Jean Shafiroff

Jean Shafiroff is recognized as one of America’s leading philanthropists and charitable leaders. Through many years of service, fundraising, advocacy, and generosity, she has built a strong reputation for helping others while inspiring countless individuals to become involved in charitable causes. Her leadership, extensive nonprofit board service, distinguished educational background, media presence, and commitment to motivating others have made her a highly respected figure in philanthropic circles both nationally and internationally.

Often referred to as the “First Lady of Philanthropy,” Jean Shafiroff has become synonymous with charitable leadership and civic engagement. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Jean Shafiroff developed an appreciation for community service and helping others at an early age. Today, she divides her time between New York City, Southampton, and Manalapan, Florida, while maintaining an active schedule of charitable work, fundraising events, speaking engagements, and nonprofit leadership activities. Her influence extends far beyond the communities in which she resides, reaching organizations and causes throughout the country and around the world.

One of the hallmarks of Jean career is her exceptional leadership. She believes that philanthropy is about much more than financial giving; it is also about investing one’s time, talents, and energy in service to others. Throughout her career, she has consistently encouraged people of all ages to become engaged in charitable work and to recognize that everyone can make a positive difference. Her message is simple yet powerful: philanthropy is not reserved for the wealthy—it is an opportunity available to all.

This philosophy has made Shafiroff a highly effective ambassador for charitable giving. Through her speeches, interviews, fundraising efforts, and public appearances, she motivates individuals to support causes they care about and to become active participants in strengthening their communities. Her ability to inspire others has helped raise awareness and substantial financial support for a wide range of nonprofit organizations.

Jean Shafiroff is particularly well known for her extensive service on nonprofit boards. She serves on multiple international and local charity boards and has dedicated countless hours to helping organizations expand their missions, increase visibility, and achieve long-term sustainability. Her board affiliations include the Southampton Hospital Foundation, New York Women’s Foundation, Mission Society of New York City, French Heritage Society, the Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, Global Strays, and Casita Maria. She also serves on the honorary board of the Southampton Animal Shelter, an advisory board member of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and Ballet Palm Beach, and most recently appointed a co-chair for the upcoming Old Bags Luncheon in aid of the Center for Family Services Palm Beach County in addition, she will co-chair the upcoming Casita Maria Gala, French Heritage Gala , American Red Cross Gala, Havanna Nights Gala. During the COVID-19 pandemic she served as the national spokesperson for the American Humane’s Feed the Hungry Program, an initiative that raised one million dollars to feed one million animals in shelters across the country.

Through these leadership positions, she has provided strategic guidance, fundraising expertise, and public advocacy to organizations focused on healthcare, education, women’s rights , social services, cultural preservation, and animal welfare. By supporting numerous causes simultaneously, she has helped build bridges between institutions and foster greater collaboration within the nonprofit sector.

Her extraordinary dedication to philanthropy has earned her recognition from dozens of leading charitable organizations. Throughout the years, she has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her volunteer leadership, fundraising achievements, advocacy efforts, and commitment to improving the lives of others. These accolades reflect the respect she has earned among nonprofit leaders, civic organizations, and charitable institutions across the country.

Jean’s accomplishments are supported by a strong academic foundation. She graduated from Columbia University, one of the nation’s most prestigious Ivy League institutions, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. She later received an MBA in Finance from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University. This unique combination of healthcare and business education provided her with valuable insight into both human needs and organizational management.

Before devoting herself full-time to philanthropy, Shafiroff enjoyed successful professional careers as a physical therapist and later in finance and investment banking. These experiences strengthened her leadership abilities and provided her with the strategic and financial expertise that she would later apply to nonprofit organizations and charitable initiatives.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Jean is an accomplished author. In 2016, she published her first book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make A Life By What You Give. The book offers practical guidance and inspiration for individuals interested in becoming more involved in charitable activities. Drawing from her own experiences, Shafiroff explains how people can make meaningful contributions regardless of their financial circumstances. The book reflects her belief that generosity, compassion, and active participation are essential ingredients in creating a fulfilling and impactful life.

Her commitment to educating and inspiring others also extends to television. Jean Shafiroff is the creator, producer, and host of “Successful Philanthropy”, a television program that showcases charitable organizations, nonprofit leaders, public officials, philanthropists, celebrities who work to improve society. Through thoughtful interviews and engaging discussions, the show highlights important causes and demonstrates how philanthropy can transform communities.

Beyond her work in philanthropy and media, Her social media platform allows her to reach global audiences and inspire people of all ages to support meaningful causes.

Shafiroff’s social media presence also reflects another aspect of her public persona—her love of fashion. Known for her elegance and distinctive style, she has become a respected figure in both philanthropic and fashion circles. In 2025, she was named among Tatler Magazine’s Most Glamorous Gown Wearers in the World, appearing on a list that included Catherine, Princess of Wales, members of royal families, and internationally recognized celebrities.

Jean Shafiroff’s legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and action. She has shown that true leadership is rooted in service and that every individual has the capacity to make a meaningful difference. Through her example, she continues to inspire others to embrace philanthropy and to help build a more caring, compassionate, and engaged society.

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