My heartfelt gratitude to Scouting America, Connecticut Rivers Council, for naming me as one of the Influential Women in Connecticut for 2024. It was so kind of them
to recognize my contributions as a clinical social worker and administrator, and most recently, for my books about two women, who against all odds, came from a displaced persons camp and became successful in America due to their resilience, drive, and mutual love.
In my opening remarks at the celebratory brunch, I talked about the power of the principal of “tikkun olam,” Hebrew for improving the world. It was my mother, Sidonia’s, belief in this concept, which I observed and inherited, that has permeated every step that I have taken in my life. My goal has been to have a positive impact on my community and the larger world. I have prided myself on being an agent for effective change to improve the lives of my social work clients, the community, and worldwide readers of my books. The recognition by Scouting America is truly an honor! An added pleasure was meeting Taylor Kinzler of NBC Connecticut, Marjorie Dedrick, Chief Development Officer of CT Rivers Council, and Shannon Smith, Yale Universiry Controller and President of CT Rivers Council.
