Brawerman Fellows

Spencer Davis

(he/him)

High School: Milken Community School

College: Joint Program between the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and Columbia University

Major: Sociology at Columbia and Jewish Ethics at JTS

High School Involvements: The Milken Roar School Newspaper, Junior State of America (JSA), Milken Mock Trial, L’Dough V’Dough, Duke University Moot Court, Milken Student Advisory Committee, Milken Student Ambassador, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel’s Office, Milken Model UN, Beit Midrash Fellowship, Milken Moot Beit Din, Milken Senior Purim Spiel

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
I expect that the Brawerman Fellowship will provide me with an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded Jewish peers and gain insight from mentors who can guide me through the tumultuous college journey. I look forward to going on various travel opportunities with other Brawerman Fellows, particularly my first trip to Israel. I cannot wait to experience the cultural and religious zeal of the nation I’ve heard so much about. The Brawerman Fellowship will ground my college experience and provide me a community of peers and mentors to return to when I might not feel at home in college.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
As a leader during high school, I spent time not just trying to engage with the opportunities within my grasp, but building new ones and challenging the community that I saw before me. In college, I hope to contribute to my new community by engaging with a variety of opportunities and providing a unique perspective to those groups. I hope to work with the Columbia Spectator to challenge aspects of the university community that I want to improve, and shine a light on members of our cohort that do not traditionally see the spotlight. I also look forward to expanding Holocaust education at the collegiate level in order to help students learn the true meaning of “Never Again.” Ultimately, I want to lead by providing new opportunities to my peers and challenging the expectations set before me.

Maayan Goldman

(she/her)

High School: de Toledo High School

College: UCLA

Major: Psychology

High School Involvements: de Toldeo Moot Beit Din, de Toledo Music Appreciation Club, Teen Talk App, Friendship Circle, Midterm Election Forum, Camp Ramah, LAUSD Afterschool Curriculum Development

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
My expectation for the Brawerman Fellowship is to find a community of people who treasure their Jewish identity, who are passionate and seek to make a change in a pressing issue of our world, and who welcome growth because these are the values that I expect to share with my community. On top of that, I know that this fellowship is filled with incredible opportunities during college, and I expect to make lifelong memories and connections with the people I meet.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
As a leader, my greatest hope is to create an environment where others feel heard, feel comfortable sharing their opinions and stories, and feel validated by their community. The most valuable thing I can do as a leader is to facilitate ideas from my peers and allow for their seeds to blossom, but sometimes all a leader needs to do is encourage and instill confidence in the ones looking for guidance–I hope to achieve exactly that.

David Kerendian

(he/him)

High School:  Valley Torah High School

College: University of Pennsylvania

Major:  Philosophy, Politics and Economics

High School Involvements: Valley Torah Chesed Club, VT Scroll, Mock Trail, Valley Torah Student Council, Allied Together, Council Member Blob Blumenfield’s Office, Chai Lifeline, Camp Chesed, Yeshivat Ma’ale Gilboa, Yifrach Podcast and AJC Goldman Fellowship

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
Growing up in an era where personal identity plays a key role in shaping inter-communal social and political interaction, I look forward to the Brawerman Fellowship strengthening my identity as both a Jew and as a member of a broader social fabric. I hope to use this strengthened identity to embolden my commitment to supporting robust Jewish leadership, community service, and civic engagement.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
As society advances in the “information age,” our relationships, perspectives, and ideals will become increasingly complex. With regular information overload, it will prove more difficult to find the nuance in each other’s viewpoints and all too easy to let generalizations divide us. As a community leader, I hope to utilize foundational Jewish principles like open-mindedness, critical thinking, and respect to foster an environment where individuals are encouraged to seek out diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue. By creating a space where people feel comfortable sharing thoughts and ideas, we can build a stronger, more resilient community that is better equipped to navigate the complexities of our modern society.

Faith Spalding

(she/her)

High School: Viewpoint High School

College: UC Berkeley

Major: Political Science

Minor: Journalism

Involvements:  Viewpoint Patriot School Newspaper, Viewpoint School Social Justice Leadership Council, Viewpoint Social Justice Honors Society Viewpoint Feminism Club, Jewish Student Union, Museum of Tolerance, School of the New York Times, Los Angeles Times High School Insider, Viewpoint-Mulholland Model United Nations, Camp Roadrunner and Quill and Scroll Honors Society 

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?

I am expecting the Brawerman Fellowship to provide me with better access to opportunities within my college career and the Jewish community itself, especially through the 4-year Fellowship Program. Having the additional access to several alumni of the school I have committed to gives me the added bonus of being able to better navigate my school’s community. But most importantly, The Brawerman Fellowship will allow me to grow into a leader within the Jewish Community at my school, as well as in Los Angeles.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?

I am most excited about meeting the other fellows, learning about their interests and schools, and engaging in a positive, conducive dialogue on how to better serve the Jewish community. I am very excited to be able to go into college with a confident mindset, having the access to take my education to a higher level at UC Berkeley. The Brawerman Federation truly helped make this possible for me, and I am so excited for what the future holds. The ability to continue to use my voice through journalism as well as social justice leadership will allow me to grow in my role as a leader in the Jewish community and beyond. Whether it’s writing at the Daily Cal, or acting as a docent at the Museum of Tolerance, I’m hoping to continue to engage in meaningful conversation about how to better our future. 

Sophie Berman

(she/her)

High School: Westlake High School

College: UC Berkeley

Major: Microbial Biology

High School Involvements: National Honors Society, Jewish Youth Climate Movement (JYCM), Fossil Free CA, Religious Action Center’s Civic Engagement Fellow, Westlake High EcoSchool Club, Teens4Democracy, Conejo Valley Unified Online Tutoring Program, Youth Commission’s Environmental Subcommittee, Westlake High School Dance Team, and Camp Alonim.

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowships?
For the next four years, my hopes for participating in the fellowship range from expanding my dedication to Jewish service and learning more about my myself, my community, and my roots. I am excited to learn more about effective leadership, organizing skills, and communications and to take on increasingly visible and impactful
roles in the movements I support.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
I aspire to continue my work with both Jewish and secular climate organizations to fight for legislative changes for a cleaner, more sustainable, and equitable future. Additionally, I look forward to growing as a leader both in my local Jewish community including campus life such as Hillel, and also on a larger, global scale bringing the concept of Tikkun Olam to our national environmental debate.

Emma Doner

(she/her)

High School: Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES)

College: UCLA

Major: Cognitive Science

College Involvements: UCLA Hillel Board Member and VP Of Chesed, Swipe Out Hunger Volunteer, Tutor at 826LA, Chabad, UCLA Housing Employee

High School Involvements: Jewish Student Union, LACES College Peer Counselor, LACES Homeroom Leader, Jazz Ensemble Saxophonist, and Music Department Teacher Aid, Friendship Circle of Los Angeles, Cedars Sinai Medical Center Teen Volunteer, Teen Talk Intern, and Camp Bob Waldorf.

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowships?
As a Brawerman fellow, I look forward to joining this community where I will be able to meet students with similar values, explore my Jewish identity, and grow as a result of connections with mentors and leadership opportunities.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
I hope to continue my involvement as an active member in Jewish life next year by joining UCLA’s Hillel and Chabad, as well as volunteering at UCLA’s Pathway program and further participating with groups that advocate for those with special needs.

Griffin Joseph

(he/him)

High School: Eagle Rock High School

College: UC Berkeley

Major: Political Science

High School Involvements: Eagle Rock Baseball, Students Deserve LA, Muslims & Jewish Inspiring Change (MAJIC) Teen Leadership Fellow, Diller Teen Fellowship, Mayor’s Youth Council, Election Worker, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, and Eagle Rock Recreation Center.

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
My expectation of the Brawerman Fellowship is that it will provide an opportunity to be around people that I hope to grow with and learn from. I’m a naturally curious person, and networking is important to me. I trust that the Brawerman Fellowship will be full of amazing people, students, and program organizers alike. I hope to connect with and build relationships with all of these inspiring participants. I expect the Brawerman Fellowship to be a place where I grow, learn, and teach surrounded by like-minded young Jewish leaders who have similar ambitions as I do. 

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to help engage in meaningful conversation and work with this Fellowship. While I’m not completely sure what my exact contributions to the Brawerman community will be, two of my biggest strengths as a leader are my openness, and approaching new spaces with curiosity. I am excited to discover the ways in which I can contribute to the experience of this Fellowship! My intention is to lead with listening, ask questions, and deepen my understanding of both my Jewish identity and my relationships with others.

Leon Shams-Schaal

(he/him)

High School: New West Charter

College: UC Berkeley

Major: Computer Science

College Involvements: Berkeley Space Technologies and Rocketry computational modeling, UCLA Research Intern, Berkeley ICPC team, CalHacks, and Meta Hackercup

High School Involvements: Research Intern/Assistant for a Stanford & UCLA research project, New West Charter Robotics Team, Model United Nations, Armacost Angle – School Newspaper, Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, Temple Emanuel Religious School, and Environment Protection Club.

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
The Brawerman Fellowship will provide me with access to valuable experiences ranging from international travel to individual mentorship. I also look forward to meeting other like-minded Jewish leaders who will provide me with inspiration and help me grow as both an individual and a leader.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
I hope to inspire organized action within the Jewish community and contribute to legislative developments on the issues I care about. Additionally, I hope to bring new perspectives and ideas to many of the paramount issues facing our country and community.

Yotam Barr

(he/him)

High School: North Hollywood High School

College: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Major: Mechanical Engineering

College Involvements: SpaceX – Intern, Stratolaunch – Intern, Cal Poly Racing Formula SAE – Brakes Lead, SLO Propulsion Technologies – MK2 Chief Engineer, Solar Regatta – Stability Lead

High School Involvements: North Hollywood Robotics Team, North Hollywood Maker Space 3DMAD, North Hollywood High School Archery Team, Empower Social Justice Club, North Hollywood Robotics Summer Camps, North Hollywood High Peer College Counselor, UNICEF North Hollywood High School Chapter, Operations Smile

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
I hope the Brawerman Fellowship can act as a metaphorical scaffolding over the next four years, to help support and shape my growth. Through mentorship, I aspire to learn how to become an effective Jewish leader who understands where my skills can most successfully be used to give back to my community. With The Fellowship’s aid, I’ll be able to focus on my education and get involved with communities in San Luis Obispo and beyond. I can’t wait to learn from the wonderful mentors and fellows I’ll meet through the program!

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
As a leader, I hope to unify people and focus efforts towards solving pressing issues by highlighting common goals. Ultimately, I strive to leave behind a better community for future generations through technological advancement and inspire others to pursue the same goal.

Matthew Frischman 

(he/him)

High School: Charter High School of the Arts (CHAMPS)

College: UC Santa Barbara

Major: Microbiology 

College Involvements: Active participant at Chabad at UCSB, UCSB Excursion Club, Officer for UCSB End Overdose chapter, works at UCSB’s Recreation Center. 

High School Involvements: CHAMPS Speech and Debate, CHAMPS Game Design Academy, CHAMPS Jewish Club, Temple Kol Tikvah’s Youth Group

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
The Brawerman Fellowship will give me the amazing opportunity to be part of a network of passionate people that will support my growth not only in my faith but as an impactful member of society. Exposure to supportive mentors, incredible travel experiences, and comprehensive leadership programs will be something I will always be grateful for. 

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
My aspirations are to develop activities and charitable events that inspire increased enthusiasm and participation amongst my peers that will educate and enlighten a deeper understanding of the Jewish faith. I recognize this as an opportunity to share with my peers how rewarding and fulfilling it can be to be involved within the community to help others.

Chana Lanter

(she/her)

High School: Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES)

College: Stanford University

Major: Double Major in Linguistics and Philosophy & Religious Studies

Minor: Translation Studies 

Honors: Interdisciplinary Honors Thesis in Feminist and Gender Studies (project topic: Orthodox women’s participation in halakhic discourse) 

College Involvements: Structured Liberal Education (freshmen humanities dorm) Residential Tutor, Liaison for Introductory Seminars Program, Jewish Studies Liaison for the Center for Comparative Racial and Ethnic Studies Undergraduate Council, Stanford Minyan Coordinator 

High School Involvements: LACES Untied, LACES Quiz Bowl, LACES Mock Trial, JGirls Magazine, Kol Koleinu, Feminist Fellowship, Maimonides Moot Court, Teens for Jeans

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
I can’t wait to build relationship across the country with young Jews passionate about learning and service. I’m also so excited to access mentorship and broaden my perspective through international trips. The Brawemran Fellowship will help me grow as a student, leader, and Jewish person.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
I hope to create spaces that prioritize social-emotional health over productivity. I’m not looking to repeat experiences where I short-changed my health to meet a deadline! Additionally, the best groups are those that express empathy and genuine interest in others’ perspectives. By being open about my vulnerabilities, hopefully others will open up in turn, knowing their views will be respected.

Ava Lifton

(she/her)

High School: New West Charter

College: UCLA

Major: Double Major in World Arts & Cultures and Economics

College Involvements: Summer venture capital intern with Social Economy Ventures, LLC (summer 2023), Entrepreneurship Director for Bruin Women in Business, Opinion writer for the Daily Bruin, Member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society, Alpha Phi member, Her Lawyer summer legal writing intern (summer 2022)

High School Involvements: Ava is an Opinion writer for the Daily Trojan and a writer for Haute Magazine. Ava is fortunate to have received a summer International Relations research position at New Crisis Project research.

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
I expect to be surrounded by like-minded teens who are similarly committed to cultivating change in their community. I’m also excited to learn from my peers and grow as a leader and community contributor. I further expect this fellowship to provide me with the requisite tools to eventually create tangible change in my own community.

What I’m hoping to contribute to the community as a leader? 
I will contribute to the Brawerman community by bringing to the table my passion for civic engagement. I will contribute to the community at large by finding innovative ways to help marginalized groups receive equitable treatment.

Hila Gelfer

(she/her)

High School:  Beverly Hills High School

College:  UCLA

Major: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

Minor: Biomedical Research

College Involvements: On Campus, I serve as a Sports Medicine Intern for the UCLA Division I Swim & Dive team. On my Onward trip, I had the opportunity to further these clinical skills as an intern in Rambam Hospital in Haifa. Additionally, I serve as a research associate in Dr. Donald Kohn’s Laboratory, where we focus on developing gene therapies to treat blood disorders. I am also active in various school clubs as the President of the Jewish Pre-Health Society and an active member of the American Medical Women’s Association. 

High School Involvements: Medical Science Academy, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Beverly Hills High School Associated Student Body, Beverly Hills High Link Crew, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital Volunteer, Cedars Sinai Medical Center Teen Advisory Board, Beverly Hills Police Department Chief’s Advisory Panel Member, Beverly Hills Policy & Management Department Representative, The Jewish Federation’s Community Internship Program at Providence Tarzana Medical Center

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
Through the Brawerman Fellowship, I hope to utilize my Jewish values to become a strong leader in my community, advocating for justice and equity. Furthermore, I look forward to connecting with other young Jewish leaders and learning from one another as we all embark on our individual journeys. 

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
I hope to strengthen the Jewish community at UCLA and connect individuals all across campus through our shared Jewish heritage. I also aspire to be a health equity advocate as I continue on my journey to becoming a physician.

Jaden Levinson

(she/her)

High School: Agoura High School

College: University of Michigan

Major:  Movement Science

College Involvements: On campus, I am a research assistant for the University of Michigan’s Rehabilitation Biomechanics Laboratory. Currently, I am working on a project that examines transfemoral prosthesis users and how various adjustable prosthetic sockets affect their gait during exercise and daily life. I am also an active member of my school’s running club, MRun, as well as a student musical improvisation group called Jam Club. 

What are you expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
I hope to grow and strengthen my skills as a leader and have the opportunity to use those skills to make a difference in the world. I also hope this fellowship will give me a chance to deepen my connection to Judaism and the Jewish community.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
I hope to contribute positivity and support to the Jewish community during a time where it is much needed.

Joseph Rabinek

(he/him)

High School:  Milken Community High School

College:  USC

High School Involvements: Junior State of America (JSA), Milken’s Mitchell Academy of Science & Technology (MAST), Varsity Track & Field, Milken’s Prom Committee, Milken’s Student Ambassador Program, Teen Line Volunteer, Camp Alonim CIT Program

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
Currently, my expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship have transformed from what they were prior to my first year at college. I would like to work with the fellowship and The Jewish Federation to promote social equity in a variety of ways. Additionally, I hope to connect with members of the Jewish community whom I share common interests with who can provide me with guidance.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
As a leader, I’m hoping to promote social equity for a variety of oppressed groups through collaboration with the Jewish Federation

Brayden Stark

(he/him)

High School:  The Buckley School

College:  Carleton College

Major: Political Science and International Relations

College Involvements: On campus, I am the president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. I am also the Carleton College Athletic Department liaison on the student senate. I play for my college’s varsity baseball team, and I am a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha honor society. 

High School Involvements: Applied Science Independent Researcher, Buckley Varsity Baseball, Honor Council Member, National High School Model United Nations, EarthWatch Project Expedition Team, JCC Maccabi Games

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
I am looking forward to joining a community of peers that are dedicated to being Jewish leaders. The Brawerman Fellowship will help me gain valuable leadership and mentor skills. Also, I am excited for the opportunity to engage in a global service project and assist in the betterment of local and international communities. 

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
As a leader, I want to support my cohort in achieving our academic, personal, and community-oriented goals. I hope to inspire and motivate others to engage in initiates for positive change within our community. Finally, I want to challenge myself and my peers to always bring a positive attitude and an open mind to conversations, which will make our community a more welcoming and productive space.

Kara Glaser

(she/her)

High School: Granada Hills High School

College: Arizona State University

Major: Forensic Psychology

College Involvements: Currently I have dedicated most of my time to being involved with the Jewish community through Hillel, Chabad, Jewish Arizonians on Campus and AEPhi. I am involved in Derby Devils, the roller derby club on campus. I also work in a Psychology and Law lab as a Research Assistant and in the Dean’s Office as an Event and Outreach Assistant. 

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow?

To be a Brawerman Fellow means to be a scholar and to be active in my Jewish community. As a Brawerman Fellow I am dedicated to my studies, volunteer work, and being involved in Hillel, Chabad, and Jewish Arizonians on Campus. I actively engage in mitzvot to make my time a meaningful experience while getting a college education.

What are you involved with on your college campus?

Currently I have dedicated most of my time to being involved with the Barrett Honors College community as well as the Jewish community through Hillel, Chabad, and Jewish Arizonians on Campus. I am also involved in community service wherever I see the opportunity.

Aviva Intveld

(she/her)

High School: Archer School for Girls

College: MIT

Major: Earth & Atmospheric Sciences

College Involvements: Outside of classes, I spend much of my time in a paleoclimate research lab, where I am currently working on dating a sediment core from central Mexico. I also serve as an associate advisor for first-year students in Terrascope, a learning community dedicated to solving global sustainability issues that I was part of as a first year myself. As an associate advisor, I help ease the transition into academics and college life. One of my favorite positions on campus is my work as a tour guide for the List Visual Arts Center, MIT’s contemporary art museum, where I give tours on both the public art collection and on the temporary exhibits, as well as helping out with openings and manning the galleries. I am also active in my sorority, where I serve on the executive board as panhellenic delegate. Last year I was a participant in Addir, an interfaith dialogue fellowship that I enjoyed immensely, and I will return to that community next year. I’m taking a hiatus from it my junior year because I will be studying abroad in London during the spring! Finally, I am an active member of MIT Hillel’s conservative minyan, and a big consumer of Boston-area bagels alongside fellow Brawerman fellow Sam Knoll. 

What are you involved with on your college campus?

On campus I’m a member of Terrascope, a learning community dedicated to solving global sustainability issues. This year we are focusing on hurricane resiliency and recovery in Puerto Rico, and will be presenting our ideas to a panel of experts working in different related fields (energy, resources, transportation, etc.) later this month! I am also a member of the Undergraduate Assembly Committee on Sustainability, where I work with the garden group and help grow fresh and nutritious food for the MIT community. In addition to sustainability work, I am on the varsity sailing team, actively participate in Hillel events (both on- and off-campus Shabbat services with other Boston-area college students), and am a member and freshman slating committee representative of Alpha Phi.

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow?

Being a Brawerman Fellow means to have a community of warm-hearted, dedicated, and ambitious friends and mentors who will support you in achieving your goals but also remind you of what is most important in life. It means to have a wealth of local and global opportunities to travel and learn. It means to have the responsibility of holding yourself up to your own highest standards as a student, activist, and person.

Sam Knoll

(he/him)

High School: LACES High School

College: Boston University

Major: International Relations/Environmental Science

College Involvements: I am currently a Junior in Boston University’s Earth and Environment department, pursuing a BS in Environmental Science and an MA in Geospatial Sciences and Remote Sensing as a candidate for the BS/MA program. On-campus, I am involved with the advocacy arm of the Environmental Student Organization as well as a member of BU Cleantech, an organization that discusses and researches Clean and Sustainable Energy. In my free time, I enjoy visiting and maintaining beehives as a member of BU Beekeeping, rock climbing, and exploring Boston food with Brawerman fellow Aviva Intveld!

What are you involved with on your college campus?
My activities on campus are centered around my dual passions for diplomacy and environmental action. I am a part of the Environmental Student Organization here on campus, which organizes educational workshops, outdoor outings, and community outreach programs under the lens of sustainability. I have also been involved in both Model United Nations Conferences that BU hosts, serving on the staff for various committees in each conference. Between these activities, I like to spend time at the two bee hives as a part of the BU Beekeepers Club.

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow?

To me, being a Brawerman Fellow inspires me to be involved in the supportive and forward-thinking Jewish community and has enabled me to pursue an education that I hope will one day be used to better the world around me. Being a Brawerman Fellow has introduced me to bright and passionate leaders who also seek to make a positive change in their communities and on their campuses.

Andrew Long

(he/him)

High School: Calabasas High School

College: University of Texas at Austin

Major: Jewish Studies

What are you involved with on your college campus?

On my college campus, I joined a Jewish Fraternity. The camaraderie in the fraternity has been fun and welcoming for me, especially since the majority of the fraternity members are from Texas and only a few of us are from out of town. And, when I or my pledge class brothers find ourselves a little “home sick” we make our way over to either the University Chabad or Hillel for a Shabbat dinner! The other organizations I’m involved with include: Alzheimer’s Association of Austin, The American Cancer Society, and the Not On My Campus which is an organization at UT that focuses on reducing sexual assault through education, advocacy and support.

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow?

Being a Brawerman Fellow is a privilege and I am extremely honored. To me, being a Brawerman Fellow means that leaders within the Los Angeles Jewish Community not only believe in me and all that I accomplished in high school, but also trust me to continue to excel in my future. Being a Brawerman Fellow also means that I have been charged with being a role model for others, to continue to develop my leadership skills, and to find opportunities to give back to others.

Jonah Goldberg

(he/him)

High School:  Calabasas High School 

College:  Washington University in St. Louis 

Major:  English and Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology 

Current Position: Associate Copywriter at Golden Hippo.

Involvements: The fellowship made me feel more excited and comfortable with diving into the Jewish community in college. I enrolled in multiple Jewish learning programs and served on the Hillel Leadership Council, and this year I still go to weekly Shabbat dinners and take krav maga with my Hillel community. Outside of this, I write scripts and conduct interviews for a research podcast on gene editing in our food systems, as part of the international GEAP3 Network; questions and PR materials for Datamatch, a student-run, humorous matchmaking survey on several university campuses; and research reviews and recommendations for Lifelong Learning, my university’s alumni education platform. I also serve as a student mentor for the Linguistics program.

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow? 

Being a Brawerman Fellow means that the Jewish Federation believes in me and my potential. It’s an incredible feeling to have someone recognize the academic and service-oriented effort I’ve put in in the past, and then not congratulate me but urge me to keep working and go further. Having the backing of the Brawerman Fellowship has inspired me to immerse myself in Jewish life on campus and always be looking out for opportunities to make a difference.

Most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship: 

During my first retreat, Gamal Palmer, Senior VP of Leadership Development visited us to speak about leadership styles and values as well as guide us through activities designed to show us the qualities we respect and dislike in other leaders and potential steps and milestones in pursuing our own projects. Everyone kept an open mind and took the program seriously, even as we were literally shaping each other into the postures and mannerisms of the leaders we admired and loathed, and I developed a much greater appreciation for how others perceive us and how to involve others in a project.

What have you received from the Brawerman Fellowship thus far?  

Besides the financial assistance, the Brawerman Fellowship has provided me with a network of mentors and friends. As I begin looking into internships and service programs, everyone else has been more than willing to discuss their experiences and make suggestions. During our first retreat, we also had the opportunity to complete an escape room and volunteer sending school supplies to underprivileged children, and spending this time with the other fellows has made them all outstanding role models for me as I started college.

What are you thankful for from the Brawerman Fellowship? 

Everything. As I was always one of the most passionate and motivated people in my high school friend group, my entire worldview shifted getting to meet and talk with students only a couple years older than me yet who have done so much. My experience so far has already given me several practical lessons in leadership, an understanding of how organizations like the Jewish Federation operate and what I can do to help strengthen Jewish communities, and a constant undercurrent of support and inspiration from Orly Frank, Director of the Brawerman Fellowship, the Federation, and all of the fellows.

What are you involved with on your campus? 

Next semester, I will join my university’s Hillel Leadership Council as the interfaith chair, and hopefully as a First Year Students of Hillel board member as well. I am also involved in two Jewish text-learning classes; one of these, Chevruta, consisting of weekly discussions with a partner, has become the highlight of my week due to our many tangents and my own growing understanding of Judaism, and my partner and I are now close friends outside of Hillel. I also write and edit for the university’s newspaper as well as its literary magazine, and am a member of the Swing Dance team and the comic book club.

What are your expectations of the Brawerman Fellowship?
The fellowship is an incredibly supportive network of peers and alumni that have helped me make the most of available opportunities throughout my college career. I also look forward to biannual retreats for inspiring and practical speakers who have developed my leadership skills, and volunteering opportunities in the Los Angeles communities.

What are you hoping to contribute to the community as a leader?
I am a firm believer in servant leadership, leading by supporting and uplifting others. I hope to apply the communications skills and understanding of myself learned through Brawerman programming to help any organization I am involved with become a strong community where all voices are heard, and more effectively define and carry out its values. I am glad to have the fellowship keeping me connected to the LA Jewish community, and want to give back by supporting other Jewish Federation projects and the people running them.

Noga Shlapobersky

(she/her)

High School:  LACES  High School

College:  Barnard College, Columbia University 

Major:  Political Science & Human Rights 

What does it mean to be a BrawermanFellow?

Being a Brawerman Fellow has allowed me to be part of a community of bright, Jewish young adults who support one another’s education. It means so much to me to be able to learn from my peers and to be encouraged by the Jewish Federation to take initiative and be a leader on campus.

 Most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship:

 A meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship has been the social justice project the fellows partook in at the last retreat. We volunteered with an organization that provides school supplies and other essential tools to children who lack access to them, and working with my peers to better our society was a powerful shared experience.

What are you thankful for from the Brawerman Fellowship?

The Brawerman Fellowship has given me the tools and opportunities to take full advantage of my freshmen year and be a proactive member of the Jewish community both on campus and in Los Angeles. Not only is my education being significantly supported financially, but I’ve gained leadership skills from seminars and have become part of a vibrant community with which I can discuss and learn from how to be an active member on campus. Additionally, I’ve received the support of the Federation to complete community service abroad; an opportunity I am so grateful for and am looking forward to.

What are you thankful for from the Brawerman Fellowship?

 I am sincerely thankful for having an ongoing connection to an impressive and supportive Jewish community through the Brawerman Fellowship. I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to learn from other students and to have this resource throughout my college years. It has been so important to me throughout my first semester to know I have a network of inspiring college students to turn to as well as supportive adults which encourage me to be an active member on campus, to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way, and to remain an active member in Jewish communities.

What are you involved with on your campus?

 Although I’ve only been on campus for one semester, I’ve found that there are endless opportunities for me to get involved. I’ve joined the Roosevelt Institute, a political think-tank on campus which holds policy-based debate as well as publishes a policy journal. Through Roosevelt I took an active role in “Columbia University Votes,” a student formed and student run organization which in the months leading up to the 2018 midterm election ran a very successful campaign to increase voter turnout on campus and provide students with resources to make sure everyone’s ballot was cast. In addition to political work, I joined the Jewish Activist Collective which is a network of social justice oriented Jewish students. Through this organization I have attended multiple Shabbat dinners in which we discuss Jewish history and Jewish life in America, as well as celebrate the end of the week with a caring Jewish community.

Michael Stark

(he/him)

High School:  Valley Torah High School 

College: Yeshiva University 

Major:  Business Management  

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow?

Being a Brawerman fellow means committing oneself to make the world a better place. It means consciously making an effort to be a role model and a good citizen, to give back to society more than one takes. It means promoting honesty, principle, and honor, all attributes of integrity, as guiding forces. It means being an unapologetic good Jew that shows the world what it means to be a member of the tribe. I wear the Braerman Fellowship award as a badge of honor and responsibility. Being a Brawerman fellow means consistently proving that I am deserving of such an award, not only by becoming a better leader and person but by inspiring those around me to be better as well. Being a Brawerman fellow means committing to pay forward the opportunity for others to make a difference.

Most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship:

 I am new to the Brawerman Fellowship family. This being my first year, I found the summer retreat such a meaningful experience. I had the opportunity to meet, bond, and learn from the other fellows. The skills we gained have helped me as I entered college this year for the first time, where I have taken the lessons I learned and incorporated them in leadership roles in clubs and campus activities.

What have you received from the Brawerman Fellowship thus far? 

I have learned the value of being a “Mentch” and that to be a true leader is to realize the greatness in others. The experience gained from the first summer retreat has been instrumental in how I view my future and my college life. I have also gained an amazing group of friends among the other fellows.

What are you thankful for from the Brawerman Fellowship? 

I am thankful for the leadership opportunities and training during our retreats. I am especially thankful for the support structure and mentorship that the Brawerman Fellowship has in place for its fellows, which helps set our trajectory to be successful, giving, and caring leaders. I am also most thankful for the grant which allowed me to afford a Jewish College.  

What are you involved with our your campus? 

I am involved in many different clubs and organizations on campus. Most notably, I became a member of Students Teachers And Researchers Tech (START), an organization that aims to reach elementary school children who lack resources to explore scientific and technological concepts to their fullest. We run weekly programming in inner-city neighborhoods to expose children to advanced and relevant science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs through hands-on lessons. We work with the children in small groups, giving each child a lot of attention. Additionally, I became the PR Coordinator for the Yeshiva University Political Action Committee (YUPAC) Club as well as the Israel Club on campus. Being part of these clubs allows me to continue my passion for Israel advocacy while expanding my experience in marketing and PR. Finally, the Yeshiva University freshman class has elected me as their sole representative in the Yeshiva University Student Government.

Zoey Weisman

(she/her)

High School:  Notre Dame High School 

College:  University of Pennsylvania 

Major:  History 

Most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship? 

The summer retreat was been my most meaningful experience with the fellowship. I was leaving for Penn a few days later, so hearing the experiences of the other fellows and getting advice and support for them comforted me, calming my anxieties about leaving and starting college. The retreat as a whole reinforced the idea that I had a new community and support system I could now rely on.

What have you received from the Brawerman Fellowship thus far? 

From the Fellowship I have received a community of people that have been incredibly supportive and welcoming. I have also gained a means of embracing my Judaism, especially here at Penn.

What are you thankful for from the Brawerman Fellowship? 

I am incredibly thankful for the support in my academic career and opportunities I have at Penn. The fellowship has provided me a greater chance to connect with the Jewish community and has further encouraged me to be involved with that community here at Penn.

 What are you involved with on your campus?

At Penn, I am in two branches of the International Affairs Association (IAA), one of which hosts an annual Model United Nations conferences for college debate teams. I am a general member of Penn Dems as well as a photographer and copy editor for The Daily Pennsylvania. I also work as an office assistant in the office of the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Penn.

Yoni Benzacar

(he/him)

High School: Oakwood School

College: Emory University

Major: Political Science

Most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship? 

My most meaningful Brawerman experience was spending time with my fellows the night of our retreat. We engaged in personal conversations about college, giving me valuable insight from people who just went through something that was so anxiety-provoking to me. Being a Brawerman fellow has encouraged me to be more in touch with my Jewish identity, reminding me that I always have a community and family wherever I can find Judaism. Throughout my few months of being a Brawerman Fellow, I now understand I have an unwavering family that I can go to about anything and I will always be met with love and support.

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow? 

To me being a Brawerman Fellow means that someone believes in me enough to significantly sponsor my education. I therefore feel responsible to uphold a higher moral ground and to always help the people in my communities who need the same support I receive; whether that be the Jewish community, or the greater community of Los Angeles.

Rachel Harris

(she/her)

High School: Cleveland High School Humanities Magnet

College: Georgetown University

Major: Government and Women and Gender Studies

Most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship:

Although I have only been a Brawerman Fellow for a short time, the conversations and insights I have gained from the other fellows are incomparable.  I’d have to say the most meaningful experience I’ve had as a Fellow thus far is having the opportunity to listen to such intelligent and informative speakers, and then engage in discourse with my peers.  Each fellow is so knowledgeable and has already helped me in developing my identity as a Jewish woman. The sense of camaraderie and respect I feel among the fellows is uncanny to any I’ve ever felt before.  The sense of Jewish mentorship and community has not always been very strong in my day-to-day life, and the Brawerman fellowship has provided me with just that.

How has the Brawerman fellowship impacted your experience at school?

Since I am attending a traditionally Catholic school, I was originally very apprehensive as to how I would find my place as a Jewish woman.  The Brawerman fellowship has not only given me confidence to seek out my Jewish identity on campus, but it has provided me with such a strong support system in all aspects of my academic career back home.  The Brawerman fellowship has allowed me to create a network of relationships and opportunities that will encourage my academic success and allow me to grow as a student and as a person during my four years at Georgetown.

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow?

To be a Brawerman Fellow means to understand the duties and responsibilities associated with being a Jewish youth. It is more than just being a Jewish college student, but instead one who uses their Jewish identity and ideals to better their community and those around them.  To be a Brawerman Fellow means to use the resources and support provided by the fellowship to better yourself and others.

What are you thankful for from the Brawerman Fellowship?

Coming from a single parent household, this fellowship allowed me to go to the school of my dreams.  Aside from the monetary aspect of the fellowship, I am so thankful to the Brawerman Fellowship for reintroducing me to my Jewish identity and sparking my curiosity about the Jewish community and my place within it.

Britt Jacobson

(she/her)

High School: Milken Community High School

College: USC

Major: Global Studies, Minors: Folklore & Popular Culture; Music Industry

Most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship:

Getting advice from older Fellows and being inspired to one day do all of the incredible things they do.

What have you received from the Brawerman Fellowship thus far?

 Incredible tips on everything from internships to classes to Jewish life on campus to jobs to friendship! My current job came from a suggestion from an older fellow.

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow:

Being a Brawerman Fellow means having all the opportunities you could ever want and need available to you, and knowing to appreciate that. It means that you have the passion and the drive to make your dreams a reality, with the support system to do so.

What are you thankful for from the Brawerman Fellowship:

You are REQUIRED to go on some incredible programs…for FREE. I am being “forced” to travel the world, learn about the Jewish community in Los Angeles, and connect with the leader within myself. Best requirements ever!

Joshua Zommick

(he/him)

High School:  Valencia High School

College:  University of California Los Angeles

Major: Material Science Engineering

Most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship:

Connecting with everyone at the first Fall retreat blew my mind. Not only were we given the opportunities to meet and talk with some amazing professionals, but we were also able to bond and create a community out of the 15 of us in the Brawerman Fellowship.

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow?

To be a Brawerman Fellow is to be more than a Jewish leader; it is to be a student that will work his or her hardest to change the world. We are the next generation of adults in the workplace and as a Brawerman Fellow, I have become more confident to push myself farther and farther to become a better version of myself. A normal fellow will be handed adversity, while a Brawerman Fellow will be given that same adversity in addition to a family that helps overcome those difficulties with you.

What are you thankful for from the Brawerman Fellowship?

I am thankful for everything the Brawerman Fellowship has given me and will continue to give me. From unique experiences such as internships across the globe to the blessing of not having student debt due to college tuition, I will forever be grateful and thankful to the Brawerman Fellowship.

Nathan Bentolila

(he/him)

High School:  YULA Boys

College:  UC Berkeley

Major:  Bioengineering

At Berkeley, I am involved in a variety of different activities and student groups. I am involved in Chabad, Tikvah Students for Israel, Undergraduate research, IM sports, and other engineering student groups. The most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship has been the friends I have made through the fellowship. I have gained a lot for the guidance and mentorship of other fellows. The Brawerman fellowship has allowed me to be part of a network of future Jewish leaders across the US.

Zoe Krut

(she/her)

High School:  Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES)

College:  Roanoke College

Major:  Biochemistry and Public Health Studies

The Brawerman Fellowship has acted as my main connection to my Judaism while I am at school. The Brawerman fellows keep me grounded to my Jewish roots, despite the fact that I am thousands of miles away and only see the them twice a year.

The Brawerman Fellowship was responsible for connecting me with agencies who were able to put me on the best possible Birthright trip; I had been to Israel before, and was afraid I wasn’t going to get the same experience as first-time Israel travelers would. The trip I was placed on was exactly the experience I needed to reconnect with the State of Israel.

Being a Brawerman Fellow is one of the greatest honors I could have ever received. It has allowed me to grow within my own Jewish identity as well as take part in the growth of others’. I am most thankful for the connections that the Brawerman Fellowship has afforded me, and the lifelong lessons that I have taken from fellow, young Jewish leaders.

Daniel Melnick

(he/him)

High School: Albert Einstein Academy 

College: University of California, San Diego

Major: Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution

What was the most meaningful experience you’ve had with the Fellowship?

The most meaningful experience I’ve had with the Fellowship was being welcomed by such an impressive group of people. It means a lot and gives a great feeling of community, which is especially important when transitioning to college. The Fellowship has definitely motivated me to be more active on campus than I might have been otherwise. It has given me the confidence to seek out and take advantage of the various opportunities offered to me.  The Brawerman Fellowship has helped me solidify my Jewish identity. I am much more comfortable being an ambassador for my faith and my community. Being a Brawerman Fellow means being an integral part of the Jewish future.

I am thankful for being connected to a robust network of internship and travel opportunities that I will remain connected to, even after my college career.

Victoria Solkovits

(she/her)

High School:  Cleveland High School Humanities Magnet

College: UCLA

Major:  Political Science and Human Biology and Society

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow? 

The honor of being a Brawerman Fellow is not one that I have taken lightly. While I have always felt supported by the Jewish community, the encouragement and development I have received from the fellowship has helped me in ways I never could have imagined. I have been able to grow and develop as a Jewish college student, I have found new ways to pursue social justice and active change, and I have had a support system in the Federation and my peers all throughout the way. To me, being a Brawerman Fellow means continuing to explore one’s Jewish identity, learning and promoting strong social values, and giving back to our community in as many ways as we can to be the strong Jewish future.

David Bar-Or

(he/him)

High School:  New Community Jewish High School (deToledo High School)

College:  Tulane University

Major:  Engineering Physics

Current Position:

David is currently living in Los Angeles, working for OpenGov, a late stage govtech startup based in Redwood City. OpenGov’s mission, and now David’s, is to power more effective and accountable government through modern, cloud-based software. OpenGov is exclusively built for local government, and partners with cities and counties to improve their budgeting, accounting and permitting processes. David is about to reach one year as a Sales Development Representative with further aspirations to continue his career in software and tech sales.

Eric Berger

(he/him)

High School:  Agoura High School

College:  Indiana University

Major:  Marketing Major

Current Position:

Eric is a sales associate at Wine Therapy, a leading retailer for low-intervention wines in New York City.

Most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship?

I’m lucky since my most meaningful experience as a fellow was able to happen multiple times. I always loved the retreats just before the end of the summer as it was always so inspiring to learn alongside such accomplished and confident peers. I would head off to school educated and motivated, and those retreats were crucial to putting my college years in perspective and to good use. 

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow?

To me, it means being fortunate enough to be a representative of a larger community – your Jewish peers, classmates, and fellow residents of Los Angeles – and having the responsibility to learn and challenge yourself in ways that the usual college experience would not provide. From there you are equipped with a greater perspective of the world, a nuanced Jewish identity, and a good deal of lessons about what makes a good leader.

Shachar Cohen-Hodos

(she/her)

High School:  Alexander Hamilton High School

College:  List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary and Columbia University

Major: Human Rights/Bible 

Most meaningful experience with the Brawerman Fellowship.  

My most meaningful Brawerman experience was my first retreat during our lunch break. I was excited about all the information I was learning and all the training I had received, but it was at this break when I realized what a special community I was joining. The old fellows were so excited to share with me their tips for college and they wanted to hear about my interests. They gave me advice about moving away from home, what kinds of dorm room accessories I needed, and ways to develop relationships with professors and deans that would help me in my career. I feel so lucky to have such a caring and supportive community to lean on like the Brawerman Fellows

How has the Brawerman fellowship impacted your experience at school: 

Firstly, because of the financial aid, I am able to attend my dream school. I would be having a completely different college experience had I not been awarded the Brawerman fellowship. Secondly, the leadership training I’ve received through our bi-annual retreats has deeply impacted my leadership roles on and off campus.

What have you received from the Brawerman Fellowship thus far?

Over the years I’ve gained networking and professional skills that range from resume building to organizational strategies and speaking tactics. I’ve also made important connections to the Jewish professional world and I’ve gained a network of smart, innovative, and driven students from around the country to bounce ideas off of and lean on for support.

What does it mean to be a Brawerman Fellow:

To be a Brawerman Fellow means that you have a constant support system. It means that you can take time to develop your leadership and professional skills with a group of people with diverse interests and passions but with a shared sense of commitment and drive.

What are you thankful for from the Brawerman Fellowship:

I am endlessly grateful for the constant support from the Jewish Federation, my cohort, the other fellows and of course the financial support that’s allowed me to pursue the education of my dreams without additional financial stress. The three years I’ve spent in college have been full of transitions, changes, and novelty, Brawerman has been a constant grounding presence in my college career and these past years would have been incredibly different without it.

Ariel Silverman

(she/her)

High School:  Santa Monica High School

College:  Brown University

Major: Health and Human Biology and Anthropology

Current Position: 

After graduating from Brown University with a degree in Health and Human Biology, Ariel spent two years working as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company in New York, where she worked with clients across the healthcare sector. There, she focused on learning as much as she could about how our healthcare system operates as well as opportunities for innovation and improvement, particularly as it relates to increasing access and equity. She then returned to the Los Angeles area to start medical school at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, where she is currently a third-year medical student.

Benjamin Kriegsman

(he/him)

High School: Milken Community High School

College:  University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Major: Economics

Current Position:

Ben is the Project Manager of Acquisitions at Bedrock Detroit.  Bedrock is a full service commercial real estate firm based in downtown Detroit specializing in the strategic development of urban cores.

Talia Shoval

(she/her)

High School:  CHAMPS Charter High School of the Arts 

College:  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

Major: Environmental Health Sciences Minor: Neuroscience 

Current Position:

After working as a medical assistant for several years, Talia returned to UNC-Chapel Hill to complete a second bachelor’s degree in nursing. Talia recently moved to Denver, CO where she works as a registered nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital Colorado. In her spare time, Talia likes to hike, rock climb, and run.

Guy Topf

(he/him)

High School: El Camino Real Charter High School

College: University of Southern California (USC)

Major: Business Administration, International Relations with an emphasis in Global Business

Current Position:

Guy recently moved to New York and started working as a Partner Manager at CLEAR, specifically focused on Travel & Hospitality partnerships. 

Jackson Block

(he/him)

High School:  Hart High School

College:  UC Berkeley

Major: Business Administration 

College: UC Berkeley, Business Administration and Public Policy Double Major

Current Position:

Jackson has worked for five years as a social sector leader, development professional, and consultant to NGOs. His expertise in creating social enterprises, leveraging data analytics, and fundraising has provided business acumen to dozens of social causes. In his career, he has been proud to spearhead several job training initiatives for LGBT refugees and hundreds of individuals impacted by poverty across the Bay Area. He currently resides in New York where he works as the lead Business Analyst at UpStart.  Outside of work, you can find Jackson performing at improv shows, crafting the perfect sourdough starter while advising for Challah for Hunger nationally, cartooning witty comics, or mentoring disconnected youth.

Samantha Page

(she/her)

High School: North Hollywood Highly Gifted Magnet

College:  Smith College

Major: American Studies

Current Position:

Master in Urban Planning student at Harvard Graduate School of Design

Chelsea Rapoport

(she/her)

High School: Flintridge Preparatory School

College: University of Chicago

Major: Psychology

Minor: Human Rights

Current Position:

Chelsea is currently a 2nd year PhD student at the San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, specializing in behavioral medicine. Currently, her research focuses on biopsychosocial processes in a variety of populations with chronic illnesses, including adolescent/young adults with cancer, children with craniofacial conditions, and adults with rheumatological conditions (such as scleroderma). On the side, she enjoys being involved in UCSD’s Jewish graduate student community and is a proud Moishe House Without Walls Host, hosting two or more programs for her local Jewish community each month!

Alyssa Scott

(she/her)

High School: Oak Park High School 

College: University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

Major: Communications

Minor: Education

Current Position: 

Media Analyst at OMD

Since graduation, I moved back to the LA area and have bounced around a few PR and media agencies, where I have worked on accounts such as Air New Zealand, Israel Ministry of Tourism, and Moose Toys. While I’ve been at OMD based in Playa Vista, I’ve worked on the Levi Strauss & Co. account and am currently on the Apple account – I’ve loved every minute of it! I will forever look back fondly on my four years of college and the immense role that the Brawerman Fellowship played within those years, as it motivated me to gain the leadership qualities and Jewish identity that I am so proud of today.

Josh Cahn

(he/him)

High School: Culver City High School

College: University of California, Berkeley

Major: History

Minor: Education

Current Position: 

Joshua works as a paralegal for Abramson Labor Group in Los Angeles and is planning to attend law school in the Fall of 2022. Previously, Joshua studied Jewish law, Talmud, ethics, history in Jerusalem, Israel at Machon Shlomo – The Heiden Institute from 2018-2020. Prior to studying in Israel, Joshua worked in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill in the House of Representatives, at AIPAC as a video editor and producer, and as a free-lance filmmaker working with various technology companies and public relations firms. While pursuing his interests in law and government, Joshua continues to run his production company with a focus on education, policy, and technology.

Leigh Evans

(She/They)

High School: Milken Community High School

College: University of California, Santa Barbara

Major: Sociology and Psychology

Minor: Education

Current Position: 

Research Assistant at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Leigh is working on research called Building a Strong and Equitable Mixed-Auspice Prekindergarten System (MAPS): A Research-Practice Partnership to Support Boston’s Historic UPK Expansion or the Universal Pre-K Study. In her spare time, Leigh explores art in all its forms, performing improv comedy, working on various writing projects, and always trying to actually learn the guitar.

Mitchell Handler

(he/him)

High school: Venice High School

College: High school: Venice High School

Major: Political Science and Media Studies

Current Position: 

Mitchell has worked in eCommerce for the last several years, including at Walmart.com and PayPal before starting at Priceline/Agoda Global Partner Services. He serves as a Market Manager, working with hotels of all sizes to grow their presence on Priceline and make travel easy and affordable for all. Mitchell recently moved back to Los Angeles after eight years in the Bay Area and is excited to be able to spend more time with his family.

Evan Lowell

(he/him)

High School: Cleveland Humanities Magnet High School

College: Boston University

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Current Position: 

Evan was recently hired as a software engineer at Motional working on autonomous vehicles. He finished his Master’s Degree in Computer Science with Georgia Institute of Technology in December 2019 while working on pizza robots and autonomous lawnmowers at Wavemaker Labs. In his spare time, he practices martial arts, goes hiking, and enjoys video games.

Harmony Richman

(she/her)

High School:  Santa Monica High School

College:  Barnard College, Columbia University

Major: Sociology and Race & Ethnic Studies

Current Position: 

Harmony has recently been accepted into Grace Hopper- a software engineering program for women in NYC. She will graduate mid-December as a Fullstack software engineer. Harmony will focus on how to more structurally automate and scale out the resources necessary to allow disenfranchised communities to become self-empowered. She is planning on working in the intersection of civil rights and technology and using creative and innovative solutions to help support human systems.