Palisadians Joyce Brunelle and Julia Pollak were presented with the Woman of Valor award for their leadership and community service at the 8th annual “In Celebration of the Jewish Woman” luncheon and auction on Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Luxe Hotel.
Brunelle, president and co-founder of award-winning Suntricity, Inc., was recognized for her commitment to the development of alternative and clean energy sources. Brunelle is also immediate past president of the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce where she leads and unites local businesses to work together.
Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
“I have personally witnessed Joyce’s selfless dedication to her mother Marge Malten who recently passed away at the age of 94,” said Zisi Cunin, co-executive director of Chabad of the Palisades. “Additionally, Joyce has never shied away from standing up and supporting what is right and true. Even when it may be the unpopular thing to do.”
Pollak, a doctoral fellow at the Pardee RAND Graduate School and assistant policy analyst at the RAND Corporation, received the Navy Club of the United States’ Military Excellence Award as well as others for her service to our country.
“Julia is a leading example to each of us in her incredible balancing act of public service as a Blue jacket of the Year award winner in the United States Navy, a dedicated wife to Joel, and mom to Maya,” Cunin said. “She is an inspiration to all of us who continuously seek to successfully multi-task the many important priorities of our lives.”
The luncheon opened with an auction to benefit the new Women’s Spirit Center at the Chabad Jewish Community Center & Campus, a place for spiritual wisdom, meditation, rejuvenation and friendship for women of all ages and backgrounds, located in Pacific Palisades.
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