Sue Strait
As Women’s Philanthropy approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026, we want to recognize and honor our women leaders who laid the foundation for our impact today. The Woman of Valor Award honors women in our Milwaukee community that embody the qualities of an Eyshet Chayal – a Woman of Valor. Award recipients are role models, trailblazers and strong pillars in women’s giving, community building, and leadership. They are selfless change makers who execute Women’s Philanthropy’s mission with joy and passion.
In line with the trailblazer that she is, Women’s Philanthropy leadership is thrilled to announce that Sue Strait will receive our second Woman of Valor award.
Sue has been active in the Milwaukee Jewish community for more than 40 years. She has served as president and campaign chair of Women’s Philanthropy and is a past Milwaukee Jewish Federation (MJF) board member. Recently, Sue has been part of the MJF Israel & Overseas work group and currently serves on the MJF’s Community Planning & Allocations committee.
Sue is a past board chair of the Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC, and now is a proud part of the newly developed Board of Trustees made up of active past chairs. Sue and her husband Rick are supporters of the PJ Library program administered by the JCC, and they helped develop Marsha’s Book Nook, providing books and a reading area for children who visit Milwaukee’s Jewish Community Pantry with their families. Sue also serves on the Board of Directors of the JCC Association of North America.
She is an immediate past president of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) – Milwaukee Section and continues as a section advisor, working on its advocacy and community service projects.
Sue and Rick have two daughters, Danya in Denver, and Talia (Sam) in Chicago. Sue enjoys gardening, cooking, and horseback riding in her spare time, along with spoiling her grandson, Eli!