Jewish National Fund (JNF) is proud to announce that Florine Mark, the leading U.S. franchise holder of Weight Watchers International, has been appointed national spokesperson and honorary chair for JNF’s new Professional Women’s Division, and award-winning television journalist Jessica Abo will serve as national spokesperson for professional women under 40.

The new division will enable professional women who are passionate about Israel to take part in a new platform to connect over topics ranging from business to building the Jewish community and network during curated events with other successful entrepreneurs, CEOs, politicians, educators, doctors, and lawyers. Giving levels for the new campaign are $18,000 for women 40 and over, and $1800 for those under 40.

“I am honored to be connected with such an amazing organization that has been a part of my life since I was a child and that keeps people at the center of everything they do,” said Mark. “It is so important that we spread the word around the world of what JNF does, and what we are working to achieve. Women have so much to offer, and it’s vital that more women join us in supporting Israel and building up the Jewish community.”

Jessica Abo remarked, “My first connection to JNF came in the form of the Blue Box when I received it as a young girl from my Jewish day school. My parents and I always purchased JNF’s trees to mark milestones, and we planted our own trees in Israel during a family trip. As a frequent visitor to Israel I have witnessed the incredible work JNF does on the ground, and I look forward to engaging young professionals to take part in our work and join this dynamic community.”

Florine Mark started the internationally recognized weight loss enterprise, The WW Group, Inc., as a family business with her relatives as its first members. She is a multi-faceted entrepreneur with a passion for empowering women and employs a numerous women from diverse backgrounds in her Michigan and Canadian operations. In addition, Mark serves as an advisor, advocate and board member on approximately 35 committees and civic organizations.

Jessica Abo is a reporter, social entrepreneur and TEDx presenter who has been cast as herself in several shows and movies including Gossip Girl, House of Cards and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Through her media startup JaboTV, her work with brands and private clients, and, her nationwide speaking tour, Jessica is empowering people of all ages to turn their passion into action. Jessica was one of The Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” in 2014 and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for different causes around the world by running her own charity events. Jessica attributes who she is today to her parents, to her Jewish roots, and to her day school education.

The campaign’s kick off will include events in Boston, Central New Jersey, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, and San Diego. For more information on this program and dates, please reach out to Sharon David at 212-879-9305 x242 or sdavid@jnf.org.