Sigma Delta Tau & Jewish Women International
History
The partnership between SDT and JWI started in 2002 under SDT National President Beth Gruber. She chose JWI as a new philanthropy partner because she felt both organizations were very similar and SDT was a natural fit for JWI; both were founded by Jewish women and both missions work to empower all women and girls. Our partnership remains valuable in educating women about sexual violence and healthy relationships on college campuses.
“The partnership between SDT and JWI is so incredibly special to me. Each year, I am excited to see how our partnership has grown and how our organizations continue to complement each other. I am especially proud of how our undergraduate women are empowered by work that JWI does and motivated to support the programs and fundraising efforts. I am hopeful that we will continue to spread light together.”
–Beth Gruber (Phi–Penn State),SDT Past National President
Educational Partnership
Jewish Women International provides chapters with prevention-based programming to create stronger and safer communities. Together with Sigma Delta Tau, JWI created Safe Smart Dating in partnership with Zeta Beta Tau. Safe Smart Dating educates participants about sexual assault and dating violence prevention. Students learn crucial lessons including:
- How to ask for consent
- Active bystanders intervention
- Appropriately responding to assault
- Identifiers of unhealthy relationships
- Creating cultures of respect
The strong partnership between JWI and SDT provides beneficial resources to our members to help them navigate today’s college landscape, as well as their lives after graduation.
Together with SDT, JWI has reached countless students on 54 campuses nationwide. In 2023-2024 alone, more than 2000 students experienced the program. Safe Smart Dating has been recognized nationally for its excellence in fraternity/sorority programming.
Learn more about College Anti–Violence Programs.
“One of the many reasons I love JWI is because we are supporting and inspiring Jewish leaders on college campuses through our partnership with Sigma Delta Tau. Together, we are empowering women and watching the world shine brighter.”
–Michelle Carlson (Gamma Psi–Arizona State), Board Chair, JWI Board of Trustees, SDT Past National President
Sigma Delta Tau & JWI: Changing Lives and Building Libraries
Through our ongoing partnership with Jewish Women International (JWI), SDT has raised over $660,000—and counting—to support this meaningful cause.
We are proud to highlight our top fundraising chapters for the 2024–2025 school year:
- Delta Rho – Florida Atlantic University raised an incredible $17,000+ with their Sig Delt Super Bowl event and received Honorable Mention for SDT’s JWI Award.
- Delta Omicron – Kent State University raised over $11,000 through their Greatest Man competition.
- Alpha Theta – University of Maryland raised more than $10,000 with their annual Tea Rose Gala and was honored with SDT’s Jewish Women International Award.
In celebration of Sigma Delta Tau’s centennial, SDT proudly opened a National Library Initiative (NLI) library in New York City, continuing its commitment to empowering women and children through education. Since then, SDT chapters across the country have joined the effort by opening additional libraries in their communities.
To learn more or to donate to a JWI library, restock shelves of books or individual books in honor of Sigma Delta Tau, please visit www.jwi.org/nli.
“There is something so special about the connection between SDT and JWI — it’s a true sisterhood. Our shared understanding that empowered women empower women is a catalyst for change for all women and girls. From our work to build children’s libraries supporting the smallest victims of domestic violence to on campus workshops that empower our SDT sisters with the tools to thrive — together we are building the future leaders of our communities, our workplaces, and our country.”
–Meredith Jacobs, Honorary SDT Initiate, CEO of JWI
Women to Watch
Sigma Delta Tau is proud to have many members honored as JWI’s Women to Watch. The annual event celebrates women who make an impact in their communities, industries, and the world, and amplifies women’s voices to inspire even more difference-making.
Learn more about Women to Watch.
2024
Madison Wallach
Alpha–Cornell
2019
Heidi Brodsky
Beta–UPenn
2018
Beth Spector
Alpha–Cornell
2018
Dr. Logan Levkoff
Beta–UPenn
2017
Pam Sherman
Gamma Mu–Northeastern
2016
Cathy Gildenhorn
Chi–Michigan
2015
Lynn Morgan
Alpha–Cornell
2014
Liz Schrayer
Chi–Michigan
2013
Dr. Bonnie Hartstein
Chi–Michigan
2007
Vivian Bass
Alpha Beta–Rhode Island
Gallery
Learn more about JWI
If you have any further questions on the partnership please reach out to JWI Director and JWI SDT Board of Trustees representative Tami Ackerman via email at TamiRAckerman@gmail.com.