance and amplify their work,” said Jamie Allen Black, CEO of JWFNY.
Members of The Collective receive two years of capacity building and general operating support, professional development funding and immersive study of leadership and organizational growth. In addition, they get access to a formal and dynamic network of Jewish women visionaries and philanthropists for idea exchanges, support and collaboration, as well as a prominent platform to raise awareness of their work, issue areas and impact.
“[This] represents what is possible when women leaders with moral courage are recognized, encouraged and supported with strategic philanthropic investment,” said Rachel Weinstein, president of JWFNY.
