Ariellah Rosenberg, CEO of ORT SA in Johannesburg, has been announced as the 2024 recipient of the Robert Singer Award for Outstanding ORT Professionals.
The annual award recognizes ORT professionals globally whose efforts and achievements, after years of service for the institutions in which they work, advance beneficiaries locally and support the global ORT network.
Ms. Rosenberg has dedicated her career to advancing education and skills development. She has helped shape ORT SA’s programs to bring STEM education, entrepreneurship and job skills to previously disadvantaged communities. Her role as CEO since 2013 has been pivotal in expanding ORT SA’s reach and impact, affecting thousands of youth, educators and businesses in the country.
She said: “This award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of ORT SA’s work to create meaningful educational opportunities. Over the past 20 years, I’ve seen the potential in every young person we work with and I remain inspired by their resilience and eagerness to learn.”
WATCH: Ariellah Rosenberg discusses her career and the 2024 Robert Singer Award
Robert Singer – former CEO and Chair of the Board of Trustees, World ORT; Former CEO, World Jewish Congress; Chairman, Center for Jewish Impact – for whom the award is named, described Ms. Rosenberg’s contributions to the field of education and to the ORT community as “outstanding”. He said she “exemplified the values we cherish” and added: “I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”
He added: “Ariellah truly embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication that the Singer Award represents.
“Over her remarkable 20-year tenure at ORT South Africa she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education, leadership and community engagement.
“Her ability to inspire and empower those around her has created a positive ripple effect, impacting countless lives and strengthening our organization.”
He said Ms. Rosenberg’s contributions extended beyond her role as a leader. “She is deeply involved in advancing educational programs and actively participates in World ORT’s networking initiatives, showcasing her passion for collaboration and growth. As a mentor, she nurtures the next generation of educators, fostering an environment of learning and development.”
Previously Head of Teacher Empowerment at ORT SA, Ms. Rosenberg has focused on creating programs that brought STEM education to hundreds of schools.
From establishing the organization’s Teacher Empowerment department and developing it into the STEM, IT, Skills and Enterprise Development Academies, to launching the Jewish First Lego League in South Africa, and ORT Coding Clubs reaching more than 6,000 learners, she has consistently worked on initiatives aimed at practical learning and skills development.
In each project, her goal has been to equip young people with knowledge and tools that can open doors for their future.
Throughout Ms. Rosenberg’s career, she has shared her insights at conferences and collaborated on educational initiatives globally. She has presented on youth development and the future of learning, gaining recognition for her focus on preparing communities for an evolving world.
She was also a finalist in ABSA’s Europcar Women in Leadership Award in 2020, the first South African to attend the Google Teacher Academy in London in 2010, a nominee for the Women of the Year Award in 2010 and has been interviewed on platforms such as CNBC Africa’s Innovate Africa show, where she discussed the concept of bridging the technology skills gap.
Ms. Rosenberg, who believes that with the right attitude and equal opportunities “the sky is the limit”, said being chosen for the award left her “speechless”.
“I have met Robert Singer and always admired his position and his work,” she said. “It is such a big honor and a privilege to receive this award – ORT is an amazing network of incredible people and work.
“I feel as if I’m standing next to giants and, being recognized, like I’m now a piece of that puzzle that’s called World ORT, not only locally, but part of this network that has benefited South Africa in so many ways. I had the privilege to really impact through education. I always say you can’t measure the impact because the impact grows as the children grow.
“ORT SA’s mission continues to guide me, and I’m grateful to be part of an organization committed to empowering communities and building brighter futures.”
Previous winners of the Robert Singer Award include Dr. Jorge Grünberg, Rector of the Universidad ORT Uruguay; Vladimir Kritsman, Principal of the Jewish school ORT “Pri Etz Haim” in Kyrgyzstan; and staff from ORT Ukraine.
