The Lowdown: Debbie Kuniansky

Atlanta is chock full of interesting “movers and shakers” – some bent on creativity, empire building, activism, the sciences, and/or just plain having fun and living the good life. Lean in to hear some of the “off the cuff” remarks as to what makes our spotlight, Debbie Kuniansky, tick.

Debbie has called Atlanta home since 1992, building a career in sales and communication training. With a talent for fundraising, she has chaired numerous fundraisers for organizations such as the Marcus Jewish Community Center Pre-School, Temple Sinai, The Weber School, and Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

Debbie has held leadership positions on several boards, including various roles on Temple Sinai’s Board of Trustees, Board Chair of the Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta, and Vice President of Development for The Weber Jewish Community High School. Recently, she was installed as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, where she has served on the board for nearly a decade – participating on various committees and in critical roles for the Atlanta Jewish community such as Chairing the 2022 Community Campaign, and co-chair of the Israel Emergency Campaign post-Oct. 7.

Debbie and her husband, Doug Kuniansky, have been married for 17 years and share five children and one grandchild. In her free time, Debbie enjoys tennis, pickleball, playing cards, and entertaining family and friends.

Read on to find why Debbie steers clear of high heels.

The thing you will enjoy most about the new Federation position? And what scares you the most?
It’s the people! I have met the most inspiring professionals, volunteers, and philanthropists through my volunteer service there. As far as “what scares me,” I wouldn’t use that word, but if I ever feel uncertain, I know I have a support system of professionals, previous Board Chairs and community leaders that are there for me.

What would your kids say the best advice you gave them was?
My daughters would say “pretty is as pretty does.” It was crucial for me to raise young women who knew that true beauty lies in one’s character and actions not physical attractiveness.

What are you reading?
I’m reading Ina Garten’s memoir, “Be Ready When the Luck Happens.” It’s for my book club, but I have all the “Barefoot Contessa” cookbooks, and I have enjoyed cooking and entertaining with so many of her recipes over the years … and she’s Jewish!

Your idea of a fun night on the town is …
It wouldn’t be “on the town.” I love home entertaining, and I love going to other people’s homes as well. I think gathering a small group of fun and interesting people around a table with good food and drinks are my favorite evenings.

You get really silly when …
Ooooh, I really don’t identify with silly … but I do think my friends would say I like to have a good time!

Best advice you received …
My mother once quoted Dr. Seuss and it was great advice, “Do what you want to do, say what you want to say, because those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter.”  I sum it up to live your life the way you see best and don’t worry what others think. People who truly love and care about you will support you.

Your biggest fashion disaster?
At my daughter’s bat mitzvah, I was determined to keep my heels on all night. The next day I could barely walk, and I had lost feeling in my toes. It took months for the nerve damage to heal and to finally feel my toes again.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Movie theater popcorn … I am definitely not a health nut, but years ago I read about how bad movie theater popcorn was so I tried to give it up … but it really ruined the whole movie theater experience. So, now, I splurge and get the popcorn!