Birmingham Jewish Federation volunteer leader Hilary Gewant, who has made a big impact already as The BJF's New Partnerships Chair, is this year's recipient of the Joanie Plous Bayer Young Leadership Award. The award is given annually to a BJF volunteer, 40 or under, who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, volunteerism and philanthropy. The recipient is decided by The BJF's officers.

Ever since moving to Birmingham eight years ago, Hilary, along with her husband, Scott, has been a generous supporter of The BJF. They also have become heavily involved in and supportive of many facets of our Jewish community.

Hilary is a regular LJCC user (where she takes boxing lessons!), has sent her kids to Temple Emanu-El's Temple Tots program, has played leadership roles at Temple Beth-El and has volunteered for the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center.

On The BJF front, Hilary -- and Scott -- are the driving forces behind "The BJF Literacy Team" (formerly "Fed Up With Illiteracy"), one of the most successful outreach, community relations and volunteer engagement programs The BJF has ever developed. They have broadened the "reach" of The BJF by involving volunteers who have never been involved in BJF projects. In addition, Hilary -- and Scott, who is the BJF's VP for Finance -- have become members of the BJF's Executive Committee and Board.

NEW PARTNERSHIPS

Hilary also has assumed a new Federation portfolio -- New Partnerships Chair. In this role, she has been asked to help us embrace new ways that The BJF can expand its role both in the Jewish community and broader Birmingham community. She already is making an impact, through helping to implement our new PJ Library books program to benefit all the Jewish children of Birmingham; being involved in discussions to make best use of our Jewish community facilities; helping us start a new outreach group for people in their 40s; and expanding our involvement with Birmingham's Glen Iris Elementary School.

Hilary exudes enthusiasm, energy and ideas, and is a joy for our staff professionals to work with. "Hilary is one of the brightest, most committed volunteers we've worked with. She has passion, persistence and a sense of purpose and wants to make good things happen," said Richard Friedman, BJF Executive Director.

As their BJF involvement has grown, the Gewants' generosity has grown. They have increased their support of the BJF and are considering a significant Next 100 Years commitment. They have made the Federation their top community priority and Hilary, along with Scott, continues to grow as a Federation leader. We congratulate them both on Hilary's award.

"BEST ACCOMPLISHMENT"

Hilary, who grew up in Montgomery, and is the daughter of Teri Aronov and the late Sam Diamond, received her bachelor's degree magna cum laude from the University of Georgia in psychology with a minor in English. She has a master's degree in biological psychology from American University and a master's degree in clinical research administration from George Washington University.

Before becoming a full-time mom and volunteer, Hilary worked in Birmingham as a research coordinator at UAB's Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital. She and Scott have three children -- Harris, 7, Ansley, 4 and Schuyler, 2. "My family is my best accomplishment!" says Hilary.

She also has a lot of pride in her BJF volunteer work. "Throughout my life, I have been taught that being Jewish is something special. To me, it is not only that but also much more. Being Jewish defines my past, present and future. It is an understanding that I am part of something greater than myself, it makes me want to leave the world a better place for my children and my community and, most importantly, it means giving back in whatever way possible," explains Hilary. "My involvement with The Birmingham Jewish Federation allows me to do all of these things."

The Young Leadership award was established in 1985 to honor the late Joanie Bayer, an outstanding young volunteer who died of breast cancer. Hilary will receive the award Monday night, Dec. 12 at a major BJF/Israel Bonds community program. Also that evening, Lisa Engel will receive The BJF's Susan J. Goldberg Distinguished Volunteer Award, and Pat Weil will receive The Birmingham Jewish Foundation's N.E. Miles Lifetime Achievement Award. (Watch Update for details as the event nears.)