Ruth Gursky
President, Hadassah New York Region
Ruth Gursky says her leadership role with Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is inspired by a famous quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world…indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Though Hadassah founded the modern healthcare system in Israel a century ago, today the membership consists of men and women of all backgrounds who support Israel through cutting-edge research at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem and its hospitals and clinics. Gursky, an attorney, consultant and former executive director of Team New York, now directs Hadassah’s programming, fundraising and membership initiatives for the region, oversees 12 active chapters and serves on the National Board of Directors. Gursky is equally driven in her free time; she’s completed six marathons, more than 30 half-marathons and three triathlons. “As president, in addition to fundraising and membership outreach and retention, my goal is to inspire, motivate, and empower women, especially younger women, to accept the challenges of leadership and develop into activists and philanthropists,” Gursky says. “[It’s] changing the world, one person at a time.”
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