Meet Cindy
Originally from Memphis, Cindy is a longtime philanthropist who has given generously to support public education in Duval County for decades. She is a co-founder of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF), created in 2009, and she served on the JPEF Board of Directors for ten years, including as Chair for more than three years, from 2012 to 2016. She has also been a leader of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, where she served on the board from 2003-2014, and as chair from 2010 to 2011. She was also the co-chair of the 10-year Quality Education for All Initiative, led by The Community Foundation.
The Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship was inspired by Cindy’s experience teaching Advanced Placement Art History at the Bolles School, where she was able to take advantage of robust professional learning opportunities.
In 2017, Cindy’s husband, Dan Edelman, established the Fellowship as a surprise gift for Cindy on a milestone birthday. He created an endowed fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida to support the Fellowship in perpetuity. Today, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund administers the Fellowship, and manages all aspects of the application and selection process. Cindy remains closely involved, reviewing applications, attending the announcements of Fellows’ selection, and hosting gatherings for Fellows in her Riverside home.
“It’s the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received, because it’s impacting teachers,” she said. “Teachers give so much of themselves, and it just seemed like it was a wonderful way to give back.”
