Kerry Kertesz Receives Yanowitz Award

Donna Yanowitz presents Kerry Kertesz of University Heights with the 2017 Bennett and Donna Yanowitz Leadership Award.

Kerry Kertesz of University Heights has been awarded the 2017 Bennett and Donna Yanowitz Leadership Award by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. The award recognizes and honors an outstanding young individual who has demonstrated commitment, involvement, and leadership within Cleveland’s Jewish community. Kertesz was presented the award at the Federation’s Board meeting on March 14.

“As I receive the Yanowitz Award, I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of so many outstanding young leaders who have come before me,” Kertesz said. “I have a strong passion for making our Jewish community a better place today, so that future generations can thrive.”

Kertesz started volunteering in the Jewish communal world with the Federation’s Young Leadership Division (YLD), where she served as Chair for several committees and events from 2012 to 2017. She now plays an active role in the Community Relations Committee (CRC), where she acts as a convener between both new and senior members alike, serving as co-chair for the New Member Subcommittee, and is heavily involved in the CRC’s Latino outreach work.

“Kerry is a thoughtful and bright leader, and a true rising star in the CRC,” said Brad Schlang, Community Relations Committee Chair. “She is one of the key people in our leadership pipeline.”

In addition to her involvement with the Federation, Kertesz has been active with numerous Jewish organizations. She is a Founding Chair of Park Synagogue’s Young Mensches and the Regional Board Chair of ORT Next Generation.

The Bennett and Donna Yanowitz Leadership Award replaced the Marvin and Milton Kane Award, previously known as the Ed Baker Award. The award has been given annually since the early 1960’s. As recipient of the Yanowitz Award, Kertesz is invited to join the Cleveland delegation to a General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America.