Julia Cestari (she/her) is a rising senior at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She is a joint major in American studies and sociology, with a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality Studies. She currently serves as her university’s president of Hillel, and is active in Alpha Delta Pi, The Poor Richard’s (F&M’s oldest and only co-ed a cappella group), and Black Pyramid Honor Society. She is from the Hudson Valley, New York, and enjoys all things food and music. She is incredibly excited for this opportunity to meet Hillel interns as well as professional staff/faculty, and to learn more about the organization as a whole!

Nia Crosley (she/her) is a recent law school graduate and a Jewish educator. She received her JD in May 2024 from Northwestern Law School, and is expected to receive an LLM in taxation from Northwestern Law  School in fall 2024. In addition to tax, Nia is passionate about constitutional law, racial history and Jewish/Black relations, economic justice, and legislation protecting incarcerated survivors. Active in the Chicago Jewish community, Nia is a third grade religious school and Hebrew school teacher at her home synagogue, Temple Sholom, as well as a leader in the Jewish Council of Urban Affairs’ board, Community Ventures Project, and Kol Or Jews of Color Caucus. In her free time, Nia enjoys learning about public and local history, taking dance classes, and playing darts.

Karen Dotan (she/her) is a political science student at California State University, Northridge. She is the Israel Intern at Hillel 818, and president of CSUN’s Students Supporting Israel Chapter. She is passionate about Jewish advocacy and Israel advocacy, and is so honored and excited to be a part of the Hillel International team!

Ella Elimelech (she/her) is a rising sophomore at the University of Maryland, where she is majoring in information science. Originally from Israel, she was raised in the United States in the Washington, D.C. area. This past semester, she served as vice president of Terps for Israel, and in the fall, she will serve as president of Terps for Israel on campus. She has been very involved with the Jewish community on campus, and she is dedicated to advocating for the State of Israel. Hillel has already made a huge impact on her college experience and shaped her Jewish life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going on road trips, and being active. She is excited to be a part of the Hillel International team, where she knows she will meet amazing people and gain experience!

Annie Fingersh (she/her) is from Kansas City, and is an incoming second-year student at Northwestern University. She is currently pursuing a major in learning and organizational change, a minor in psychology, and an integrated marketing and communications certificate. On campus, she has been involved in Hillel, participating in a Jewish Learning Fellowship. She is also involved in various campus activities and clubs like Menstrual Equity Activists, Spoon Editorial Team, Delta Gamma, and TAMID Consulting. Outside of school, she loves cooking, watching movies, and playing with her dogs. This summer, she is eager to grow both personally and professionally as a part of the alumni marketing team!

Zack Goldstein (he/him) is a rising sophomore at the University of Georgia, majoring in operations and supply chain management, with a minor in disaster management. He hails from Marietta, Georgia, where he has spent over three years working in various roles within the events industry. On campus, Zack is involved in Hillel, Chabad, the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity, and competes on the UGA Club Swim team. As an intern for the conferences and events team, Zack is very excited to deepen his experience with an organization that he cares so deeply about!

Emily Gross (she/her) is a rising senior at the University of Southern California, studying sociology and business. Hillel has been a significant part of her college experience since freshman year when she joined the boards of USC Hillel’s Communications and Wellness Teams. In addition, she served as an Innovation Lab Intern during her sophomore year, and increased Hillel’s engagement through one-on-one coffee chats with students. She also had the most amazing 10 days during USC Hillel’s Birthright last summer with her new best friends. Lastly, she is proud to have co-led Freshfest last year, a retreat for incoming Jewish Trojans, and looks forward to being an FEF this summer!

Alex Kamras (she/her) is a rising sophomore at UC Berkeley, studying environmental economics and policy. In high school, she held leadership positions in the Jewish Youth Climate Movement, and worked with the Los Angeles Mayor’s Youth Council for Climate Action. Her Jewish and climate activist identities are inextricably interlinked, and she cannot wait to continue immersing herself in Jewish environmental spaces this summer! In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, reading, making art, and hiking.

Emily Kesser (she/her) from Norfolk, Virginia, is a rising fourth-year student at The University of Virginia. She is majoring in cognitive science with a concentration in cognitive psychology, and complementing her studies with a minor in Jewish religious studies. Her career aspiration is to become a licensed professional counselor specializing in children’s mental health. Beyond academics, Emily enjoys live music, painting, and hanging out with her friends. She actively participates in UVA’s campus Hillel community, where she recently served as a third-year engagement intern. Hillel has played a significant role in shaping her undergraduate experience, and she is eagerly looking forward to taking on the position of student leadership intern with Hillel International!

Max Khurgel (he/him) currently attends Loyola University Maryland. He is a rising senior with a passion for tennis, football, and snowboarding. He also attended a Birthright Israel trip through Hillel. Talk to him about restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area – all of his friends know he is a foodie!

Olivia Leonard (she/her) is a rising junior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and originally from New Jersey. She is majoring in public relations and minoring in graphic design. She also is a member of many organizations, including Hillel, Kappa Delta, and PRSSA. She is incredibly excited to integrate her passions for Judaism and social media during her internship!

Anna Levine (she/her) hails from Northern Virginia. Anna is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she studied psychology and public health. She is currently entering her second year as a Master of Social Work candidate at Columbia University. During her undergraduate years, she developed a passion for research, solving organizational problems, and supporting others’ general well-being. She was very involved in Syracuse’s Hillel and looks forward to being a part of the Strategic HR team this summer!

Hannah Smuckler (she/her) is a rising senior at the University of Kansas. She is majoring in journalism and minoring in Spanish. Hannah spent her last semester studying in Salamanca, Spain. She has been involved with her campus Hillel since her freshman year, and is very excited to join the Hillel International marketing team as an intern.

Alyssa Wallack (she/her) is blending marketing expertise with a passion for Jewish life as Hillel’s new student marketing Intern. A USC student majoring in public relations and minoring in marketing, Alyssa is president of the Chabad Student Board, and advocates for Israel through Hasbara Fellowships and as a CAMERA on Campus Fellow. She has previously staffed Birthright trips, and is skilled at igniting Jewish pride. With her communications talents, bubbly personality, and drive to educate her peers, Alyssa is enthusiastic about connecting the next generation with enriching Jewish experiences at Hillel.

Eli Weiss (he/him) is an incoming third-year at the University of Miami studying Media Management with a double minor in Judaic Studies and Theater Non-Profit Management. He is the former Development and Communications Intern for Camp Ramah in the Berkshires where he spent the last 10 summers as a camper and then as a counselor. At the University of Miami, he is the Co-President of The University of Miami Hillel where he thrives to foster amazing programing and large initiatives for the wider UM Jewish community. He also is a council member of Category 5, the Student Government Spirit Commitee. Eli also works at the University of Miami TV Station (UMTV) on two different shows as an Audio Operator. In his free time, he loves to travel, watch sports and spend time with friends and family.

Avishag (Avi) Gorodetski (she/her) is an incoming first-year student at Tulane University from Washington, DC. She is coming out of a gap year where she served as BBYO’s Teen International President, traveling to communities around the world. She loves sushi, a good playlist, and exploring new places and cultures. Avi is planning on studying Social Policy and Practice in college and is excited to continue her impact on Global Jewry with Hillel International.

Sophie Baron (she/her) is from Dallas, TX and is going to be a fourth-year at College of Charleston this upcoming fall. She majors in Communication and double minors in Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Sustainability. Sophie is very involved with her campus Hillel and participates in JLF programs, has been on the Student Board for two years, and holds numerous campus Hillel internships. She tries to make an impact on Jewish life on campus every day, so she can’t wait to take on this internship opportunity with Hillel International.

Sabrina Soffer (she/her) is the commissioner of George Washington University Student Association’s Special Presidential Task Force to Combat Antisemitism. As a rising third-year, she is pursuing a double major in Philosophy with a Public Affairs focus and Judaic Studies. Sabrina is an active educator on social media who writes for The Times of Israel and The Algemeiner about the Jewish experience, Zionism, and Israel. Over her gap year before college, Sabrina also published her first book, My Mother’s Mirror: A Generational Story of Resilience, & Self-Discovery that offers creative, memoir-based tools rooted in the USC EDGE Center award-winning Self-Ex Guide, authored by Sabrina and her mother. Ever since the 2023 Hillel International Content Creators Forum Sabrina has been eager to develop her skills as an educator, content creator, and influencer to inform her communities about Israel’s reality and build bridges inside and outside the Jewish community to promote tolerance, respect, and compassion.

Andrew Aronoff (he/him) from Mason, Ohio, is a third-year at Kent State University majoring in Hospitality and Event Management. On campus, he has served as KSU Hillels VP of Operations and is now Kent State’s Co-President. He also works as an Event Coordinator for the University. Off campus you will see him cheffing it up in his kitchen. He  is beyond excited as this internship allows him to showcase his expertise in event coordination and contribute to the success of these important summer conferences.

Jordyn Kravitz (she/her) is thrilled to be Hillel’s Talent & Leadership Development Intern this summer. She hails from Farmington Hills, Michigan, and she recently graduated from Kalamazoo College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In the fall, Jordyn will be attending Michigan State University for her Masters of Human Resources and Labor Relations. Hillel played a significant role in her undergraduate experience, and she eagerly anticipates working within an organization that holds such great importance to her.

Sydney Hammer (she/her) is a rising fourth-year at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., double majoring in Organizational Science and Creative Writing. She hails from Coventry, Rhode Island, where she learned to love reading, exploring new places and foods, and scuba diving. Throughout her academic career, she has developed a passion for solving organizational issues with the innovative perspective and discipline she has gained from her English major. Her time in college has also stimulated a desire to connect with and build upon her Jewish heritage through various forms of community involvement. As the Strategic HR Intern, she plans to combine all aspects of her identity into a new learning environment to foster both personal and professional growth.

Jessie Cooper (she/her) is a third-year at the University of Southern California studying Communications, Music Industry, and Sociology. As a passionate member of the Jewish Community, she hopes to utilize her skillsets in marketing, user experience, and creative design to uplift Jewish students and enliven their college experiences. Born and raised in the Northshore of Chicago, Jessie was taught firsthand the importance of positively embracing and owning Jewish identity and hopes to translate that into her work. Beyond her role as a Marketing Intern at Hillel International, Jessie can be found coordinating wellness programs at USC’s Hillel, organizing inclusive concerts, creating art, and drinking Chai lattes. She is eager to be part of the Hillel Int’l team, helping with everything from campus communications to alumni outreach.

Emma Mair (she/her) graduated magna cum laude from Mount Holyoke College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Psychology & Education. During her time at Mount Holyoke, Emma chaired the Jewish Student Union where she focused on helping other students cultivate an authentic relationship with Judaism through ritual, educational, social, and cultural programming. Emma was also the Rabbinical Intern at a synagogue north of Boston for several years throughout college. Now, Emma tutors young people for their B-Mitzvahs as well as officiates at a variety of Jewish life cycle events across Massachusetts. She will begin Rabbinical School at Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts in the fall. 

Julie Fleischman (she/her) is super excited to be an intern on the Measurement team this summer. She graduated from the University of Rochester with degrees in Data Science and Economics in May. She just moved to NYC and is looking forward to exploring the city. In her free time, she loves to play tennis and spend time outside. A fun fact about her is that her favorite ice cream flavor is coffee oreo!

Hailey Smilowitz (she/her) is from Atlanta and is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina, studying Mass Communications and Jewish Studies. She has been very involved with her campus Hillel for the past 3 years, handling social media and marketing responsibilities. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and traveling. She even hopes to live in Israel one day! Over the last year, this internship has allowed her to make lasting connections and develop valuable skills. She feels fortunate to be able to continue working with Hailey Behrman and the whole MarCom team. She can’t wait to get to know the other interns and see what’s in store for this summer!

Gabriela (Shira) Marquis (they/them) is a copywriting intern for Hillel this summer! They currently live in Spokane, Washington, where they attend Gonzaga University. However, they are writing this from Chile as they spent their last academic year abroad in Oxford and Chile. They are an English literature, creative writing, and Spanish major entering their senior year of undergraduate studies. Their work typically focuses on exploring genre boundaries and representing intersectional identities. They are incredibly excited to be part of the Hillel International team this summer!

Hailing from Maryland, Caroline Louttit (she/her) recently graduated from Barnard College of Columbia University in the City of New York with a degree in Economics and Mathematics. She will be returning to New York in the fall to work full-time as a Market and Wealth Services Analyst. During her time in college, Caroline was involved in her campus’ Columbia/Barnard Hillel, including serving as a Birthright Intern, on the board for Challah for Hunger, and as a fellow in the Alexander Jewish Leadership Institute program. She is excited to join the Hillel International team this summer.

Janie Hershman (she/her) is from Ambler, PA, which is about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia. She is a rising fourth-year at Syracuse University, studying Education with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. At Syracuse, she is very active in her sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, and she previously served on the Executive Board as the VP Panhellenic Delegate. In her free time, she loves to go to the beach, hang out with her friends, and especially spend time with her puppy. She is excited to join the Hillel International team this summer as a Marketing Intern for Birthright!

Tess Mellinger (she/her) attends American University as a Political Science major. Some of her greatest passions are gardening and sustainability; she loves being outdoors and exploring nature. She loves AU Hillel and can’t wait to expand her Hillel family. She is looking forward to a great summer with an amazing team!

Zoe DeWitt (she/her) lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati, where she majored in Criminal Justice. In August, she will be attending Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law to work towards her goal of becoming a lawyer. She wanted to intern with Safety and Security at Hillel this summer, as she learned a lot about security as a criminal justice major and enjoys participating in anything Jewish-related.

Lily Tabenken (she/her) is a rising fourth-year at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and is from Falmouth, Maine. At Muhlenberg, she is a media and communications major with minors in Jewish studies and business, on the pre-law track. During the past semester, she had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in London, England, and interned with an organization called Kisharon as a fundraising intern. On campus, she is very active in Hillel, where she served as the social action co-chair in 2021 and as the outreach co-chair in fall 2022, and she is currently an engagement intern. Outside of Jewish life on campus, she is a member of the sorority Phi Sigma Sigma and is part of the Muhlenberg chapter of Best Buddies, where she served as the event coordinator for two years. She is excited to be interning with Hillel International for her second summer!