Gayle Dorio
Career and Family
I have always been involved in tikkun olam. Our family relocated 15 times as my husband's corporate career evolved. This necessitated "re-inventing" myself each time in both my career and community involvement. At each opportunity, I became involved in organizations that gave back. I worked for the Chagrin Valley Therapeutic Riding Association. I was involved in ORT. I served on many different boards of directors - for four Jewish temples, for the Lexington, KY Arts & Cultural Council and the American Women's Group in Paris, to name a few. When I came to Naples, I found Hadassah. This organization is the synthesis of everything! It is the perfect combination of sisterhood, advocacy - working to better the community and the world, ensuring the state of Israel and promoting Jewish values. It is all rolled into one!
How did you get involved with Hadassah?
I began as chairperson of the Crown of Esther program, which is now the Chai Society program. After several years, I became chairperson of the Nominating Committee. I helped on various committees and attended board meetings to better understand the operational workings. In 2016, I became co-president of our chapter with my good friend, Karen Cohn.
What is it about Hadassah that resonates with you?
I believe in humor! I love to make people laugh and I always try to provide a positive approach even while I am kvetching! We need Hadassah! We need to do more! We need to come together and help one another! I want to thank all Hadassah members who work hard -- we are providing funds for ground-breaking medical research, for humanitarian work, and to repair the world. I am honored to be a small part of it!
I am a licensed interior designer and have been a member of the American Society of Interior Designers for more than 30 years. In addition to keeping active with design clients, I am an avid orchid grower and mah-jongg player. I enjoy teaching both orchids and mah-jongg at Florida Gulf Coast University's Renaissance Academy. I also work part-time for a cardiologist, helping in the office. Throughout my career, I have managed different companies -- design-related and others, such as a large art gallery headquarters and even a forklift company. I love working with people and making a difference.
Previous Members of the Month
![sarah-elgart.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/sarah-elgart-1.jpg)
Sarah Elgart
Somerville, MA
“I am inspired by Hadassah’s efforts to connect healthcare professionals internationally.”
Find out more about Sarah Elgart›
![sandra-goldman-1.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/sandra-goldman-1.jpg)
Sandra Goldman
Charlotte, NC
"Rather than just an organization, Hadassah is like family."
Find out more about Sandra Goldman›
![sally-laufer.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/sally-laufer.jpg)
Sally Laufer
Palm Harbor, FL
"I am so moved by all that Hadassah nurses have achieved in Israel in the past 100 years."
Find out more about Sally Laufer›
![may-member-ruth-fein-star.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/may-member-ruth-fein-star.jpg)
Ruth Fein
Merrick, NY
"I chose Hadassah because its main focus is Israel."
Find out more about Ruth Fein›
![may-member-of-the-month-randi-lampert.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/may-member-of-the-month-randi-lampert.jpg)
Randi Lampert
Las Vegas, NV
“Board certified pediatrician passionate about Hadassah.”
Find out more about Randi Lampert›
![may-member-hero-randi-cohen-star.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/may-member-hero-randi-cohen-star.jpg)
Randi Cohen
Arlington, VA
“I owe much to Hadassah, including meeting my husband.”
Find out more about Randi Cohen›
![may-member-paula-schiff-star.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/may-member-paula-schiff-star.jpg)
Paula M. Schiff
Walnut Creek, CA
"Along with my wonderful Hadassah members, I have presented three Israel advocacy programs."
Find out more about Paula M. Schiff ›
![marlyn-bradshaw.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/marlyn-bradshaw-1.jpg)
Marlyn Bradshaw
Philadelphia, PA
"Hadassah is an amazing organization!"
Find out more about Marlyn Bradshaw›
![may-member-lori-reszutek-star.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/may-member-lori-reszutek-star.jpg)
Lori Reszutek
Fairfield, CT
"I love being part of a group where I feel a true kinship to the other members."
Find out more about Lori Reszutek›
![may-member-hero-leslie-gonzalez-star.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/may-member-hero-leslie-gonzalez-star.jpg)
Leslie Gonzalez
Newton, MA
“I love that Hadassah is this amazing organization for Israel, about Israel, in Israel.”
Find out more about Leslie Gonzalez›
![laura-freed.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/laura-freed.jpg)
Laura Freed
Treasure Island, FL
“I love that Hadassah finds ways for every woman to get involved and get empowered to help others.”
Find out more about Laura Freed›
![judi-babcock.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/judi-babcock.jpg)
Judi Babcock
Bedford, MA
"I am proudest of the cutting-edge medical research done at Hadassah, including research on treating ALS, cystic fibrosis, heart stents, stem cell therapy and more"
Find out more about Judi Babcock›
![joyce-backman.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/joyce-backman.jpg)
Joyce Backman
Westport, CT
“When I hear about new medical advances that have come out of Hadassah, I feel proud to support Hadassah.”
Find out more about Joyce Backman›
![may-member-hero-helene-schilian-star.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/may-member-hero-helene-schilian-star.jpg)
Helene Schilian
Wellington, FL
“Hadassah supports everything I feel strongly about.”
Find out more about Helene Schilian›
![may-member-hero-hannah-cohen-star.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/may-member-hero-hannah-cohen-star.jpg)
Hannah Cohen
Escondido, CA
“I grew up witnessing my mother’s deep commitment to Hadassah.”
Find out more about Hannah Cohen›
![may-member-of-the-month-erin-coleman.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/may-member-of-the-month-erin-coleman.jpg)
Erin Coleman
Nashville, TN
“A prior service military engineer officer inspired by Hadassah.”
Find out more about Erin Coleman›
![ellen-audet.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/ellen-audet.jpg)
Ellen Audet
Gainesville, FL
"It is a great honor to say I am a Hadassah nurse."
Find out more about Ellen Audet›
![may-member-hero-elise-feldscher-star.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/may-member-hero-elise-feldscher-star.jpg)
Elise Feldscher
Calabasas, CA
“For over 30 years, Hadassah has been the constant in my life.”
Find out more about Elise Feldscher›
![dorothy-lasensky.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/dorothy-lasensky.jpg)
Dorothy Lasensky
Irvine, CA
"Nurses are the heart of Hadassah."
Find out more about Dorothy Lasensky›
![may-member-carol-konecky-star.jpg](http://my.hadassah.org/who-we-are/members-of-the-month/featured-members/may-member-carol-konecky-star.jpg)
Carol Konecky
Oceanside, NY
"I enjoy being surrounded by bright, creative and talented women who share my passion."
Find out more about Carol Konecky›
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