A Message on HBI’s 25th Anniversary from Diane Troderman, Current Member and Founding Chair of our Board of Advisors
Amazing how 25 years have flown by since Shula Reinharz asked me to be the first chair of the HBI. I don’t remember exactly what I thought HBI encompassed, but Shula definitely had a big vision. I had deep respect for my then professor Sylvia Barack Fishman who would become Shula’s co-director. That sealed the deal. It was an amazing journey to be part of history in the making.
HBI was transformational for me and anyone who came into contact with the Institute. I don’t think I would have called myself a feminist at the time, but I became more informed and proud of the opportunities afforded to academic Jewish women, including research grants that validated their work that examined issues through a gendered lens. As time went on, we had events bringing together these women writers and researchers from all over the world, sharing ideas, learning from one another and discussing current issues. Our advisory board traveled as well to destinations like London and Israel to meet with our grantees.
Over 25 years, HBI has hosted several hundred scholars, authors and interns – some of whom are now out in the world in positions tied to institutes like synagogues, universities and nonprofit organizations. I love the entrepreneurial spirit vibrating through our mission. We are definitely making an impact in the world and I feel blessed to be able to contribute to it.
Diane Troderman has held numerous leadership positions in the Jewish community on local, national and international levels. Learn more about Diane Troderman and the entire HBI Board of Advisors.