Sherri Ketai Becomes First National Chair from Detroit

News Summary

Sherri Ketai is set to make history as Detroit’s first national chair of the National Women’s Philanthropy organization, part of Jewish Federations. Officially installed on June 11, her leadership aims to uplift communities and empower future women philanthropists. With over two decades of community service and significant contributions, Ketai is committed to addressing critical issues and fostering philanthropic initiatives. Her rich history in volunteer work includes influential roles and impactful programs that connect communities.

Detroit Welcomes Sherri Ketai as First Chair of National Women’s Philanthropy

Detroit’s Sherri Ketai is set to make history as the first national chair from the city for the National Women’s Philanthropy organization, a part of Jewish Federations. She will be officially installed in New York on June 11, with her role commencing on July 1. At 62 years old, Ketai has dedicated over two decades to philanthropy and community service, particularly within Jewish communal life.

Ketai has served on the National Women’s Philanthropy board for eight years, proving her commitment to advancing charitable initiatives. In her new role, she aims to uplift communities and empower future generations of women philanthropists. Her leadership experience includes numerous local committee chair and officer positions, illustrating her deep roots in volunteer work.

A Seasoned Volunteer Leader

Raised in the Detroit area and a product of Birmingham schools, Ketai graduated from Michigan State University before moving to Chicago, where she began her career as a sales executive. She met her husband, James Ketai, who has been influential in the Detroit business landscape as a co-founder of Bedrock Detroit and current CEO of Essex Title. The couple has three sons: Adam, Evan, and Josh.

Ketai’s passion for community service ignited shortly after her marriage in 1989 when she began volunteering at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, where she chaired the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). In 2019, she joined the Women’s Philanthropy board and served as co-chair, continuing her longstanding involvement in various leadership initiatives, including the Sherman Campaign Leadership Program and numerous missions to Israel.

Achievements and Initiatives

Among her notable achievements is the establishment of the Israeli Camper program in 2005, designed to bring hundreds of Israeli youth to Michigan for summer camps. This program has not only enriched the lives of the campers but also fostered long-lasting relationships with host families, influencing similar initiatives in other federations.

Ketai’s leadership extends to chairing committees focused on teen missions and the Partnership 2GETHER initiative. She is also a supporter of NEXTGen Detroit, which seeks to engage young adults in philanthropy. Her goals as the national chair include advocating for women’s endowments, addressing antisemitism, and providing support to local organizations with limited resources.

A Community Leader’s Vision

Ketai acknowledges the increased community giving following recent conflicts in Gaza and emphasizes the importance of the Jewish community taking responsibility for its own issues. She is recognized by federation professionals as an energetic leader with a strong passion for philanthropy, often crediting her achievements to positive role models among past female leaders in the community.

Having participated in approximately 25 trips to Israel, Ketai has a firsthand understanding of international philanthropy and its potential to create meaningful change. Now, as she steps into her role as chair of National Women’s Philanthropy, she carries with her a commitment to empowering others and addressing critical issues facing her community.

In summary, Sherri Ketai’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Detroit and the National Women’s Philanthropy organization. With a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future, she is poised to make a profound impact in her new leadership role.

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Additional Resources

• The Jewish News: Sherri Ketai to be Installed as Chair of National Women’s Philanthropy
• Wikipedia: Jewish philanthropy
• eJewish Philanthropy: Daily Phil – Jewish Philanthropists Make Big Bet on Climate Change
• Google Search: Jewish philanthropy
• The Jewish News: JFS Celebrates Community and Honors Local Heroes
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Philanthropy
• The Jewish News: Board Members and Donors Honored at Hebrew Free Loan’s Annual Meeting
• Google News: Jewish community initiatives