National Council of Jewish Women recently presented St. Louisan Sarah Wood Martin with the 2017 Elisa Froman Inspiring Leadership Award. 

She received the award at the NCJW National Convention in Atlanta on March 25, in recognition of her volunteer work in the community, particularly in combating human trafficking and the exploitation of women and children. The award, named in memory of beloved NCJW staff member and faithful advocate for social justice Elissa Froman (z’’l), honors an emerging NCJW leader who has had a meaningful impact on the lives of women, children and families in her community. 

Martin has served as a NCJW Trafficking Task Force Committee member and co-chaired the 2015 Trafficking Conference in St. Louis. She has worked as a consultant representing non-profit interests in the state legislature through Gateway Government Relations. She used her connections in the labor community to generate financial support for NCJW’s trafficking work. She has also deepened connections between the NCJW advocacy team and statewide and local elected officials. 

On April 4, Martin was elected to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen (Ward 11).