.svg)
Hadassah National Board member Debbie Knight is inspired by a belief in people, possibility and what happens when women are encouraged to step forward. As co-coordinator of the Member Outreach & Engagement Division, she brings a thoughtful, listening-first leadership style to help guide the organization.
Knight envisions a Hadassah that grows across generations, deepens connection to Israel and offers women meaningful ways to lead, live their values and belong.
For women wondering whether Hadassah is the right place for them, Knight’s message is simple and inviting: Hadassah is a place to grow, make an impact and find community while becoming the fullest version of yourself.
Transformative Journeys to Israel
One of the most powerful influences on Knight’s leadership is her longstanding connection to Israel. Her most meaningful Hadassah moment dates back to 1999, when she traveled to Israel for the first time on a Hadassah mission for young leaders.
“That trip changed me,” she said. “It changed my connection to Hadassah and to Israel, and it ultimately impacted how I raised my children and their Jewish education.”
Years later, as chair of Evolve Hadassah: The Next Generation, Knight helped create similar transformative experiences for a new generation through the Evolve Leadership Fellows. Leading cohorts of younger women in Israel and watching them encounter Hadassah’s amazing work firsthand remains among the most rewarding parts of her leadership journey.
“Experiencing Israel and Hadassah through their eyes was incredibly powerful,” she said. “It reinforced for me how lifechanging these moments can be.”
Creating Space for Women to Step Forward
Knight did not always see herself as a leader. She preferred to work quietly in the background until other Hadassah leaders encouraged her to step forward. With mentorship and support, she found her voice and confidence.
“Because of those experiences, I became a better mom, a better friend and a better community member,” she said. “I learned how to show up, step in and speak out.”
Knight understands that today’s leaders are balancing careers, families, caregiving and community responsibilities, so she is focused on creating flexible, meaningful opportunities that meet women where they are, especially younger women navigating an increasingly complicated world.
“Younger women are looking for a community where they can safely be Zionist and express their love for Israel,” she said. “They want connection, friendship and belonging. Hadassah provides that.”
A Legacy That Fuels Her Leadership
Hadassah is not only Knight’s present; it is part of her family’s past and future. Her grandmother and mother were both involved in Hadassah, making Knight a proud third-generation member with her daughter now continuing that legacy.
“I’m very proud to say that Hadassah is my grandmother’s organization, my mother’s organization, mine and my daughter’s,” she said. “I feel emboldened and even obligated to continue this important work that began long before women had the right to vote and before Israel became a state.”
That legacy grounds her leadership and sharpens her sense of responsibility: “I’m always in awe of the women who came before me,” she said. “Their legacy inspires me every day.”
Giving Back & Getting Back
“My involvement with Hadassah gives me great meaning and purpose,” Knight said. “I feel such pride and fulfillment in doing my part and knowing I’m making a real impact in the world. Hadassah has truly become a priority in my life.”
“As much as I do for Hadassah, I get back so much more,” she said. “Friendship, purpose, connection and the chance to truly make a difference.”
