Stefanie Tuzman

The word Tzedakah in Hebrew means philanthropy, charity and a form of social justice in which the donor benefits from giving as much or more than the recipients.  This concept is an integral cornerstone of Jewish life.  Stefanie Tuzman discovered her passion for giving and for working in the nonprofit world and, in particular, with the Jewish community of Las Vegas in 2007. “My work has literally become my life,” says Tuzman.  “I met my husband Jon in 2009 through the Jewish Federation, now called Jewish Nevada, and many of the contacts I have made through this work have become my closest friends.” Tuzman has worked in just about every area of the Federation and is the new President and CEO of the organization. “I am so blessed to have the opportunity to help lead the organization to make a great impact in our community, which represents more than 70,000 Jews in Southern Nevada.”

Jewish Nevada is a 50+ year philanthropic organization that strives to build vibrant and thriving communities and support the Jewish life. In her role, Tuzman works to help raise dollars needed to sustain the other agencies in the community that are helping to build and maintain that life, not only in Las Vegas, but around the world. “I’m so proud of the work that we do in our community and beyond,” she said. “No other organization touches so many different lives from the generous support of individuals and businesses, whether it be day school or preschool scholarships, providing camp scholarships, support for Holocaust survivors or helping to feed the less fortunate with a food pantry.  We’re dedicated to helping people throughout the community whether or not they are Jewish.” 

Jewish Nevada raises dollars to assist those in need throughout all phases of life. The organization hosts a number of events and galas to raise awareness and funds for these initiatives. Pomegranate 2019 coming this March, for one, is the Jewish Nevada’s Women’s Philanthropy council event featuring guest speaker Essie Weingarten, founder of Essie Cosmetics, which hopes to raise critical funds to support their efforts. “I put all my time and energy into my work, helping to grow and sustain our community, but the community has given so much in return,” says Tuzman. 

The organization offers a variety of ways to get involved from JCC activities just for kids and families, to those for men, women and young leaders. “Education, volunteerism and donations are key in keeping Jewish Nevada a top-level organization that helps others. Through our grant, scholarship and loan programs, we make educational, medical and religious endeavors affordable and enhance the lives of those living in Nevada.”

Tuzman is not only proud of her accomplishments with Jewish Nevada but of the life and family she’s created along the way.  Las Vegas has given her many memorable moments, from her husband’s proposal at Picasso in front of the Bellagio fountains to the birth of their daughter, Tova two and a half years ago and acquiring their family Beagle named Brie. When she’s not working hard at Jewish Nevada, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking with her husband and trying new dining experiences. “Everything I do is to help create a vibrant Jewish future for those who live here and especially my young family.” For information on the programs of Jewish Nevada visit Jewishnevada.org.