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First Women Champions for Change Congress

Where extraordinary women unite to create social impact through the power of sport, culture and innovation.

8 – 10 JULY 2025 | JERUSALEM

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First WCC Congress

Where extraordinary women unite to create social impact through the power of sport, culture and innovation.

8 – 10 JULY 2025 | JERUSALEM

Apply for WCC Congress

The
Invitation

Women Champions for Change (WCC) Congress — a one-of-a-kind, invitation-only gathering at a pivotal moment in time. This groundbreaking event will bring together inspiring women of action— athletes, entrepreneurs, activists, and thought leaders—committed to creating bold solutions where conventional approaches have fallen short. Join us as we bridge sectors, borders, faiths, and perspectives to level the playing field and unite as one powerful team for change.

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The
Themes

Sport as a Bridge for Peace and Unity

From competition to collaboration—how sport can bridge divides across cultures, faiths, and worldviews to promote global cooperation.

The Power of Women’s Leadership in Social Change
Together, women have the power to reshape the world, building trust, strengthening communities, and sparking movements that lead to meaningful social change.

Why attend?

Build authentic connections with extraordinary women leaders

Develop practical initiatives with real-world impact

Join a vibrant community driving long-term change

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Confirmed Speakers

Shirit Saks Haim

Co-founder of the Maccabi World Union Women’s Forum
Shirit is a seasoned organizational consultant with over 20 years of expertise in strategic planning, change management, organizational development, and leadership development. She was a founding board member and VP of HR at Call Yachol, a social enterprise in Israel dedicated to employing individuals with disabilities and marginalized groups. She is the Honorary Secretary of the Maccabi World Union, Chair of the Educational Department for Maccabiah 2025, and a co-founder of the MWU Women’s Forum.

Donna Orender

Former WNBA President | Founder, GENERATION W & WOW
Donna Orender is a former President of the WNBA and a senior executive with 17 years at the PGA Tour, where she led global media and business strategy. Recognized among the 10 Most Powerful Women in Sports, she is a leader in innovation, brand growth, and women’s advancement. She is the founder of GENERATION W and WOW, platforms that educate and connect women and girls nationwide. Orender authored WOWsdom! and hosts REfresh, a leadership-focused dialogue series. She is currently launching the UPshot League, a new women’s professional basketball league.

Nova Peris

First Aboriginal Australian Olympic Gold Medalist and Former Senator
Nova Peris was the first Aboriginal Australian to win an Olympic gold medal and later became the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Australian Senate, where she championed Indigenous rights and reconciliation.

Shirin Yadegar

Iranian-American journalist and TV host
Shirin Yadegar is a mother, journalist, publisher and tv host. Before becoming a mother, Shirin received her M.A. from USC’s Annenberg School of Journalism and worked as a researcher and writer at the Los Angeles Times and Managing Editor of the Beverly Hills Weekly.

Marcy Grossman

Former Canadian Diplomat and Ambassador to the UAE
Marcy Grossman has championed women’s leadership and interfaith collaboration. During her tenure as Canada’s Ambassador to the UAE, she played a pivotal role in advancing Jewish-Arab relations and cross-cultural diplomacy, contributing to global peace initiatives.

“What sets this initiative apart is its commitment to turning inspiration into action.”

 Billie Jean King, Sports Icon and Social Justice Pioneer

Program Highlights

Global Inspiration
Inspiring talks by world-renowned international speakers
Real Conversations
Lively panel discussions tackling the hottest issues in sports and social impact
Get Involved
Hands-on, interactive workshops to boost your skills and ideas
Explore & Connect

Inspiring tours through the vibrant cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

Celebrate the Spirit of Sport

Exclusive access to the unforgettable Maccabiah Opening Ceremony

WOMEN CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE

Where extraordinary women unite to create social impact through the power of sport, culture, and innovation.

Congress Agenda
Jerusalem | July 7–10, 2025
Preliminary Program | Subject to Change

Monday, July 7
19:00–21:00
International Meet & Greet – Evening Reception


📍 Friends of Zion Museum, Jerusalem

A warm welcome for our international guests and high-level stakeholders to kick off the Congress. Connect with fellow changemakers and leaders from around the globe in an evening of networking, conversation, and inspiration.

Tuesday, July 8 | Day 1
09:00–17:00
Sport as a Catalyst to Elevate Women and Unite Nations

📍Mishkanot Sha’ananim, Jerusalem

From competition to collaboration — Day 1 explores how sport empowers women, strengthens confidence, supports well-being, and builds bridges across borders, faiths, and communities.

Morning Program: Setting the Stage for Impact
Welcome Address, Michal Herzog, First Lady of Israel
A powerful reflection on sport’s ability to unite, heal, and inspire, and the critical role of women’s leadership in advancing peace and progress.

Maccabi Roots: Then and Now, Shirit Saks-Haim, Co-Founder, Maccabi Women’s Forum
Reconnecting with the origins of Maccabi World Union and the founding of its Women’s Forum—where sport, culture, and identity converge.

Vision & Possibility, Danny Hakim, Board Member, Azrieli Foundation & Maccabi World Union
Framing the Congress as a launchpad for meaningful change and cross-sector collaboration.

Opening Remarks: Sport, Leadership & Community, Donna Orender, Former WNBA President; Founder, Generation W
A call to action on how women, sport, and storytelling can create waves of collective impact.

Keynote: The Power of Sport to Change the World
Sport is more than a game—it’s a global movement. A keynote on how sport breaks barriers, uplifts girls and women, and transforms societies.

Panel: Breaking Barriers- The Universal Language of Sport
Athletes and cultural leaders share how sport transcends borders and transforms lives—from the Olympic stage to underserved communities.

Interactive Workshops: Finding Common Ground
Cross-cultural sessions exploring shared values, personal narratives, and what truly connects us.

Panel: Sport for Good – Bridging Divides
Meet the global NGOs leveraging sport for peacebuilding, youth development, and gender equity.

Spotlight Talks: Singular Stories of Impact
Short-form TED-style talks from powerful voices using sport to transform lives in refugee camps, remote villages, and urban neighborhoods.

Evening Program
🕖 19:00
Sports for Social Impact (SSI) Showcase & Opening Reception
Celebrate the innovators and changemakers who are turning sport into a tool for global good.

Wednesday, July 9 | Day 2
09:00–16:00
The Power of Women Making Social Impact

📍Mishkanot Sha’ananim, Jerusalem

When women lead, society transforms. Day 2 shines a light on how women drive innovation, foster inclusion, and shape a more just and resilient world through education, diplomacy, media, and politics.

Welcome Address, Danna Azrieli, Chairperson, Azrieli Group
A visionary look at how philanthropy can fuel systems of support, belonging, and empowerment for women and communities.

Opening Remarks: Empowering Women, Leading Change, Marcy Grossman, Former Canadian Ambassador to the UAE
A powerful message on global leadership and women as agents of change in public life.

Panel: Rewriting Power – Women on the World Stage
A discussion with global leaders and diplomats breaking ceilings, reshaping systems, and putting women’s voices at the forefront.

In Conversation with Nova Peris
Nova Peris, Olympic Gold Medalist & First Indigenous Australian Parliamentarian
A journey of courage, resilience, and purpose—on the track and in Parliament.

Panel: Triumph Against the Odds – The Power of Resilience
Four remarkable women share stories of overcoming adversity and leading transformation against all odds.

Workshops: Game Changers
High-impact breakout sessions on:
Sport & Social Impact
Women in Leadership
Innovation in Education
Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue
Health & Wellness
Media & Storytelling

Evening Program
🕓 18:00 -21:00
📍 Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, Tel Aviv–Yafo
"Dream Big" at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation
Travel to the vibrant coastal city of Tel Aviv for an unforgettable evening at the Peres Center. Experience groundbreaking exhibits and inspiring stories of Israeli innovation, followed by a celebratory dinner with ocean views—capping off Day 2 in a spirit of hope, creativity, and connection.

Thursday, July 10 | Day 3
09:00–16:00
Game Day – From Conversation to Action

The journey continues with immersive, real-world experiences that bring our conversations to life.

Day Program: Jerusalem Through New Eyes- Historical, Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jerusalem
Discover the soul of the city through a curated tour of its spiritual, historical, and cultural layers. Includes a culinary experience at the famous Mahane Yehuda Market.

Evening Program
🕓17:00 -22:00
📍Teddy Stadium, Jerusalem
Maccabiah Games Opening Ceremonies
Join thousands in celebrating Jewish unity through sport. Cheer for your country, feel the energy, and witness how the spirit of the Maccabiah Games echoes our Congress values—excellence, inclusion, and peace.

Please note: This agenda is a preliminary draft and subject to change.
Final schedule and speakers will be confirmed closer to the event date.

Attend
WCC Congress

Applications for the 2025 Congress are now closed.
Should additional spots become available, we will reopen the application process and post an update here.

For more information, contact:
Navah Edelstein, Congress Director
Navah@wcc-global.org

 

Attend
WCC Congress

  • A travel stipend will be provided for approved applicants
  • All ground costs including accommodation, meals and tours will be provided during the days of the conference.

The Women Champions for Change Congress is a collaboration between the Maccabi World Union and the Azrieli Foundation in partnership with social impact organizations around the world.

For more information contact:
Navah Edelstein, Congress Director
Navah@wcc-global.org

* Be sure to submit your application by May 6th, 2025

Applications for the 2025 Congress are now closed.
Should additional spots become available, we will reopen the application process and post an update here.

For more information, contact:
Navah Edelstein, Congress Director
Navah@wcc-global.org

 

FAQ

Who can apply to attend the Congress?

Participation in the Women Champions for Change Congress is by invitation only, followed by an application process and committee approval.
We are seeking women leaders from around the world—athletes, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—committed to social impact through sport, culture, media, and innovation.

You can apply directly through our online form. Applications must be submitted by May 6th, 2025. Selected participants will be notified via email.

WCC Congress will be held at the Mishkenot Shaananim Convention Center in Jerusalem, Israel. 

International participants will be accommodated at the Inbal Hotel.

Approved participants will receive:

  • A travel stipend to help cover airfare
  • Full coverage of ground expenses, including accommodation at the Inbal Hotel, meals, local transportation, and curated tours during the Congress dates.

Visa requirements depend on your country of citizenship. Citizens of many countries do not need a visa for short-term stays in Israel. Please check with your local Israeli consulate or embassy for the most accurate information. Our team can provide official invitation letters if needed.

Dress code is business casual to smart casual. We encourage comfortable attire for daytime programming and cultural tours. Formalwear is not required.

July weather in Jerusalem is usually very warm and sunny – hats and sunscreen are advised for any outside activities. In the evening there can be a cool breeze so a thin shawl is recommended.  Tel Aviv is warmer, especially in the evening.

Yes, the program includes a balance of structured sessions and curated cultural experiences, with limited free time for personal exploration.

The safety and well-being of participants is our top priority. We are working closely with local partners and authorities to ensure a safe environment throughout the event.

Yes, participants are welcome to extend their stay in Israel at their own expense. Our team can offer travel tips or help connect you with local resources.

For more information, please contact:
Navah Edelstein, Congress Director 
Navah@wcc-global.org

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