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Ten-year-old Michelle didn’t know what lay ahead for her as she stood on the dais at her mother and grandmother’s region fundraiser, accepting a Hadassah life membership pin and certificate.
The shy girl from Orinda, California, would one day be a strong leader. She’d be a Hadassah national vice president.
“Hadassah helped me see myself differently,” she said. “It gave me confidence, purpose and a sense of belonging. And that kind of growth is lifechanging.”
Not only did Hadassah provide her with space to grow, but it also opened the door to new friendships.
Nearly 20 years after the prophetic fundraiser, Michelle became Michelle Conwisar, married and a new resident of Calabasas, California. And that’s where her true Hadassah journey begins.
As a third-generation Hadassah member, Conwisar knew Hadassah served as the ideal launchpad for making meaningful connections with women who shared her values.
With one phone call to her local Hadassah office, she was connected to the Hadar Group, which was part of the Beverly Hills Chapter before it became Hadassah Southern California. She was embraced wholeheartedly.
“What a blessing it was for me that there was a strong group of ladies my age who had just started a new chapter and welcomed me with open arms.”
She was received so enthusiastically that she was appointed membership vice president at her first meeting. She’s held many leadership positions in the ensuing 30 years, including Philanthropy Division campaign vice chair, region leadership chair, area president and Hadassah Southern California region president.
Perhaps one of her most cherished roles is mentor to emerging leaders, facilitating leadership trainings and “creating opportunities for women to step into new roles and stretch beyond what they thought possible,” which she’s been doing both regionally and nationally as a member of the Executive Committee and as national Evolve Hadassah: The Next Generation liaison.
Helping women find their voices, strengths and passions is what Hadassah is all about for Conwisar.
“Empowering other women is central to how I lead.”
Conwisar discovered her own passions — advancing education and women’s health and supporting Israel through meaningful engagement and philanthropy — close to home, having her mother, a past National Board and National Honorary Council member, as a model for Zionist pride and having witnessed both her mother and grandmother battle breast cancer.
“Hadassah’s efforts in breast cancer research and genetic testing are what make me particularly proud to be involved with Hadassah,” she said. “Our innovative approaches and commitment to research continue to drive progress in cancer prevention and treatment.”
Over the years, Conwisar was all over the place — in the best way possible — taking part in Hadassah’s health initiative Every Move Counts (that began during Covid), attending local rallies in support of Israel after October 7, 2023, issuing statements on bills focusing on infertility, co-chairing Hadassah’s The Power of Purpose conference and co-leading a Hadassah mission to Israel.
“I also believe in modeling growth and confidence, not only for the women I work with but also for my daughters, so they can see firsthand what it looks like to lead with purpose.”
Conwisar just started the first year of her three-year vice presidency, but she has a clear vision of her legacy; she wants to be known as a leader who’s brought more visibility to the organization, helped ensure Hadassah has a vibrant future and strengthened connections to Israel and between fellow Hadassah members.
“Most of all, I hope I’m remembered as someone who led with heart, listened deeply and left the path a little wider for the women who come next.”
The Fun Facts
Favorite matzah topping?
Butter and salt
Age at first trip to Israel?
20, on a Hadassah mission with my mom
Favorite Purim costume of all time?
That would have to be my famous Henrietta Szold costume
Yiddish/Hebrew word you use the most in your daily life?
Shluffy
