BOSTON — The Anti-Defamation League recently honored Esta Gordon Epstein with its 2022 Woman of Valor Award attended by over 300 supporters from across the nation.
The Woman of Valor Award recognizes remarkable women leaders who are committed to making a difference and are willing to personally invest in the future of a safer society. The award is given each year to women who have demonstrated integrity, leadership and a commitment to fighting hate, building bridges of understanding, and safeguarding liberties for all. Throughout her decades of service and leadership to both the Greater Boston community and ADL as a whole, Esta Gordon Epstein has demonstrated remarkable leadership and a dedication to advancing social justice and education.
“For decades, Esta Gordon Epstein has shown a deep commitment to ADL’s mission, making it her life’s work to advance justice and equal treatment for all,” said Robert Trestan, ADL New England Regional Director. “Esta cares deeply about making our world a better place and has had a deep and lasting impact in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. She is a role model for us all; a true woman of valor.”
Esta has served on ADL’s National Board of Directors for over 37 years, and is the immediate past chair. She has previously held national positions of executive vice chair of the Advisory Board, Executive Committee, and also chair of the Education committee. A magna cum laude graduate of Tufts University, and former preschool teacher, Esta has been an ADL World of Difference facilitator since its inception in Boston, in 1985, and, with her husband Robert, co-chaired the program for many years, helping it to become ADL’s internationally recognized anti-bias program. Among other community engagements, Esta has been a director of the Citi Performing Arts Center. Esta has also served on the Board of Overseers of Combined Jewish Philanthropies. As a past chair of the Miriam Fund, she serves on its executive board, granting funds to empower girls and women.
