honoring:
Nancy Buck, Celia Segel and Norma Shapiro
and presenting J Street’s Seeker of Justice Award to:
Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman
Former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs,
Lead Negotiator for the Iran Nuclear Agreement
Monday, December 4 | 6:30pm
Beat Brasserie
13 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA
In a time of political turmoil and real threats to our goals and values in Israel and here at home, J Street is giving voice to the American Jewish majority and fighting for pro-Israel, diplomacy-first policies in Washington and in communities across the country. Through important successes like defending the Iran nuclear agreement and building the nation’s largest pro-Israel PAC, we have demonstrated the growing influence and impact of our movement. As we head into a vital election year, J Street is prepared to make a major impact in the battle for political change. Join J Street as we celebrate three women, Nancy Buck, Celia Segel and Norma Shapiro, all of whom have demonstrated incredible leadership in pursuit of a better and brighter future for the United States, Israel and the American Jewish community.
Nancy Buck combines her longtime interest in social justice and politics with professional training in law and social work. In her native Canada, and in the US for almost 30 years, Nancy has focused on conflict resolution in a wide variety of settings. Nancy is a graduate of the University of Toronto School of Social Work, Osgoode Hall Law School (Toronto), and Yale Law School. Nancy was a longtime Trustee and Executive Committee member of the Rashi School. In 2008, she joined the MA Obama Steering Committee and was an early supporter of J Street. Currently, Nancy chairs J Street Boston, co-chairs the PAC committee, and is a member of J Street’s National Board.
Celia Segel works at the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), helping to shape how pharmaceuticals are priced in the U.S. Previously, Celia served as Political Director at NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts and as an organizer at Health Care For All, leading several statewide campaigns to improve access to health care. She has worked on a number of political campaigns in Pennsylvania, Vermont and Massachusetts, and spent a year in DC working for Senator Al Franken in 2009. Celia first became involved with J Street in 2009, helping to launch a kickoff event at Temple Emanuel in Newton. From 2014-2016, Celia served as Advocacy Chair for the J Street Boston Executive Committee, training local leaders to hold advocacy events regionally. Celia holds a Masters in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelors degree from Carleton College.
Norma Shapiro has spent her life advocating for public education, women’s issues and anti-discrimination measures. Norma worked as a legislative lobbyist for the ACLU of Massachusetts for 20 years. Prior to this, she served as the Director and Legislative Director at the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, and as President of the Council for Fair School Finance. She currently serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Board for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Massachusetts and for Citizens for Public Schools. She is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, and for Kids Count. Norma began her work with J Street upon her retirement in 2009. She is a member of J Street’s National Finance Committee and a District Advocacy Coordinator for MA’s 3rd District.
Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman is Senior Counselor at Albright Stonebridge Group and former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. She is a Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations as well as the Aspen Strategy Group. Ambassador Sherman led the US negotiating team that reached agreement on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action between the P5+1, the European Union and Iran for which, among other diplomatic accomplishments, she was awarded the National Security Medal by President Barack Obama. Prior to her service at the Department of State, she was Vice Chair and founding partner of the Albright Stonebridge Group, Counselor of the Department of State under Secretary Madeleine Albright and Special Advisor to President Clinton and Policy Coordinator on North Korea and Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs under Secretary Warren Christopher. Early in her career, she managed Senator Barbara Mikulski’s successful campaign for the US Senate and served as Director of EMILY’S List. Ambassador Sherman served on the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, was Chair of the Board of Directors of Oxfam America and served on the US Department of Defense’s Defense Policy Board and Congressional Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Proliferation and Terrorism.