Julie Bender Silver (BS 1977 Early Child Education) grew up in a caring and giving family environment. “I was taught to use our Jewish values to improve the quality of life for everyone,” she said. “My grandparents began my family’s legacy of tzedakah [giving back] by establishing a family foundation to enable future generations to continue the values they cherished.” Since 1995, Julie has led the Bender Foundation, Inc., which annually contributes to more than 70 nonprofit groups, primarily in the Washington, DC metro area. “Community service and leadership have defined me and filled my life with purpose and meaning. I embrace and passionately pursue projects and programs that touch my core – causes relating to children, families, women, health, education, the environment, Jewish issues, and animals.” Julie’s talents, advocacy, and philanthropy have supported many organizations including the School of Human Ecology, serving on the Board of Visitors from 2006-2012. Inspired by Dean Robin Douthitt’s vision, Julie and her husband, David Silver, designated their 100 Women gift to support the school’s building campaign. Her many additional honors include the Jewish Women International’s 2004 Community Leadership Award and a 2005 Athena nomination by the Women Business Owners of Montgomery County, Maryland.