Jay Ruderman - Representation, Responsibility, and Real Change

Jay Ruderman - Representation, Responsibility, and Real Change

From What Gives? The Jewish Philanthropy Podcast by Jewish Funders Network

January 28, 2026 · 46 min · Episode 74

About this episode

Jay Ruderman discusses the importance of representation and how philanthropy can drive systemic change for people with disabilities.

Episode 74 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation and author of the book Find Your Fight: Make Your Voice Heard for the Causes that Matter. Jay has spent years pushing institutions, media, and communities to think more seriously about representation, access, and belonging for people with disabilities. Drawing on Jay's decades of advocacy and the ideas at the heart of his book, he reflects on how leaders and institutions can move from good intentions to meaningful action. Together, Jay and Andrés explore why authentic representation matters, how philanthropy can drive systemic change, and what it really takes to build a more inclusive Jewish and civic life. Take a listen.

People in this episode

Host: Andrés Spokoiny

Guest: Jay Ruderman

Topics covered

  • representation
  • responsibility
  • change
  • disabilities
  • philanthropy
  • inclusion

Keywords

  • advocacy
  • access
  • belonging
  • Jewish life
  • civic life

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Find Your Fight

Books & works: What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast, Find Your Fight: Make Your Voice Heard

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