VALOR: Women’s Philanthropy Signature Campaign Event

Zibby Owens, Featured Speaker

Zibby Owens is the founder of Zibby Media, a company dedicated to helping readers and writers connect through multiple platforms. Her work includes the award-winning daily podcast Totally Booked with Zibby (formerly called Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books), Zibby Publishing, and Zibby’s Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Santa Monica, CA. Through these ventures, she has become a leading voice in the literary world, amplifying diverse authors and fostering community around books.

Zibby is also the author of six books, including the USA Today bestsellers On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates and Blank: A Novel, as well as memoirs and children’s titles. Named “NYC’s Most Powerful Book-fluencer” by New York Magazine, she is recognized for championing storytelling and creating meaningful cultural conversations. A proud member of the Jewish community, Zibby weaves her heritage into her work, celebrating identity, resilience, and connection through literature. Follow her on Instagram!

Judi Ketten, Woman of Valor Award Recipient

For more than 50 years, Judi Ketten has been a pillar of Women’s Philanthropy and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to our Jewish community exemplify the qualities of an Eyshet Chayal—a Woman of Valor. 

Judi’s impact is far-reaching. She has served on both the Federation board and the Women’s Philanthropy board, including as vice president and associate chair of the Women’s Division campaign in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1989, she received the prestigious Ann Agulnick Young Leadership Award. She has been a dedicated volunteer in Federation’s Israel & Overseas work, an active leader in the Partnership2Gether program linking Milwaukee with the Sovev Kinneret region in Israel, a contributor to the Federation’s Schlichut committee, and a board member of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). Beyond Federation, Judi has served on the board of Jewish Family Services and, with her husband and family, has long supported the Israel Scouts (Tzofim Friendship Caravan).

A devoted Annual Campaign volunteer, longtime participant in Women’s Philanthropy programming, and co-chair of the 2024 VALOR event, Judi continues to inspire with her tireless dedication.

The Woman of Valor Award celebrates role models, trailblazers, and strong pillars in women’s giving, community building, and leadership. Judi embodies these values with joy, passion, and selfless dedication—making her an inspiring choice for this honor.