06/01/2026
Jewish Federation Recognizes Women Leaders at Signature Event
Ilana Isakov Katz Receives Ruby Bass Challenge Award
Kathy Solganik Receives Lois Marcus Leadership Award
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that Ilana Isakov Katz received the 2026 Ruby Bass Challenge Award, and Kathy Solganik received the 2026 Lois Marcus Leadership Award. Katz and Solganik were honored at the Federation’s Women IN Philanthropy Signature Event on May 28.
The Ruby Bass Challenge Award recognizes a woman campaigner who is a dedicated volunteer in the Campaign for Jewish Needs, the community’s annual fundraising campaign that supports the local and global Jewish community. Katz exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication to Jewish Cleveland through her volunteerism and commitment to strengthening the community during pivotal moments. As immediate past chair of Women IN Philanthropy, a Federation officer and Board of Trustees member, and a member of the Jewish Federations of North America National Women’s Philanthropy Board, she has helped drive record engagement while advancing Federation’s mission locally, in Israel, and beyond. In Katz’s honor, the Ruby Bass Challenge Endowment Fund will make a donation to the 2027 Campaign for Jewish Needs. This award was established in 2007 in memory of Ruby Bass z”l by her son Jonathan, his wife Stephany, and Lenore Kessler z”l, Stephany’s mother and a dear friend of Ruby’s.
The Lois Marcus Leadership award recognizes a woman that has shown commitment to the Cleveland Jewish community through leadership and volunteerism. Solganik brings a strong commitment to Jewish community leadership through her extensive volunteer service with Federation, Kol Israel Foundation, and multiple overseas and leadership initiatives. She is a recent graduate of the Jewish Federation’s Mandel Class for Advanced Leadership (MCAL) and is passionate about strengthening connections within the global Jewish community. The Lois Marcus Leadership Award was established in 2024 in memory of Lois Marcus z”l by her family and honors her lifelong passion for the Federation and Women IN Philanthropy. As recipient of this award, Solganik will be invited to join the Cleveland delegation to JFNA’s International Lion of Judah Conference in January 2027.
“Ilana and Kathy exemplify the kind of visionary, values-driven leadership that strengthens and inspires our Jewish community,” said Jennifer Tramer, Women IN Philanthropy chair. “Through their dedication, generosity, and commitment to service, they have each made a lasting impact on Jewish Cleveland and are deeply deserving of these honors.”
In addition to the presentation of these awards, the Signature Event featured remarks by journalist Danielle Robay. Dubbed “The Queen of Questions,” Robay is the creator of Question Everything and co-executive producer and host of “Bookmarked” by Reese’s Book Club and has led 8,000+ conversations with icons like Taylor Swift and Malala Yousafzai, inspiring deeper connection, curiosity, and meaningful change.
