Oakland women win E. Bay federation awards

Nicki Gilbert and Lisa Sadikman share the reins of the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay's Young Leadership Division, but they won't have to share the federation's Lesser Award — they each get one.

The two were slated to receive the Celia R. Lesser Young Leadership Awards on Wednesday, June 14 at the federation's 88th annual meeting. This is the award's 39th year, after being established in 1967 by Richard Lesser in honor of his parents.

Gilbert, a native of South Africa, moved to the United States in 1998 when her husband, Ryan, landed a job here.

Prior to moving to Oakland in 2002, she worked with the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation's Young Adult Division and helped to organize major events such as Super Sunday and Israel in the Gardens.

Working alongside Sadikman, Gilbert helped build the East Bay Federation's Young Leadership Division campaign from nothing to more than $100,000.

Like Gilbert, Sadikman worked across the bay for the S.F.-based JCF, heading a variety of organizations for more than eight years. And like Gilbert, Sadikman was deeply involved with Super Sunday, even co-chairing the event one year with her husband.

After moving to the East Bay she immediately became involved with the federation, co-leading the YLD; next year she will serve as its campaign chair.