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When we say, “18 American Zionist Women You Should Know,” we mean it. We really want you to get to know all about these remarkable women — and their dedicated activism that helps shape the future of Zionism. While most of the #Hadassah18 come from outside our Hadassah family, we’re shining a spotlight this year on our very own Hadassah leaders who wear their Zionism proudly.
Meet: Deborah Villanueva, organizational vice president, women’s health chair and Evolve chair for Hadassah Long Beach/Orange County
Tell us a little about your involvement with Hadassah. How, why and when did you get involved?
I came to Hadassah through the doorway of women’s health. As a clinical social worker and doctoral-level mental health professional, I was drawn to Hadassah’s long-standing commitment to healing, not just physically but emotionally and culturally. I joined as a member three years ago and became committed when I realized how much of my clinical and Zionist values aligned with Hadassah’s work. For me, Hadassah has become a space where advocacy, healing and Jewish identity converge in powerful ways.
What is your proudest Hadassah moment?
Co-leading our region’s Evolve initiative, which nurtures and elevates new leadership among women in midlife, has been especially meaningful. Watching women find their voices and see themselves as part of a bigger, historic mission gives me hope for the future of Zionist leadership. On a more personal level, in the aftermath of October 7, 2023, supporting the Together We Will Heal campaign and bringing forward the intersection of mental health and Jewish continuity has been incredibly fulfilling.
What leadership roles in the Jewish community or at other nonprofits do you hold outside of Hadassah?
I serve as vice president of education at Temple Beth-El in San Pedro and sit on several boards focused on social justice, mental health and civic engagement. I’m also a member of the Los Angeles County Sexual Assault Council. Much of my work, whether clinical or community-based, centers on trauma-informed care, early intervention and culturally grounded approaches to resilience, including for survivors of human and sex trafficking.
What was your first reaction to being included on Hadassah’s list of 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know?
Honestly, I felt a mix of deep gratitude and humility. I thought about my grandmother, my mother and the generations of strong women in my family who led by example — women who lived lives rooted in advocacy, love for others, joy and tikkun olam — all while confronting antisemitism with courage and conviction. This recognition is not just for me; it is for every woman doing the often invisible, everyday work of nurturing identity, advancing justice and building community.
What does Zionism mean to you?
Zionism, to me, is about continuity, dignity and peoplehood. It is the belief that the Jewish people have the right to live freely, safely and joyfully in their ancestral homeland. But it’s also about responsibility: to uphold human rights, engage in difficult conversations and ensure that Israel remains a moral and democratic society. As a clinical social worker, I have seen how connection to Israel strengthens identity and resilience, especially for Jewish women navigating trauma or illness. Zionism is not blind loyalty; it is a dynamic, values-driven relationship rooted in history, hope and accountability.
What would you say to students encountering anti-Zionist and anti-Israel voices on college campuses?
First, I would tell them: You are not alone. You do not need to defend your identity to be worthy of belonging. It is okay to hold complexity, to love Israel, to advocate for justice and to challenge policies. I encourage students to ground themselves in facts, stay in conversation and not let fear or shame drive them into silence. Being Jewish, being Zionist, is not something you need to apologize for.
Is there something you wish more people knew about Israel?
I wish more people knew how diverse Israel is ethnically, spiritually and ideologically. It is not a monolith. From Tel Aviv to Haifa to Jerusalem, you will find women’s health pioneers, Bedouin activists, tech innovators, Ethiopian artists and more. It is a country built on dreams and contradictions, and it is worth looking beyond the headlines to see its heart.
Favorite Israeli food? Favorite places to visit in Israel?
Favorite food? Definitely sabich. I love the blend of textures and flavors. As for places, since my first visit to Israel was this past March and the schedule was tight, I did not have the opportunity to explore many cities. So it would not feel right to choose a favorite beyond what I have experienced. That said, Jerusalem stole my heart. A piece of me will always remain there. Its energy, mysticism and layers of art and history have engraved themselves in my soul; it felt both ancient and alive. I was also deeply moved by the Chagall windows at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem. To me, they symbolize what’s possible when healing, beauty and spiritual meaning come together — a reminder that medicine and humanity are inseparable.
See the full list of 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know.
