Woman of the Year, Jane Brenner, a Lion of Judah and the 2022 recipient of the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, was raised in LaSalle-Peru, Illinois, as the only Jewish student in her high school. Her life has been defined by a strong commitment to philanthropy and the preservation of Jewish culture. After moving to El Paso, Texas, Jane deepened her connection to her Jewish roots through her temple youth group and summers at Camp Swig in California. More than 35 years ago, she relocated to Irvine, where she and her husband raised their children. Jane became active with Women's ORT and University Synagogue before joining the Jewish Federation. Over the years, she has taken on numerous leadership roles within the Women's Philanthropy Council, including serving as vice president of education, vice president of leadership development, and co-chair of Women's VOICES. She has also co-chaired the Pomegranates and Lion of Judah committees and helped establish the Lion of Judah committee for outreach and personal connection to foster deeper relationships among members.

Guest Speaker Jennifer Weiner, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, is celebrated for her rich storytelling that weaves together humor, heart, and deeply relatable characters. Raised in a Jewish family in Connecticut, her upbringing shaped not only her personal identity but also her creative voice. As a daughter, mother, and wife, Weiner draws on her Jewish values of resilience, community, and tradition in her writing and advocacy. Her novels, including "Good in Bed" and "In Her Shoes," often reflect the complexities of family, identity, and the cultural tapestry of Jewish life. Weiner's commitment to elevating women's stories has made her a champion for diversity and inclusion in literature, as well as a role model for balancing faith, family, and professional achievement. With over 11 million books in print across 36 languages, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide, bringing Jewish narratives and values to the forefront of contemporary fiction.