Leslie Richmond​

A Toronto native, Leslie has been involved with UJA since 2000, initially with Young Adults Division, where she helped to spearhead the inaugural One Hot Day program. Subsequently, Leslie spent over a decade as a Vice Chair of UJA’s Real Estate Division. More recently, Leslie had the opportunity to get involved with Women’s Philanthropy, where she is serving her second year as Co-Chair of Atarah Division.  

Leslie is very passionate about her involvement as a member of Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, where she is presently in her sixth and final year.  She also recently completed a two-year term as Chair of Toronto Cabinet. 

Professionally, Leslie is Vice President of Asset Management for Oakdale Investments and Wentworth Parking, and prior to that, she worked for Merrill Lynch’s real estate finance division. 

Leslie is married to Darren, and together, they have five children: Samantha (20), Ethan (15), Benjamin (10), Madeline (8) and Brooklyn (1). 

“I grew up in a household where volunteerism and Tzedakah were sacrosanct, and it is with pride that I now watch the results of my children being raised with the same values. I feel fortunate to live in Toronto – a dynamic Jewish community - where the tireless fundraising efforts and volunteerism of its members are having such a positive impact on the lives of Jewish people both here and in Israel. My involvement with National Young Leadership Cabinet has provided me with the opportunity to travel abroad and see first-hand the direct benefits of our efforts on Jewish communities around the world including Azerbaijan, Finland, Russia, Sweden and Turkey; places where it is not so easy to practice Judaism. The quality of a great many lives continue to be enhanced as a result of our dollars and dedication. I am constantly inspired and motivated by my fellow volunteers and the phenomenal professionals at UJA Federation who are so devoted to making a difference. It is truly an honour to be selected for this award.​”​

Shael Rosenbaum

Shael Rosenbaum works in Real Estate Development and Management and is the President of Fremont Street Holdings. Shael has served as the National Chair of the Young Adult March of the Living, Co-Chair of the Dinner of Miracles, Co-Chair of the CJPAC Action Party, Founding Partner of the Next Venture Philanthropy Fund, Committee Member of the House, and currently is the Chair of the UJA Federation Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre. Shael was the Master of Ceremonies at the largest rally against Anti-Semitism in Canadian History. Most recently, he graduated from the Joshua Institute. Shael obtained a degree in biological and cultural Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario. He also, earned a degree in Urban Planning with a specialization in City Infrastructure.​

“As the grandson of four Holocaust survivors, it is my honour, duty and responsibility to carry on the legacy of the victims and survivors of the Shoah. Through organizations like the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre and March of the Living, we are able to guarantee that the past, present and future are forged. Remembrance and Education are cornerstones to ensure these events never happen again. Holocaust survivors and their descendants have built Toronto’s Jewish population into the most dynamic, unifying and active community in the Diaspora. My involvement and work at Federation continues to be the most meaningful and fulfilling part of my life.”