Annual Fundraising Event 2025 Honorees:
Monica Brockmeyer and Ken Bernard
Ken Bernard and Monica Brockmeyer: A Legacy of Service, Rooted in Tradition
Ken Bernard and Monica Brockmeyer are a devoted couple whose professional achievements and community leadership are deeply rooted in a shared commitment to Jewish values and social responsibility. As passionate advocates for Yad Ezra, they work together to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in the Jewish community, blending their personal strengths into a powerful force for good.
Ken, a Chartered Financial Analyst and founder of Bernard Wealth Management, brings financial expertise and steadfast leadership to his many roles at Yad Ezra. From co-chairing fundraising efforts to leading the organization through the 2009 financial crisis as president, Ken has been instrumental in ensuring that Yad Ezra remains a lifeline for families in need. His hands-on engagement, especially during annual Passover distributions, reflects his enduring commitment to community service.
Monica, a nationally recognized higher education leader and founder of Change By Degrees consulting, has devoted her career to boosting student success and social mobility. Her leadership at Wayne State University, where she more than doubled the six-year graduation rate, is a testament to her visionary thinking and empathetic approach—qualities shaped in part by her own experience as a first-generation college graduate. She brings the same strategic insight and heartfelt dedication in supporting Ken’s work with Yad Ezra.
What binds Monica and Ken’s work together is a deep-seated belief in the Jewish value of L’dor V’dor—from generation to generation. They both credit their families for instilling in them a sense of purpose, care, responsibility, and compassion. The lessons they learned growing up in households that emphasized giving and respect for human dignity, now shape every aspect of their community contributions.
Through their leadership, philanthropy, and teamwork, Ken and Monica embody a living legacy—honoring the past while building a better future. Their efforts at Yad Ezra not only provide essential resources but also serve as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with the values passed down at the family table.