Category: Member Profiles

When Sue Levy-Polikoff learned about Impact100 through Facebook posts from other members, she knew this was exactly the type of philanthropic giving she was searching for.  That drove Sue to attend a 2019 membership information session at the Ronald McDonald House to learn more about it.   The love and commitment to making a difference was palpable in that room and Sue just knew this was something she had to do.  She joined in 2020.  “The business model is so innovative; taking the power of each charity-minded individual and making them into a 200-women powerhouse that provides such a greater impact to fabulous causes compelled me to join.”  Its cliché, but Sue finds every aspect of Impact100 SJ rewarding.  She was an event planner for a large nonprofit so naturally her…

Barbara joined Impact100 for the 2019 membership year after seeing an advertisement of our information sessions in the South Jersey Biz Magazine. After learning about the organization’s mission, purpose and functions from Emily Orel and Nancy Weber, Barbara wrote her check that day!  While she had routinely contributed to other organizations in the past, this was different. She thought how cool this is, to be able to give $1,000 and then take control of where it went! It was like winning the Trifecta for her: the ability to meet like-minded women, learn about the local nonprofits and get a say in where her contributions go. She especially loved the idea of meeting and working with women to implement the annual process of awarding a $100,000 grant to a nonprofit organization. …

Kate Williamson first heard about the Impact100 model through people involved in the Impact100 Jersey Coast chapter and the idea struck her as pure genius. In 2016, an organization Kate’s wife Susan helped found nearly 40 years earlier had applied for a grant from Impact100 Jersey Coast.  Susan was one of the original founders of what is now known as 180 Turning Lives Around in Monmouth County, which runs a purpose-built shelter for women, men, and their children who are victims of domestic violence. The grant was to help start their Family Justice Center, which provides comprehensive, one-stop services to intersect with local and county agencies, police, family court, etc. Susan had not been actively involved with 180 for a while, but they reached out to her to ask her to be part…

Mindy Holman is no stranger to the concept of philanthropy. She grew up in a family that was always charitable and maintained a commitment to always give back to their community. This was especially so through her family’s nearly 100 year old automotive business, Holman Enterprises, that was founded by her grandfather. Mindy joined Holman Enterprises, in 1986, becoming President and CEO in 2004 and Chairman of the Board in 2015. As the third generation leader, Mindy continues her family’s philanthropic legacy to support the communities where their employees and customers live and work. In her personal life, Mindy gives her time, treasures and talents serving in leadership roles with several local community organizations. In 2007, Mindy was introduced to the idea of collective giving that would be there forever to support…

Elyse learned about Impact 100 SJ through her friend and neighbor, Jennifer Alleva, who is a 2018 charter member. Hearing of Jennifer’s continued involvement throughout the past years, Elyse wanted to learn more.  After learning about the collective giving concept among women along with the opportunity to help people in her own backyard, Elyse decided she wanted to be a part of this organization. Elyse joined Impact100 SJ for the 2021 membership year. Prior to joining Impact100, Elyse had a passion to give but didn’t have a deep knowledge of how nonprofits truly operate.  What she loves about Impact100 is the opportunity to learn about nonprofits organically, especially as she begins to serve on various committees.  Currently, she is on the Nonprofit Outreach Committee and serves as the Grantee Liaison…

It is a pleasure to introduce Barbara Berman.  Barbara joined Impact100 South Jersey in 2019 after learning about Impact100 through her friend Kyle Ruffin, a founding member.  She heard that Kyle was involved in starting up this “women’s giving group” and thought “what a bright idea of pooling your money.” In her desire to find out more, Barbara attended an information session hosted by Kate Williamson and joined on the spot! With her going through a personal transition, the opportunity to meet new like-minded women while also getting involved in the community was perfect timing.  This would open a whole new world to her, especially to learn about the work our local nonprofits are doing here in her own community. Charities speak to her heart, what a perfect fit! Upon joining Impact100, Barbara…

Sarah Tambussi became a Charter Member of Impact100 South Jersey in 2017 when Nancy Weber invited her to one of the first information sessions. She loved the idea of collective giving specifically for women. She was equally impressed with the women she met at Nancy’s home that night and she knew right away that this was something she needed to be a part of.  Initially Sarah did not have time to do much more than pay for her membership and be a member of the grant review committee. But life slowed down enough that she could get more involved. This past year she became secretary of the Leadership Council and is also on the PR/Communications and Grant Review committees.  When asked what aspect of Impact100 SJ was most rewarding, Sarah said,…

Adventure Aquarium welcomed Molly Deese in 2020 as the new Executive Director.  Her 30 year experience as a parks and attraction executive allowed her to climb the ladder and move from her roots in Valdosta, Georgia.  Molly loves her new job at the aquarium and her team is 75% women.  She grew up living throughout the Midwest and Southeast since her father needed to move for his job.  This is her first experience living in the Northeast.   Molly also has a history of ‘giving back’ and getting involved in non-profits.  She was a rotary member in Valdosta and hopes to join a local rotary sometime soon.  Molly has three grown children (with a grandson on the way).  Since they were teenagers, the family had spent Christmas Day working at a…

As one of the 74 charter members who launched the organization in 2017, Alice Sandmeyer is in her fifth year of membership with Impact100 South Jersey.  She first learned about Impact100 from founding member Nancy Weber.   “I’ve known Nancy for many years.  We met when I was on the board for Fellowship House of South Camden, and subsequently worked on a project together to build a playground for Fellowship House. I got to know her well, and when Nancy described with such enthusiasm this initiative she was helping to start, I knew I wanted to get involved.”  Alice has had a life-long involvement with the world of non-profit organizations. She was inspired by her mother, Jeanne Finn, who among her many activities and lifelong service to the underprivileged, founded an after-school tutoring program in…

If you recognize Irene Giman, CFA, CFP®, it’s not just because she is a Senior Financial Planner with RTD Financial and has an extensive background in Finance — including an MBA from The Wharton School in Finance, it’s also because Irene serves on Impact100 of South Jersey’s Leadership Council. A Charter Member of the chapter, Irene’s first experience with Impact100 was with one of our neighboring chapters, Impact100 of Philadelphia. Shortly before Impact100 of South Jersey was formed, a friend took Irene to Impact100 Philadelphia’s annual meeting to experience the group. She thought it was amazing and she loved the energy.   Ready to join the Philadelphia chapter, she heard that South Jersey was forming their own group and thought it would be good to get involved in her backyard with…