Young Women’s Impact Network: WASHINGTON, D.C.

Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Boulder, CO, Austin has been residing in DC since 2020. She works as a Clinical Trial Manager, overseeing international HIV and TB studies. Austin earned her BA in Anthropology from Emory University and an MPH in Global Maternal and Child Health from the University of Colorado. Since 2012, she has been actively involved with JWI, starting as an intern in the development department, participating in the Denver YWIN network, and serving as a DC board member for the past three years. Austin is passionate about public health, reproductive freedom, and building community. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, crafting, exploring DC’s museums and cultural events, and spending time with loved ones. 

Sophia is originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia. She made her way to Colgate University, where she studied Political Science and Philosophy. After graduating, she moved to Washington, DC, for work. Having grown up with consistent involvement in the Jewish community, she found herself yearning for a stronger sense of community in her new home. She is honored to now serve on the board of the DC YWIN chapter. In her free time, Sophia enjoys hiking, playing pickleball, and diving into board games.

Sophie is from Vancouver, Canada, and previously lived and worked in Toronto, New York, Berlin, and The Hague before landing in Washington, D.C.  She holds a B.A. in international relations and a J.D. from the University of Toronto.  Sophie has worked at think tanks, international organizations, and top global law firms on matters relating to public international law, privacy and cybersecurity, and white collar criminal defense.  

Izzy, a self-described professional Jewish person, has lived in the DMV since mid-2019 and works at Hillel International as the Associate Director of Campus Support. Izzy graduated from Emory University in 2017 with a BA in Comparative Literature and Jewish Studies and has been trying to break into a consistent book club ever since. Currently, she lives in Crystal City and can often be found at any of the Arlington AMC movie theaters, enjoying an after-hours Smithsonian event, chatting more than watching at a sports game, or attending a loosely Taylor Swift-themed get together as an excuse to trade bracelets. 

Sara is from Connecticut and made her way to the Midwest, studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she received degrees in political science and business. She lives in D.C. and works in government affairs. Sara is passionate about creating community and excited to be a member of the YWIN D.C. board. When she isn't working, Sara can be found trying new restaurants, playing pickleball and spending time with friends. 

As a native Californian, Madison earned her bachelor’s degree in social sciences with an emphasis in psychology from the University of Southern California at Los Angeles and moved to Washington, D.C., in 2017, where she earned her master’s degree in educational transformation at Georgetown University. She is currently a senior policy analyst for Higher Education Policy at the Center for American Progress. 

Madison found herself looking for a greater connection to the Jewish community and is excited to serve on the board of DC YWIN chapter. Her favorite things to do in Washington include shopping at her local farmers market and taking long walks throughout the city with friends.

Allyson Silver is the Senior Manager of Strategic HR at Hillel International. She is from Potomac, Maryland and went to Tulane University in New Orleans to study Psychology before moving back to the D.C. area. She currently lives in Bethesda, Maryland and loves to host Shabbat dinners, go to workout classes, and try new restaurants in the area with friends and family. She is thrilled to be serving on the DC YWIN board for a 5th year!

Leila Gordon currently serves as the Assistant Director of Religious Education at Washington Hebrew Congregation, and has been living in DC for three years. In her role at WHC she gets to work with students ranging from Pre-K through high school seniors, and she loves serving the Jewish community here in DC. Prior to her move, she lived in Boston and went to grad school at Brandeis University for Jewish Education and Nonprofit work. Leila is a Philly native, a HUGE Phillies fan, and enjoys running and reality TV. She is excited to be serving on the DC YWIN board, and hopes to meet an ever growing community and network of young Jewish women that feel passionate about creating  connections and fostering community.