The Power of Purpose
On January 11, 2022 nearly 300 women came together online for Hadassah’s first one-day virtual conference focused on empowering women, The Power of Purpose.
“Every single one of us has the ability not just to act but to compel others to action,” said Hadassah National President Rhoda Smolow in her welcoming remarks. “I hope today will energize your sense of purpose, and that this energy will grow in the days and through the challenges we face. Our world needs us — it needs you!”
Following an inspiring Q & A with MC Lesley Stahl, legendary broadcast journalist and co-editor of 60 Minutes, and best-selling author Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of NBC’s TODAY Show, attendees joined panels and breakout workshops on how to effect change, featuring a diverse lineup of powerful women leaders. With inspiring sessions on Israel, women’s health, women’s empowerment and advocacy, attendees closed out the day with a burst of energy and a renewed commitment to using their power and purpose to effect change.
As Hadassah CEO Naomi Adler said as she wrapped up the conference:
“At a time when our world faces so many crises and challenges, I am convinced that the leadership, intelligence and vision of women — especially Hadassah women! — are desperately needed. I can’t wait to see how much more we’ll be able to accomplish together."
Read more in eJewishPhlanthropy's conference coverage, "Women’s voices pushing for change at Hadassah conference."
Guest Speakers
Emcee / Speaker
Lesley Stahl,
Legendary Broadcast Journalist and Co-Editor of 60 Minutes
Lesley Stahl, one of America’s most recognized and experienced broadcast journalists, has been a 60 Minutes correspondent since March 1991 and now serves as its Co-Editor. The 2020-2021 season marked her 30th on the broadcast. Among Stahl’s crowning achievements is the Lifetime Achievement Emmy she was awarded in 2003 for excellence in reporting, the Edward R. Murrow Award in 2014, and two additional Emmys that same year, her 10th and 11th. After four decades as a reporter, Stahl says the most vivid and transforming experience of her life was becoming a grandmother. Stahl’s New York Times bestseller, Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting, was released in April 2016.
Read full bio>
Speaker
Jenna Bush Hager,
Best-Selling Author; Co-Host, NBC's TODAY show
We all remember Jenna as one of the First Daughters, but since then she's earned a national spotlight in her own right, as an author, a TODAY Show presenter and as a charitable ambassador.
Earlier this year she donated $100,000 to No Kid Hungry, and in 2020 she was a UNICEF Ambassador for the UNICEF Won’t Stop campaign, a COVID-19 initiative.
Now, she joins an amazing lineup of women changemakers for The Power of Purpose.
Read full bio>
VOICE: Advocacy Panel
There’s no limit to the ways we can make an impact using our voices. These women are using storytelling, journalism, activism, law, advocacy and social media to drive meaningful change from getting out the vote to building safe communities and more. You can use your voice to become a powerful advocate.
Mandana Dayani
Creator, I am a voter.®
Read full bio>
Brooke Goldstein*
Founder & Executive Director
The Lawfare Project
Read full bio>
Rabbi Tamar Manasseh
Founder, Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killings (MASK)
Read full bio>
BODY: Women's Health Panel
These leaders in women’s health are raising the visibility of women’s health and women’s health equity issues, running a hospital, founding the first all-women ambulance service meeting the specific needs of Orthodox women, deploying hygiene ambassadors across the globe and teaching us all about the benefits of good nutrition. A fascinating conversation with these health care pioneers!
Joy Bauer, MS, RDN
Nutrition and healthy lifestyle expert for NBC’s TODAY show
Read full bio>
Judge Rachel Freier*
Founder, first all-female volunteer ambulance service, NY
Read full bio>
Dr. Asnat Walfisch
Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Dept., Hadassah Hospital Mt. Scopus
Read full bio>
Erin Zaikis
Founder, RISE by Sundara
Read full bio>
SOUL: Israel Panel
For many American Jews, a love for Israel is our bond. Israel is home to innovation, diversity and humanitarian initiatives. These three women shared stories of building support for the country they love through education, entertainment, technology, investments and more. Now’s the time to act on your passion for Israel.
Dr. Rachel Fish
Academic in Israeli history, Zionist thought and Middle Eastern Studies
Read full bio>
Lee Moser
Founder at AnD Ventures, Tel Aviv
Read full bio>
Noa Tishby
Founder, Act for Israel; Israeli producer, author
Read full bio>
MIND: Women's Empowerment Panel
Empowering others is an extremely meaningful way to create a ripple effect. These women leaders are giving others a voice — from supporting women’s equality to holding those accountable who threaten the very principles of democracy, to giving women the support of sisterhood they need to succeed. What will you do with your power?
Tiffany Dufu
Founder, peer coaching platform The Cru
Read full bio>
Amy Spitalnick
Executive Director, Integrity First for America
Read full bio>
Marcy Syms
Founding Advisor, The ERA Project at Columbia Law School;
President, Sy Syms Foundation
Read full bio>
The Power of Purpose Committee
Janice Weinman, Chair
Michelle Conwisar, Co-chair
Deborah Wiskind, Co-chair
Sheryl Hoffman, Assoc. Division Director and Director of Marketing & Special Projects
Stacey Horowitz, Director, Meeting Services
Questions? Please contact Stacey Horowitz at meetingsandtravel@hadassah.org.