Deena Eberly: 2015 Young Leadership Award Honoree
Each year, Jewish Federation Los Angeles awards an exceptional young female lay leader (ages 30-45) with the Young Women’s Leadership Award, an honor that comes with a grant to attend the Jewish Federation of North America’s General Assembly (GA). Honorees are chosen for their extraordinary commitment to the Federation’s forward-thinking work and for their active leadership within Federation roles. Last year, Deena Eberly was bestowed this honor and will serve on this year’s selection committee. We sat down with Deena to learn more about her experience with the Federation and at the GA.
Why is the Jewish community and Jewish involvement so important to you?
Both my parents and grandparents were involved in the Federation and recommended to me at a very young age that I should give back to the Jewish community. I started out with ORT America and created their next generation young leadership program. My first program within Federation was the Real Estate & Construction Division (REC) mentorship program. I found out how to give back through what I was passionate about. And I found a new passion in making sure that the next generation of us continues the legacy that our parents and grandparents left.
I think it’s important to know where we came from and where we’re going as a community. The world doesn’t always help the Jewish community, but the Jewish community helps the world.
How are you currently involved with The Jewish Federation?
I’ve been involved in almost every aspect of the Federation that applies to my life. I’m a part of the REC division and the Women’s Cabinet, YALA, and the National Young Leadership Cabinet (NYLC). In addition to these roles, I am currently the Co-Chair of Mainstage. I’ve participated in Community Service Days and Super Sunday, I’ve helped plan events and have participated in past leadership programs – Geller and YLDI.
What did it mean to you to be honored last year with the Federation’s Young Women’s Leadership Award?
It always means a lot to be recognized by your peers and those that came before you. The last two years have been life-changing for me: I got married, became pregnant, had a baby and still managed to be involved with the Federation. In fact, I managed to increase my involvement by starting with the NYLC. It was really great for me to see, as a woman in L.A., that I can be a working professional, a wife, a mother — and a philanthropist.
Tell us a little bit about last year’s GA.
Prime Minister Netanyahu was the highlight of the GA. It was absolutely incredible hearing him speak. Since I am in the NYLC, it’s always great to be with my Cabinet family somewhere other than the NYLC Retreat or the study mission. What’s great about the GA is the same thing that’s wonderful about the Federation. No matter what your interests, there’s something for you. Whatever you’re interested in, there is a speaker on that topic. I think the GA can be very overwhelming, but just dive in and find what you’re passionate about and let that lead your journey. This year’s GA is going to be incredible because it’s right after the election in Washington, D.C. There will be a lot going on!
What are you looking for in a Young Women’s Leadership Award candidate this year?
I’m looking for someone that has taken part in every aspect of the Federation that’s been available to them. Someone who has planned events, chaired committees and raised dollars. I’m looking for someone that wants philanthropy (and specifically our Federation) to be a part of their world for the rest of their lives. This isn’t a stopover in their journey — this is their journey.
The Young Women’s Leadership Award recognizes young adults who have exhibited exemplary leadership in the Los Angeles Jewish community, and specifically with Jewish Federation Los Angeles.
If you would like to nominate an outstanding young leader, click HERE. Nominations will be accepted through September 2, 2016. Recipients will receive their awards at this year’s GA, which takes place November 13-15 in Washington, D.C.
