JWI’s D.C. Young Women’s Impact Network (YWIN) connects and supports local Jewish women in their 20s and 30s with empowering programs, leadership experiences, and meaningful opportunities to create a lasting impact on the world around them.
JWI welcomes, embraces, affirms, and invests in women of every race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability.
For questions, email [email protected].
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D.C. YWIN Board Members:
Rachel Apfelbaum, Board Advisor
Rachel Apfelbaum is a project coordinator with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), where she plans training events nationwide centered around enhancing law enforcement response to sexual assault crimes. Prior to this position, she worked with the IACP to arrange training events focused on strengthening the response to domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking. She also has a background in direct victim services with experience as a court advocate and shelter supervisor working with the victims of domestic violence. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from James Madison University and her master’s degree in global women’s studies at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). At NUIG she was a committee member for the Feminist Society.
Hadar Arazi, President
Originally from Weston, Florida, Hadar currently serves as a scheduler on Capitol Hill and previously worked on political campaigns in New Jersey and Florida. A proud University of Florida alum, Hadar has a background in political outreach and advocacy, and enjoys creating opportunities for others to get involved in the political process. In her spare time, Hadar enjoys exploring DC, trying new recipes, traveling, and cheering on the Florida Gators!
Abbi Fine, Personal and Professional Development Chair
Originally from Maple Grove, Minnesota, Abbi is driven to make the world a better place. She currently works as the Conference Services Coordinator at the Partnership for Public Service, where she works across the organization and externally to plan and implement programming for government leaders. Abbi attended the University of Redlands in Southern California, where received degrees in Political Science and Public Policy, and minored in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Abbi comes to the YWIN with board experience, as she previously served on the University of Redlands Alumni Board. She enjoys daily walks in Rock Creek Park, and weekly trips to the DuPont Farmers Market.
Alexis Miller, Financial Literacy Co-Chair
Alexis Miller currently serves as Donor Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Lead for Endaoment, a community foundation that focuses on cryptocurrency philanthropy, accepting and facilitating crypto-originated donations to nonprofits. Prior to this role, Alexis worked as Donor Services Officer at the Baltimore Community Foundation overseeing Donor Advised Fund giving and as a Senior Development Associate at The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. Alexis earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS from the University of Pittsburgh. Alexis lives in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of Washington DC, and when not working, she can be found exploring restaurants or playing Mah Jongg.
Naomi Rich, VP of Programming
Originally from Southern California, Naomi is passionate about social justice, learning, and ice cream. She first got involved in JWI in Los Angeles, where she served as a board member, attended events during a brief stint living in New York City, and is so excited to be serving the DC community as a board member. Naomi currently works as a Program Specialist for the Public Health Accreditation Board and the Public Health National Center for Innovations, supporting public health accreditation, transformation, and data modernization efforts. Her professional experiences range from working on a Congressional campaign, for several nonprofit organizations, and for a communications agency. Her favorite job thus far is aunt of four amazing kiddos. Naomi received her bachelor's degree in Community and Regional Development from UC Davis and is currently pursuing her master's in Emergency and Disaster Management at Georgetown University. For fun and adventure time, she enjoys running and trying new workouts, traveling to new places, and long naps.
Alexandra Schwartzman, Advocacy Chair
Alex Schwartzman is a civil rights attorney specializing in representing employees in claims of employment discrimination. She also has a background in mediation and conflict resolution. She completed her bachelor's degree from Oberlin College, her master's degree in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University, and her Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School. Alex currently lives in Capitol Hill and outside of work, Alex is an ameteur mycologist and endeavors to eat as much soup as possible.
Carly Shapiro, Communications Chair
Carly Shapiro is a Field Services Sales Representative with four years of sales experience. She supports the Canadian market at Ellucian, which offers innovative technology for higher education. As part of the sales organization, she partners with institutions to optimize their technology stack and ensure their constituents are set up for success. Previously, Carly worked with a top Destination Managed Company in Washington DC, planning and executing corporate events. Carly graduated cum laude from Tulane University with a bachelor's degree in Communication and English. She currently resides in Arlington, VA and spends her free time supporting a local BBYO chapter, trying new recipes, and exploring the DC area.
Allyson Silver, Jewish Values Chair
Allyson Silver is the Manager, Strategic Human Resources at Hillel International. She received a B.S. from Tulane University in New Orleans where she studied Psychology, Business, and Jewish Studies. Allyson grew up in Potomac, Maryland, and now lives in Bethesda. She’s been very involved in the Jewish community through JWI and advising for a local BBYO chapter. In her free time, Allyson loves trying new restaurants and doing Peloton workouts. She’s so excited for another great year with the YWIN!
Libby Snyder, Financial Literacy Co-Chair
Libby Snyder is a Financial Advisor with the Ruben Group at Merrill in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with a select group of affluent families, executives, successful business owners, and accomplished professionals to craft tailored wealth management strategies. Her mission is to provide personalized guidance to help her clients meet their financial goals and objectives, simplify and organize their financial lives, and provide a high level of confidence throughout the process. Libby is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™practitioner and a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor. Previously, she served in Teach for America as a high school math teacher in Chicago, trying to combat educational inequality, where she earned her Masters in Special Education. Her goal as a teacher was to ensure all students built the necessary knowledge and skills to not only face academic and social challenges in and out of the classroom, but throughout their lives. Libby graduated from the University of Michigan and currently lives in Logan Circle.
Austin Van Grack, Engagement Chair
Originally from Boulder, Colorado, Austin Van Grack is a Clinical Trials Specialist for the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) providing project management support for international HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis clinical trials. She has a background in global health, maternal and child health, and community health program evaluation with the mission to use compassion, creativity, problem-solving and a culturally sensitive lens to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Austin has a BA in Anthropology from Emory University, a MPH in global maternal and child health from the University of Colorado and Project Management Professional certification. She also has a background in event planning and meeting management for private and non-profit organizations. In her free time, Austin enjoys making beaded jewelry, all things crafty, exploring DC and travelling.
Skylar Washington, DEI Chair
My name is Skylar Washington, I grew up in Richmond, Va and now I live in Alexandria and I am Public Health Nurse with Fairfax County Health Department! I’m looking forward to serving as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair for the Board this year!
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