Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff Discusses Her Life’s Mission

Jean Shafiroff, renowned philanthropist, author, and TV host has always set out to make a difference in the world, especially for those less fortunate. She felt that philanthropic work was her calling from a young age, and she has made tremendous contributions, and continues to be closely involved with several organizations on the East End. She champions many important causes including women’s rights, rights of underserved populations, animal welfare, health care, and so much more.

Jean is the author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, and she hosts a TV show called Successful Philanthropy. She is always getting involved in new missions and projects, and she intends to continue this impactful philanthropic work as long as she can.

Jean spoke more about her background, the missions that mean the most to her, the organizations on the East End she continues to serve, and she encourages others to get involved in any way they are able. 

Can you tell us about your background and how you first got started in philanthropy?

JS: At a very young age, I was encouraged to get involved in helping those in need by both my teachers and parents. I attended twelve years of Catholic school where the nuns taught us the importance of helping the less fortunate. Both my parents were good role models, too. I grew up very middle class. My father was a schoolteacher, and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. My father was very involved both in the family life, and in providing a good education for his students. He cared about our future. My mother would volunteer at our school and church. She had me do the same. My higher education, travel experiences, and then work experience were also key in encouraging me to become a philanthropist.

After high school, I continued my education at Columbia University where I earned a BS in Physical Therapy and then an MBA in Finance from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University. My education played a key role in the philanthropic work I do because it taught me valuable skills that I would need to become a leader, organizer, and volunteer fundraiser in philanthropy. In between college and graduate school, I worked for one year as a physical therapist at the inner-city hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City. There I worked with patients who lived at or below the poverty level and who also had serious illnesses. This experience made me see firsthand all the suffering that existed in this world. I then decided to go to graduate school to pursue higher education. After earning an MBA in Finance, I worked on Wall Street as an investment banker for a number of years where I learned a great deal about business. Soon, I realized I had to do more with my life to help those who truly suffered. I gradually got involved with different charities by volunteering, donating resources, and serving on the board of directors of a few different charities. Then, I started to volunteer at my daughters’ schools.

My travels to many countries including Cambodia, China, Nicaragua, Colombia, Argentina, and Costa Rica, where I saw great poverty reinforced my belief that life is not created equal and that I must do more to help others.  

Today, I serve on seven charity boards, two honorary boards, and each year chair about eight to nine charity galas. Each year, I also host and underwrite many charity events in my homes and elsewhere.  A number of years ago, I wrote the book Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give. In addition, I host a TV show on philanthropy called Successful Philanthropy. Philanthropy is my life’s mission. It is a full-time volunteer job. It is greatly fulfilling. I plan to do my philanthropic work for the rest of my life.

Has there been a key to your philanthropic success?

JS: Hard work! Also, passion about the work I do. I love my philanthropic work. To be a leader, you need to be easy to get along with and guide others—and motivate them. You also should like people—and I love people.

Can you tell us about some of the causes and organizations you are most passionate about and what you wish more people knew?

JS: My areas of focus are women’s rights, rights of underserved populations, and health care. I also am very interested in LGBTQ rights and the arts. Although not heavily involved in environmental causes at this time, I see that there is a great need to focus on our water supply, clean air, and a clean environment. So I plan to get more involved advocating for the protection of our environment.

What do you love most about the East End and what impact do you hope to make in this community specifically?

JS: The Eastern End of Long Island is so incredibly special for so many reasons. I love the clean beaches, clean air, restaurants, and the people. I have been very involved with many charities here on the East End.  

Over the years, I have helped a number of East End charities grow. I have been very involved with volunteer fundraising and chairing events for the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Southampton Animal Shelter, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, the Southampton African American Museum and a number of other groups.  

Specifically, I would like to see the community support the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital in a very serious way. In order for the Hospital to maintain its strength and to grow, it must be supported by those living and vacating around it. As a board member of the Southampton Hospital Foundation, former three-time chair of their largest annual fundraiser and past honoree, I realize that a good hospital is key to the strength of a community. So I have worked to help with their fundraising as a volunteer. I also try to help them by promoting their work through my writing and interviews.   

Can you discuss some of the projects you are currently involved in?

JS: As we change seasons, I continue with my charity work. The seven charity boards and two honorary boards that I serve on all require a great deal of work. That work includes fundraising, donating my personal resources, bringing in new people, and then helping to create visibility for these causes. I will host a number of charity events in NYC this fall. Then I will continue this work into the winter, spring, and summer. I, simultaneously, will continue with my TV show and work on a few new book projects. 

Is there anything you’d like to share about your book, television show, or other works?

JS: Yes, philanthropy is multifaceted. The premise of my book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give, is that anyone can be a philanthropist. If you do not have financial resources to give, you can give your time and knowledge. However, if you have become financially successful, I believe you have an obligation to give of your resources. Regarding my TV show, Successful Philanthropy, I interview celebrities, politicians, executive directors of different charities, and fellow philanthropists. The purpose is for others to hear their stories so that they might be encouraged to follow in their footsteps—and to do philanthropic work. 

What piece of advice would you give to others looking to make a difference?

JS: Get involved in causes that you are passionate about and make sure you do sufficient research about a charity before you get totally immersed in their work. Make sure your work and your contributions are appreciated. If you have major resources to give, think about an impact gift—a gift that will really make a difference to a cause or institution.  

Did you ever imagine you’d be able to make the impact you have made so far?

JS: I am very driven to do my philanthropic work. Besides helping to raise funds and awareness for a number of causes and charities, I would like to believe that my work has helped to motivate others to get involved in philanthropy, and, hopefully, for the right reasons, those reasons being to help the less fortunate—be they people or animals. Many people do come up to me and tell me that my book and work has inspired them. I am happy about this. I am also very interested in getting younger generations involved in philanthropic work, and have worked to make this possible. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your philanthropic work, specific missions or organizations, or anything new you’ll be getting involved in next?

JS: Other than new book projects and new work in the area of inspiring younger generations, and then some work with the environment, my work will continue the way it has been in the past. I enjoy public speaking and will most likely do more of it in the future either through TV or other mediums.