Southwest Jewish Congress (SWJC) is a membership organization open to all that welcomes diversity and builds bridges throughout our community.
We provide quality educational programs and events:
After nearly two decades of dedicated service, Susan Myers is retiring from Southwest Jewish Congress. Susie Averny, SWJC President, is also stepping down after years of leadership and generous stewardship. SWJC wishes to thank both women for their outstanding contributions to the organization and our community, and is excited to welcome our incoming Executive Director, Lorraine Friedman, and our new co-Presidents, Anita Weinstein and Jeffrey Weiss, as we begin our next chapter.
Susie Salfield Avnery
President
Harry Ploss
Founding Chair and Treasurer
Jonathan M. Spigel
Immediate Past President
Kevin Bolton
Vice President Community Relations
Pearl Garza Fracchia
Vice President Community Relations
Nelda Golden
Vice President Programming
Cindy Ray
Vice President Fundraising
Lynn Towery
Secretary
Michael B. Cohen
Board Member
Linda Garner
Board Member
Marla Greenberg Janco
Board Member
Hilary Miller
Board Member
Monty Moncibais
Board Member
Helen Kalmans Roth
Board Member
Rose Marie Stromberg
Board Member
Anita Weinstein
Board Member
Jeffrey Weiss
Board Member
Susan Myers
Executive Director
Susan Myers is a true native Texan, born and raised on a Polled Herford cattle ranch in Bosque County. After managing a finance company for several years and selling a line of women’s clothing, she has spent the better part of the last 30 years in community service as a senior regional administrator in the Dallas Jewish community. Along with her husband, Jim, she was a long-time active volunteer in Pee Wee Football and Little Dribblers Basketball. Susan and Jim are very involved with their five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Lorraine Friedman
Incoming Executive Director
SWJC is entering an exciting new era with Lorraine Friedman stepping into the role of Executive Director. Lorraine brings a wealth of experience—as the founder of an award-winning nonprofit organization in Alexandria, Virginia; more than a decade as an attorney and advocate for at-risk children and families; and years of creativity as an author, singer, and songwriter. Since returning to Dallas, she has served as Director of Inclusion at Temple Emanu-El, Director of Special Needs Partnerships at Jewish Family Service, and most recently as a life coach, helping others realize their fullest potential. Lorraine grew up in Dallas, and is thrilled to join the SWJC. Her amazing mother, Barbara Ravkind Friedman, (of blessed memory) was a SWJC honoree – making Lorraine’s connection to SWJC even more meaningful.