Debbie Eisenberg Sustainability and Growth 2016-Present
Debbie Eisenberg was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents always tried to help those in need. When Debbie was young, she often heard her parents talking on the phone, offering advice and support to family, friends, and colleagues. Her upbringing instilled in her a desire to always do her best, never stop learning, and to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Debbie moved to Kitchener, Ontario with her husband, Gary Levene. The two met while campers and counselors at a wilderness camp in Algonquin Park. After she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Syracuse University, as well as a Master of Science Degree in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College, Debbie made the big move to Canada. In 1981, Debbie attended her first CHW meeting, and shortly after, her mother-in-law presented her with a gift of Life Membership, thus beginning her 35-year volunteer journey with CHW. She quickly became involved at her centre, taking on leadership positions at the local and national levels. Debbie loved connecting with other Jewish women in her new home, participating in the local community, and supporting CHW projects in Israel. Debbie was elected CHW National President – the first one from Kitchener-Waterloo – in 2016. During her presidency, she has decided to focus on sustainability and
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growth. “CHW’s support has strengthened, and continues to strengthen, the very fabric of Israeli society. To ensure CHW’s continued growth, we have to remain relevant to our members, friends, donors, partners and beneficiaries. We must continue to nurture and further develop CHW’s culture of philanthropy,” she said. Debbie is ringing in CHW’s Centennial year as National President. Not only is CHW’s Centennial Birthday a reason to celebrate extraordinary past accomplishments, but it is also a time to look to the future with optimism and excitement. The world of volunteerism is changing, so as we move forward, CHW has to grow and change in a way that will resonate with the next generation; building strong relationships and inspiring them to get involved. As Debbie said, “We cannot change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails.” Debbie is helping solidify a legacy which will last for CHW’s next 100 years: “Together we must all work on behalf of CHW and in support of CHW to promote our mission, elevate our profile, and increase our fundraising capacity to ensure that we remain relevant and vibrant for the next 100 years, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.”