Five women were honored by Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy at its annual Women of Strength event on October 28 at the National WWI Museum & Memorial. Each of these women has made a meaningful impact on the Kansas City Jewish community through her philanthropy, involvement and leadership — whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes.
ALICE JACKS ACHTENBERG
An attorney for nearly 40 years, Alice Jacks Achtenberg has served numerous Jewish organizations, including as president of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau and the Jewish Community Foundation.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of: Working with Lauren Hoopes, the then-executive director of the Jewish Community Foundation, during the pandemic. We made certain the Foundation could continue to function in an exemplary manner and made our staff feel safe, secure and optimistic for a better future. We worked to make our fundholders still feel welcome and appreciated.
KARA KAHN BUSH
Kara Kahn Bush is Director of the Bushman Legacy Initiative at the Jewish Community Foundation. She also chairs Jewish Federation’s Young Adults Division and previously served on the KU Hillel board.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of: The Leading with Love gala, [a fundraising event for Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy]. Over the three years I led the event, it grew from a small gathering that raised $1.2 million into an evening that brought together more than 460 people and raised $1.8 million in a single night. This year, the gala raised more than $2 million and I am incredibly proud to have helped lay the foundation for an event that has continued to grow.
BARBIE ROGOFF
A retired accountant and lifelong volunteer, Barbie Rogoff has served on the boards of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and Jewish Federation, and currently is treasurer of Jewish Women Together.
An accomplishment I am most proud of: Helping keep B’nai Jehudah’s monthly legacy of making and delivering 600 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to Micah Ministries, Boys & Girls Club and Hearts & Hands in Belton, Missouri, for many years. Delivering a simple meal of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to Hearts & Hands is a particular joy. The men know my car and eagerly help “Miss Barbie” unload. People ask if a PB&J really makes a difference. Having known hunger, I can say from my heart, “Yes, it does.”
HILARY COHEN SINGER
Hilary Cohen Singer is Executive Director of Jewish Vocational Service, where she has provided mission-focused leadership since 2014. She also serves on University Health’s Ethics Committee.
An accomplishment I am most proud of: Providing steady, mission-focused leadership to Jewish Vocational Service — the honor of my life — in times of great expansion and growth as well as in times of incredible challenge. And more specifically, to have played a part in Operation Allies Welcome, as we resettled hundreds of Afghan nationals who supported U.S. forces. We met the challenge of the first weeks of that effort, which felt more like disaster response than social service, in large part by marshalling the support of hundreds of people across our city.
CARLY STEIN
Carly Stein is Chief Operating Officer of The J and helped lead the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games. She has also served with KU Hillel, Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy and J-LEAD.
An accomplishment I am most proud of: Helping lead the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games in Kansas City. It was an enormous undertaking, but what makes me most proud is what happened beyond the Games themselves. Watching our community come together, break down silos and take ownership of something bigger than any one organization reminded me of what is possible when we work together.