Joanne D. Gilbert

The true stories of these indomitable young Women of Valor
will inform your mind, lift your spirits, and warm your heart!

The true stories of these indomitable young Women of Valor will inform your mind, lift your spirits, and warm your heart!

About Joanne

Joanne D. Gilbert, M. Ed, is an award-winning Author, popular Public-Speaker, sought-after Holocaust Educator, and Playwright. As a post-WWII Baby Boomer, Joanne grew up in the predominantly Jewish suburb of Oak Park, Michigan, where many of the residents were Holocaust Survivors who had recently immigrated from war-torn Europe. Their powerful and poignant stories, along with those of her beloved Grandmother, Millie Wineman Ron, inspired Joanne to embark on a journey to find and celebrate women who had successfully defied the Nazis.

"To take action for positive change requires conviction and courage... Joanne Gilbert confronts the challenges of our time by inspiring the compassionate call to action within each of us."

Introducing “VOICES OF VALOR!”

A Student-Centered Holocaust Education Play in Monologues

Based on the true stories featured in Joanne’s books, “VOICES OF VALOR!” is designed to allow students to “inhabit” the lives of young teen anti-Nazi Resisters, thereby making the Holocaust personal.

Women of Valor:

Polish Jewish Resisters to the Third Reich

A Victory for Miriam!

The Little Jewish Girl Who Defied the Nazis

Women of Valor:

French Resisters to the Third Reich

Celebrating Female Anti-Nazi Resistance!

Women of Valor

Female Resisters to the Third Reich

As combat partisans in the forests, spies, couriers, code-breakers, smugglers, nurses, translators, and rescuers of Jewish children and adults, these women of valor demonstrate that the Jews did not “go silently like sheep to the slaughter.” Be inspired by their true stories of resilience and victory, and celebrate the legacy of their courage, which still brings light to the darkness.

"Their courage still brings light to the darkness."

Presentations designed to meet the goals of specific audiences:

Joanne is a passionate and popular speaker and teacher. She offers a variety of presentations and teaching materials to supplement her Women of Valor book series.

Community Groups

From churches to book clubs, retirement communities, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, genealogy groups, and international conferences, Joanne’s presentations never fail to engage and inspire.

Jewish Organizations

From Limmud Days of Learning, Sisterhood Luncheons, Jewish Community Centers and Synagogues, audiences respond to Joanne’s presentations with enthusiasm and appreciation.

Schools & Colleges

Whether middle school, high school, or college, educators and students invite Joanne to return again and again to showcase her ever-changing, dynamic presentations about Anti-Nazi Defiance.

Teacher Training

In partnership with the Sperling Kronberg Mack Holocaust Resource Center, Joanne conducts training workshops for teachers who want to incorporate Holocaust Education into their various curricula.

"Joanne Gilbert’s presentations and books on the Holocaust leave an indelible impact on audiences... Her ability to engage, educate, and inspire empathy is unparalleled."

"...always impeccably prepared and presented, and a joy to watch... a true expert on stories of resistance during the Holocaust, particularly those of women."

"Joanne presents with warmth and vivid historical detail, creating a strong connection to the audience and emphasizing the humanity and reality of the women she commemorates."

"Joanne captures and engages the attention of all through her conversational speaking style, sense of humor, and obvious passion for her topic."