Saluting an incredible leader
'It is one thing to fundraise for the national priorities of Israel. But hearing how we have had such a significant impact on their lives, is so fulfilling.'
Hayley Southwick will step down as UIA Victoria president after five years at the organisation’s AGM on Thursday, November 17, where she will formally welcome successor Peter Horovitz.
“I am delighted to be handing over to Peter, who has been an executive member for the past few years, and already shown immense leadership,” she said.
Under Southwick’s leadership the organisation adopted new technology platforms to streamline processes, undertook a restructure, weathered the pandemic and improved efficiency.
Southwick joined UIA in 2008, several years after travelling to Israel on a UIA mission and seeing its important role. This sparked an inner desire to get involved and as she recalled, “The rest is history.”
She started attending UIA Women’s Division functions, later becoming its chairwoman, a role she held for 10 years.
She has visited Israel a number of times and had the opportunity to see the UIA’s work and hear from beneficiaries firsthand. For her, this has been the most rewarding part of the job.
“It is one thing to fundraise for the national priorities of Israel,” she said, “But hearing how we have had such a significant impact on their lives, is so fulfilling.”
She named meeting UIA guest speakers Gilad Shalit, Khaled Abu Toameh, David Cameron and Reuven Rivlin as highlights of her tenure.
Southwick paid tribute to her family for their support over the years
“David, my children Tyler and Paige, and my family have always understood the importance of my UIA commitments,” she said.
“They have attended countless functions, helped with phoning days and supported me wholeheartedly because they see the value and importance of UIA.”
She encouraged members of the community to get involved.
“Find a cause that you are passionate about and contribute because your voice is valuable,” she said.
She added, “I encourage more women to take on leadership positions. We have wonderful men and women on the UIA executive and each of them brings a different strength. It takes all of us to make UIA what it is today and I can’t thank them and the UIA team enough.”
Southwick will remain on the board as an active member of the UIA family.
“I am sad to stand down but I feel so fulfilled. I am so proud of everything that we have achieved,” she said.
“Every leader needs to know when it is time to step down and let a new leader take the organisation forward with fresh eyes. I look forward to remaining as an executive member and supporting Peter and the team.”
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