Introducing my friend Gaby, a 2025 Myra Wolfgang Award Winner

I met Gabriela Santiago-Romero in 2018 as a fellow organizer in Detroit.  My first time having coffee with Gaby, I was immediately struck by her presence.  She smiled, listened intently, asked questions, and showed genuine interest in me and in our community.  She shared her story of growing up in Detroit and her vision for a future in the city with flourishing communities rooted in justice.  As Gaby grew from a colleague organizer to a friend, to a local elected official, one thing remained the same: her commitment to being in an accountable relationship with the city, with DJJ, and anyone who enters her office or sits down at the coalition table. Gaby believes in an equitable future for Detroit, a vision that has continued to inspire me since our first meeting 7 years ago.

DJJ is honoring Gaby for her incredible work as City Council Member for District 6, and for bringing her background as an organizer and community advocate to her representation of the District.  I feel particularly proud of her incredible efforts to protect the southwest Detroit community in a time of deep political uncertainty. She has been an unbelievable champion for the city of Detroit and I am inspired by her grit and determination.

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating Gaby on September 11th, 2025 at the Imani Humphrey Banquet Hall at 7 PM. Get your tickets here.

Right now, the work of DJJ is more needed than ever, and the future of our work rests in the hands of visionary individuals who believe in the power of organizing.  If you’re able, I invite you to give $360 to join the host committee and show Gaby how deeply appreciated and important this work is to the Detroit organizing ecosystem. 

In solidarity and celebration, 

Allie Zeff, Co-Director 

Detroit Jews for Justice
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