The North American Board President, Wendy Slavin, leads a sold-out first-of-its-kind women’s luncheon designed to introduce you to ITEC’s impactful work in Israel, especially through its Girls’ Empowerment Program.
Keynote speaker at the event: renowned Israeli American fashion designer Nili Lotan.
On Tuesday, April 8th, The Israel Tennis & Education Centers (ITEC) hosted its inaugural Women’s Luncheon, a sold-out event designed to introduce attendees to the organization’s impactful work in Israel. Led by Wendy Slavin, President of the ITEC Foundation board, who gave the opening speech.
Following Slavin’s speech, a keynote address was given by renowned Israeli American fashion designer Nili Lotan. Lotan, an accomplished entrepreneur, built her fashion empire from the ground up, earning global recognition in the industry.
The exclusive gathering highlighted ITEC’s transformative Girls’ Empowerment Program—an initiative that leverages tennis to equip at-risk girls aged 11-14 with essential life skills, knowledge, and opportunities. The Girls’ Empowerment Program is dedicated to fostering independence and strengthening self-perception among young girls from disadvantaged communities. By broadening their horizons and exposing them to new opportunities, the program encourages them to pursue their ambitions. Through a combination of group and individual tennis training sessions led by certified ITEC coaches, along with the support of professional mentors, participants gain both social and personal empowerment. In collaboration with municipal education and welfare departments across Israel, the program actively recruits girls from challenging home environments, providing them with a supportive framework. Today, more than 150 girls are enrolled in the initiative.
A highlight of the luncheon was the ITEC discussion panel, featuring three inspiring women whose lives have been profoundly shaped by their experiences at ITEC. Liron Tazazo, Ravid Dorin, and Rakefet Binyamini each shared their personal journey, underscoring the vital role that the organization plays in supporting and uplifting Israeli youth.
All the remarkable women who spoke at the event provided compelling narratives of perseverance, growth, and achievement, highlighting the indispensable role that ITEC plays in shaping the future of young girls in Israel. Beyond honing their skills on the tennis court, these programs provide a safe and nurturing environment where young women can develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in Israel and beyond.
The inaugural Women’s Luncheon’s overwhelming success underscored the widespread support for ITEC’s mission and the urgent need to continue investing in the next generation of female leaders, athletes, and changemakers. As ITEC continues to expand its reach, events like these serve as a crucial platform for fostering engagement and securing resources to support its life-changing initiatives.
