Recipients of the Frieda Shapira Medal for Exemplary Leadership are models of sound character and devotion to the community good.
Background
In 2003, The Forbes Funds inaugurated the Frieda Shapira Medal, honoring Frieda Shapira as a lifetime community reformer. She, as a social worker for the Children’s Service Bureau, taught neglected and dependent children, and, as a trustee, served numerous organizations, including The Pittsburgh Foundation, The United Way of Allegheny County, The United Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and The Forbes Funds.
Selection Criteria
The medal is awarded annually to an individual who:
- has demonstrated leadership across lines of race, class, and religion,
- views people he/she serves as consumers and equal stakeholders rather than dependents,
- possesses a deep sense of compassion, backed with the knowledge, work ethic, and determination to effect change,
- is a coalition builder,
- is an effective leader who encourages and inspires others,
- and betters the community through social justice work.
Most Recent Recipient: Elsie Hillman
May 12, 2011
Elsie Hillman has been involved for many years in Pennsylvania’s civic, political, and cultural activities. She has been a driving force in local, state, and national politics. As chair of the Elsie H. Hillman Foundation, she devotes her efforts and resources to hospitals, schools, cultural organizations, public broadcasting, and organizations addressing social issues.
Mrs. Hillman has served as a principal member of the Republican National Committee for more than twenty years, with a particular interest in organized labor and Pittsburgh’s many ethnic groups. The generosity and dedication of Mrs. Hillman and her husband, Henry, have had tremendous impact in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. The organizations benefiting from their involvement include University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and Hillman Cancer Center, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Symphony Society, WQED Multimedia, the Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, the Allegheny Conference, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the White House Endowment Fund, Shadyside Hospital Foundation, the Urban League of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Mrs. Hillman attended the Ellis School, graduated from the Ethel Walker School, studied at Westminster Choir College, and has been awarded eight honorary degrees in recognition of her outstanding contributions to society. Mr. and Mrs. Hillman have four children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Previous Honorees (starting with most recent)
- Al Condeluci, United Cerebral Palsy/Community Living and Support Services
- Joyce Rothermel, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
- Dr. Walter Smith, Family Resources
- Father Regis Ryan, Focus on Renewal
- Myrna Zelenitz, East End Cooperative Ministry
- James Henry, Jr., Hill House Association (awarded posthumously)