A Knockout Life and Career

As the first female manager in professional boxing, most notably for Detroit’s own Tommy “Hit Man” Hearns, Jackie Kallen talks about how being Jewish has flavored her life and career. How free-thinking parents helped shape an inclusive upbringing that would lead her to the boxing world, and how she made her start in a sport that was strictly a man’s world up until her arrival. She also talks about her “date” with Ricky Nelson and how she invited the Rolling Stones to her house for dinner… and they accepted! Jackie’s motto for success in business and in life? Never burn a bridge.

Mazel tov to this month’s Mitzvah Maker: Judy Lewis

Mitzvah Maker is the segment of the show where we honor an unsung hero in our community.   

Judy Lewis is an advocate for others in the truest sense of the word. Yes, she’s a Certified LGBT Older Adult Trainer for SAGECare (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) but you cannot define her by that job title alone. In addition to her work with LGBT older adults, she works with Inclusive Justice/Together in Faith, where she helps clergy and lay leadership to provide education and advocacy for LGBT individuals and families of faith. She also co-founded the Jewish Gay Network of Michigan. 

In this Mitzvah Maker segment, Judy talks about the fear LGBT seniors face — and how without a community for support, many often decide to go back into the closet and isolate themselves. She explains her gratitude to Federation and the Jewish Woman’s Foundation and reflects on why she’s fortunate to be part of our Detroit Jewish community. 

Do you know someone who is deserving of this honor? Nominate them here!

FedRadioDetroit is Federation’s podcast series hosted by Sam Dubin and Beverly Liss and featuring big personalities from Jewish Detroit’s diverse cast of characters. Explore previous episodes and stay tuned for a new episode next month here.