Deborah Sosland-Edelman, PhD

Dr. Deborah Sosland-Edelman is the executive director of the Sosland Foundation and a longtime supporter of the Kansas City philanthropic community. In this position, she administers grants to regional social welfare, education, health, civic, cultural arts, and Jewish organizations.

A tireless advocate for a robust local cultural and nonprofit sector for over 25 years, Dr. Sosland Edelman is a fervent believer in community collaboration and servant leadership. She is a trusted resource for all matters impacting community and nonprofits.

In conjunction with her doctoral work, Dr. Sosland-Edelman was a teaching and research assistant at the University of Kansas Medical Center where her research focused on the infants of adolescent mothers. For 12 years, she held an adjunct appointment as an assistant professor of clinical pediatrics. Her undergraduate degree is from Smith College. 

In November 2020, the Jewish Community Relations Bureau honored Dr. Sosland- Edelman with its Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award for her outstanding community service and professional contributions to diverse causes from social justice and education to the arts and culture.

Dr. Sosland-Edelman serves or has served on numerous boards including Children's Mercy Hospital, the Hall Center for the Humanities, City Year Kansas City, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, The Marion, and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, Museum of Prairiefire, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, Skillbuilders, Village Shalom, Harvesters, Clearinghouse for Mid-continent Foundations, the Menorah Legacy Foundation, the National Conference, Science Pioneers, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Community Campus, Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Federation, Planned Parenthood, Congregation Beth Shalom and the Board of Counselors of Smith College. She is a member of the first class of the Helzberg Leadership Fellows of the Jewish Federation.