Karen Chonofsky
Karen is currently a Program Manager at the Women's Resource Center, located in Wayne, PA. She is passionate about promoting gender equity and women’s rights through an intersectional lens. Karen earned a Master of Human Rights from the University of Minnesota and completed her BA at the University of Delaware. In her free time, she enjoys rooting for the Eagles and exploring nature trails.
Jenna Ferman
Jenna Ferman currently serves as the Assistant Director at Penn Hillel. Originally from Abington, PA, Jenna holds a Masters in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), and earned her Bachelors degrees from Columbia University/JTS in English Literature and Hebrew Bible. Following college graduation, Jenna spent a year in Israel with Masa Israel Teaching Fellows before beginning her career with Hillel. In addition to all things Judaism and Israel related, Jenna enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, reading, traveling, and long walks/dog park visits with her sweet rescue pup, Layla.
Talia Goodman
Talia Gudelsky Goodman, a Maryland native and University of Maryland alumna, made Philadelphia her home in 2016. She and her husband happily reside in the Passyunk neighborhood. Talia’s professional journey includes a tenure as a Senior Visual Designer at Hero Digital, crafting custom websites for diverse Fortune 500 companies across healthcare, finance, technology, and utility industries. Today, Talia thrives as an in-house Lead UX Designer at Sephora. Beyond her remote work, Talia passionately enjoys antique shops, thrifting, serene park outings, reading romantic novels, and indulging in weekends filled with trying new restaurants, exploring local art galleries, and Italian market adventures.
Jenny Oswald
Jenny Oswald is a project manager with Placemakr, a hospitality living start-up. Prior to working at Placemakr, Jenny worked for 6 years with BBYO as a regional director. She received her degree in Business Administration with a minor in Jewish Studies from Muhlenberg College, and recently obtained her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute. Born and raised in the Philly suburbs, Jenny currently resides along the river in Conshohocken. In her free time, she enjoys a good book, a workout class, playing with her nephews and is always planning her next trip.
Jennifer Rosen
Jen is a Professional Development Specialist at a management consulting firm. Prior to this role, she worked as a Senior Academic Advisor at The George Washington university. She received her degree in Sociology, Religious Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies from Case Western Reserve University, and her M.Ed. in Student Affairs from Iowa State University. Jen was born and raised in the Philly suburbs and resides in Penn Valley. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, going to barre, and spending time with her family and cats.
Sara Schmuckler
Sara Schmuckler is a PA Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) specializing in Voice Therapy and Vocal Wellness Training in the Greater Philadelphia area. She owns and operates her own private practice called On Your Voice LLC providing both virtual and in-person services to the Montgomery County area. Sara also works part time at Jefferson University Hospital Rehabilitation in Center City Philadelphia. She earned her Masters in Speech/Language and Communication from Towson University in MD and her Bachelors in Theater from Temple University. She is passionate about vocal health and wellness; helping people to find and maintain the voice that best represents who they are as individuals and/or professionals across the gender+, age and ability spectrums. Sara remains active in the theater community as a choreographer and performer. Originally from Havertown, PA, She now resides in Elkins Park, PA with her husband, two kids and giant fur baby, Rosie, the English Labrador.
Avigail Schneiman
Avigail Schneiman is the Manager of Student Relationships at Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. Avigail is a Philly native and dedicated to building community within Philly. When not talking about identity, Avigail loves talking about Grey’s Anatomy and the Philly food scene.
Rachel Yakobashvili
Rachel Yakobashvili is currently serving as the Quality Control & Training Manager at Friendship Place (a homelessness services provider), in addition to serving as the Director of Programs & Partnerships at Dinah (a Jewish domestic violence organization). She previously worked and volunteered with numerous nonprofits and task forces, including the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Jewish Relief Agency, Jewish Federation of Philadelphia, JEVS Human Services, GW Hillel Young Alumni Council, and the JFNA Jewish Changemakers. Rachel grew up in Northeast Philadelphia with her parents who immigrated from the Republic of Georgia and Moldova after the fall of the Soviet Union. Rachel received her Master of Public Administration, Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and Bachelor in International Affairs from George Washington University. In her down time, Rachel likes to cook, take care of her plants, and plan and execute travel itineraries.
Talia Azour
Talia is currently a Lead Product Manager at Lime. She builds better consumer experiences for new and existing users. Her focus includes new experiences and overseeing app quality. Talia has built a career in product management working with market place, SaaS, and advertising businesses. On the side, Talia stays active in leading the SF JWIYWIN chapter, developing events through Google’s Women in Tech program, and mentoring young females interested in joining the industry. Talia is based in San Francisco, but was born and raised in NYC. She is an avid traveler and huge foodie!
Jennifer Hazan
Jen is a 29-year-old South Florida native who moved to the SF Bay area as a travel nurse in 2019. Jennifer is a passionate nurse who loves to help others. Currently, she lives with her boyfriend in Cow Hollow and works at Stanford Children’s Hospital as a pediatric nurse. In her free time, Jen enjoys meeting new people, spending time with loved ones, travel, concerts, game nights, and anything food related. She looks forward to joining the board of JWI and enriching the lives of Jewish women in the Bay Area!
Sabra Mwaura
Sabra Mwaura is a multi-talented marketer, avid traveler, and lifelong learner. With a passion for creativity and innovation, Sabra has carved a successful career in marketing, working with top brands in various industries. When she's not busy crafting marketing campaigns, Sabra can be found exploring new cultures and cuisines, adding to her diverse list of travel destinations. She also enjoys photography, dancing, and reading to stay balanced and focused. With a growth mindset and a thirst for knowledge, Sabra is always seeking new challenges and opportunities to expand her skills and expertise.
Denise Aghion
Financial Literacy Chair
Ellie Kirshenbaum
President
Ellie Kirshenbaum was born and raised in the Chicago area. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television. There, she rose up the executive ranks at 20th Television Studios/Disney where she worked to guide the creative direction of shows such as Modern Family, Empire, This Is Us and Big Sky. She was also a member of Disney's Diversity & Inclusion task force, which developed standards for inclusive representation behind the camera. She moved back to Chicago in 2021, and is now a Principal at a retained executive search firm. Ellie is also an active member of the Steppenwolf Theatre's Associates Board. In her free time, Ellie is fighting for womxn's rights, bingeing TV shows, meal prepping, spinning or playing fetch with her labradoodle, Justice Ginsburg.
Carly Hooker
Advocacy Chair
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Carly graduated from the Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University. Before landing back in the Midwest, Carly worked in Washington, DC as a National Field Organizer at AIPAC. She now serves as the AIPAC Midwest Associate Director in Chicago. Carly is currently training to become a certified yoga instructor and loves to explore the Chicagoland area.
Rachel McGovern
Personal and Professional Development Chair
Rachel McGovern grew up in Central Florida and is a proud graduate of the University of Florida. Prior to moving to Chicago in the fall of 2020, she also lived and worked in New York and Northern Virginia. She works in Democratic politics and has worked for candidates across the country. In her free time, she loves to watch “Schitt’s Creek,” play with her labradoodle, Maple, and find the best donuts in Chicago with her husband. She is so excited to join Chicago’s Young Women’s Leadership Network!
Eliza Sherman
Engagement and Relations Co-Chair
Eliza Sherman grew up in Rochester, New York and graduated from Cornell University with an honors degree in Industrial and Labor Relations. At Cornell, Eliza was a leader of the Sports Business Society, her sorority Sigma Delta Tau, the partner sorority with JWI, and her business fraternity. Eliza moved to Chicago in 2021 to join KPMG's Human Capital Advisory practice. As a Human Capital Consultant, Eliza supports Healthcare clients to transform their HR practices through new technologies and processes. Outside of work, you can find Eliza exploring the Chicago restaurant scene, traveling around the world with friends and family, and trying out new activities in Chicago (tennis and pottery class to name a few). Passionate about advocacy and supporting the community, Eliza is excited to serve as Engagement and Relations Co-Chair for the Chicago YWIN chapter.
Anna Rose Peck-Block
Engagement/Relations Co-Chair
Anna Rose Peck-Block joined JWI after attending the Financial Fitness Cohort in Chicago. Currently, Anna Rose works as a social worker. When she is not working or attending JWI events, she enjoys exploring the city for new places to eat, traveling, and reading a good book!
Marina Rostein
VP of Programming
Marina Rostein is an Argentine-American raised in the suburbs of Chicago, now residing downtown. She came back to Chicago after 9 years in DC, where she attended The George Washington University. While in DC, she worked in HR at BBYO and later spent five years at OneTable, first leading the organization's DC-area expansion and later focusing on partnerships and experiential marketing nationally. She’s recently joined the marketing team at Cue Health while attending business school at UNC Kenan Flagler. She’s deeply passionate about helping people, especially women, make powerful and lucrative career moves (let’s negotiate those offers!!). Marina loves international weekend trips in search of the best foods, spinning, and wandering through farmers markets with her husband, son, and sweet pup. She first joined JWI's YWIN while in DC, and loves being a part of the incredible community of women in Chicago!
Alyssa Schor
Communications Chair
Alyssa was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. After earning her bachelor's degree in journalism from Indiana University-Bloomington, Alyssa moved to Chicago in 2016 to pursue a public relations career. In her current role at Zeno Group, Alyssa works with consumer brands across industries to tell their stories to news media. Alyssa has always enjoyed opportunities to connect with both Jewish and female-driven organizations that foster community and provide opportunities for leadership and giving back - stemming from her high school involvement in BBYO and college involvement in Greek life. This made JWI's Young Women's Leadership Network a natural fit post-college! In her free time, Alyssa enjoys trying new restaurants, doing yoga sculpt workouts, reading and winning her fantasy football leagues (two years in a row!).
Anna Giuliano
Jewish Values Chair and DEI Chair
Originally hailing from the Great White North, Anna has been so happy to make her home and community in Chicago. Anna has a background in visual and performing arts, and holds licenses in both cosmetology and cosmetology education. She quickly learned that education and coaching were some of the best ways to build community and understanding. After leaving formal cosmetology education, she decided to become a part-time professional coach helping beauty and other artisans combat toxic positivity and imposter syndrome so they can make better art. She also leads book clubs on combating the stereotypes, discrimination, and challenges of Black hair for white and white passing people. Anna is disabled and lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). She is a member of the disability activism community pushing for accessibility and safety in both Chicago and the country. On Shabbat and holidays, you can find her at Mishkan Chicago where she would be more than happy to welcome you! Being from a mixed family, Anna is proud to be both the Jewish Values and DEI chairs as our Jewish beliefs help remind us of our duty to Tikkun Olam and always fighting for Tzedek - even when it feels hard. Reach out if you need help and she will cheer you on! In her spare time, she loves searching for great vintage finds, taking photos with her instant camera, cuddling her rescue bunny Nugget, creating art with her partner, and enjoying quiet time at Lake Michigan.
Susannah Alfred (President)
Susannah is a proud Midwesterner from Rochester, MN. She made her way to the East Coast to attend Connecticut College where she became more deeply engaged with Judaism through her four years on Hillel's executive board and through her religious studies classes. After moving to Boston for work in 2017, she made it her mission to help foster a sense of Jewish community in her new home. In 2022, Susannah received her MBA from Brandeis' Heller School for Social Policy and Management along with a Master’s in Jewish Professional Leadership. Susannah now works in consulting and is honored to serve the Boston chapter of YWIN as a founding member and President.
Eliza Abdu-Glass (Personal and Professional Development Co-Chair)
Eliza (she/her) was born and raised outside of Boston, MA. Eliza attended Connecticut College and after graduating with dual degrees in history and psychology, she worked as a Youth Outreach Worker at a free after school program designed to provide a safe and supportive space for at-risk youth, and also at a Harvard Medical School/Mass General Hospital center that provided youth caregivers with mental health resources, tools and information. Eliza then earned her Masters in Social Work at Boston College and now works in acute psychiatric care at McLean Hospital. Eliza is passionate about helping others make positive change in their lives, deepen connections with others and explore their passions. She is dedicated to furthering social justice and is politically active in support of candidates and causes that strengthen our democracy and women’s rights. Eliza is a Registered Yoga Teacher, avid Formula 1 fan and Swiftie who enjoys cooking, spending time near the ocean, riding her Peloton, and watching Veep and Real Housewives in her free time!
Sara Berlin
Born and raised in Miami, Sara grew up immersed in the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam and building community. She became even more engaged with Judaism during her gap year program, Young Judaea's Year Course, in 2010 and throughout her four years at the University of Michigan. After moving from New York to Boston in 2021, she searched for community and Jewish life in her new home and found YWIN. After a year as a community member, she joined the board to help build vibrant relationships, make the city feel smaller, and spark engagement. Sara works in Employee Engagement Communications and is so happy to be on the board.
Molly Kazan (Jewish Values Chair)
After attending JWI's Women's Leadership Conference in 2022, Molly was inspired by JWI's mission and how it aligns with her passion for building Jewish community. Molly is a Midwesterner at heart with roots in Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. She currently works as the Development Manager for Mayyim Hayyim, a community mikveh and Jewish education center in Boston. Molly recently earned dual masters degrees from Brandeis University in Jewish Professional Leadership and a Social Impact MBA as a Nachshon Project Fellow. She also holds a BA in Psychology with minors in Jewish Studies and Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Molly brings previous experience across the Jewish organizational landscape including JCC Greater Boston, the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF), and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). When she's not emphasizing the "J" in JWI, Molly can be found drinking chai tea, preferably on a yoga mat near a body of water.
Goldie Davoudgoleh (Engagement Chair)
Goldie is a local Bostonian with a passion for cultivating opportunities for Jewish communal engagement. She graduated from Brandeis University with her BA in Near Eastern & Judaic Studies and Anthropology, knowing that she wanted to start her career in the Jewish nonprofit space. This past spring, Goldie completed her MBA through Brandeis’ Heller School for Social Policy and Management, in addition to a Master’s in Jewish Professional Leadership from the Hornstein Program. She currently works at Combined Jewish Philanthropies, the Boston Jewish Federation, as a Development Officer, engaging members of the Boston Jewish community in the organization’s social impact areas through philanthropy. Goldie is a graduate of the Jewish Federations of North America's Jewish Changemakers Fellowship and the iCenter’s Master’s Concentration in Israel Education Fellowship. Outside of her immense involvement in the Jewish community, she enjoys cooking (but mostly eating) Persian food, planning her next beach day, and dreaming about her next chance to travel. Goldie is excited to be a part of the founding members of YWIN Boston and its inaugural board.
Joelle Marx (Financial Literacy Chair)
Joelle was born and raised outside of Boston, MA. Joelle graduated from Colgate University with BA in International Relations and minors in Economics and Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies. She currently works as an investor at HarbourVest Partners where she spends her time focused on growth-stage technology companies. Outside of work and JWI, Joelle is passionate about fostering a sense of community – she helps college students fight food insecurity on campuses through Nazun and is a board member at the Synergist Network’s Boston chapter. She can often be found in the kitchen baking new recipes, riding her Peloton or enjoying time outside (skiing, hiking, etc!).
Abby Shuster (Personal and Professional Development Co-Chair)
Abby was first introduced to JWI in 2015 while living in DC, and quickly became involved, serving on the board for three years in professional development and operations roles. She returned back to her hometown of Newton, MA in the fall of 2020 and was thrilled when the Boston chapter launched. She looks forward to bringing her previous board experience and professional experience as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte Consulting to her role as the Professional Development Co-Chair. In her free time, Abby is scouting out the new restaurants and seasonal activities in the city or going for a long hike or walk. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Human and Organizational Development and minors in Spanish and Corporate Strategy.
Sari Star
(bio coming soon!)