Wendy Eisen Leadership Development Award
The Wendy Eisen Leadership Development Award was established to encourage young men and women to assume community leadership roles. The award is presented to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment and service. It is named in honour of Wendy Eisen, an exemplary community leader who was active in all parts of community life, most memorably as one of the key Canadian leaders in the global Soviet Jewry movement. She has always been passionate about securing the Jewish future and in building the next generation of leadership to do the same.
Mathew Frieberg
Mathew Frieberg is the president of a Toronto-based residential real estate development company focusing on mixed-use projects throughout the GTA. In a volunteer capacity he has been involved with Camp Ramah in Canada, the Forest Hill Jewish Centre, and the Hold 'Em for Life Charity Challenge. He was a board observer to The Jewish Agency for Israel Board of Governors in 2019 and was a member of the Keren Hayesod Kesher program in 2022.
His involvement with UJA includes co-chairing the Community Campaign in 2021 and 2022, being a member of JFNA's National Young Leadership Cabinet, and canvassing for the Annual Campaign since graduating from university.
Mathew is married to Lindsay, and they are the proud parents of Mia, Hannah, and Benji. He is an avid skier and loves spending time at the cottage with his family.
Romy Pilarski
Romy Pilarski is the co-owner of Moshe Fine Jewellery in Thornhill, Ontario, a family business she proudly operates alongside her father. She holds a BA in psychology from York University and a diploma in corporate communications from Seneca College.
A passionate advocate for community and philanthropy, Romy is an active member of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, where she proudly serves as a Lion of Judah in the Women’s Philanthropy division. She also contributes her leadership skills to UJA’s mobilization board and the Community Campaign Cabinet Executive. Extending her commitment to Israel and education, Romy serves on the board of Ben-Gurion University Canada.
Beyond her professional and philanthropic work, Romy is a devoted mother of two children who attend Bialik Hebrew Day School, where she currently serves as co-chair of the Parent Association.
Romy’s life is guided by the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and hadracha b’dugma (leading by example)—principles she strives to model for her children and her community alike.