About JWF

Judy R. Roscow Young Women’s Legacy Award

Judy Roscow was a woman of incredible character, a trailblazer, a leader in the Jewish community, and deeply committed to empowering young women and girls. She had a profound impact on everyone she met and was passionate about making a difference in the lives of those in need.

A native Pittsburgher, Judy began her career as a teacher with a belief in the value of education for all. With an entrepreneurial spirit, she soon opened a plant store, the Potted Plant, and coauthored the cookbook, Dining in Pittsburgh. Judy then found her calling in philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh where she rose to become the first female campaign director. Building on her passion for advocacy on behalf of women and girls, she co-founded the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Pittsburgh in 2000. JWF is the first foundation in Western Pennsylvania created specifically to address the needs of women and girls in both the Jewish and general communities.  Later in life, she served on many boards, including the Fine Foundation and the Pittsburgh Promise. During her lifetime, she was a role model for many young women.  

After Judy passed away on June 17, 2025, the Roscow family and the Jewish Women’s Foundation established the Judy R. Roscow Young Women’s Legacy Award in her memory and to honor her lifelong commitment and dedication to helping young women and girls.

June 3, 2026 marked the inaugural award date. JWF and the Roscow family were proud to present the award to the following two young women, each of whom embody Judy Roscow’s values in meaningful and inspiring ways.  

LeAnn Reynolds  11th Grade / Pittsburgh CAPA Nominated by: Hill Dance Academy Theatre Award Criteria: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Community Leadership Next Steps: LeAnn plans to pursue a college degree in dance, choreography, and business.		Lily Sassani 12th Grade / Burrell High School Nominated by: Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh Award Criteria: Education and Community Leadership Next Steps: Lily plans to pursue a B.A. in Visual Communication and Design at Kent State.

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