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PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP

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Executive Director

Adena (she/her/hers) loves her work thinking creatively with staff, students, and stakeholders about providing GW students the tools they need to create vibrant Jewish lives in college and beyond.  Prior to her career in the Hillel world, which began at NYU, she earned her Masters in Social Work as a Wexner Graduate Fellow and spent time at a non-profit organization focused on poverty in New York City. Adena loves cruising the streets of DC with her husband Josh, daughter Layla, & sons Oliver and Jack.  Check out her blog, Adena the Coffee Queen, to hear more about her adventures on campus.

adena@gwhillel.org

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Assistant Director

Sara (she/her/hers) comes to GW Hillel with a passion for developing the next generation of strong Jewish leaders and a love for the work that Hillel does in helping students develop their unique Jewish identity. Originally from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Sara grew up in an interfaith family and has thought critically about identity, pluralism, and Jewish values in various Jewish communal spaces.  She completed her undergraduate education at The George Washington University with a major in Sociology and a double minor in Jewish Studies and Communications. Sara holds a Masters degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Harvard. In her free time, Sara loves attempting to recreate her favorite foods at home in her kitchen, watching reality TV shows, playing Jewish geography, and reminiscing about her years at camp. Sara lives in Navy Yard with her boyfriend Nate, and their dogs Orli and Feeny. Want to grab coffee? Schedule time with Sara!

sara@gwhillel.org

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Senior Jewish Educator

Rabbi Dan (he/him/his) has been the Rabbi at GW Hillel since 2016 and has loved every minute of it. Rabbi Dan received his Masters degree in Israel Education from The George Washington University. Previously, Rabbi Dan worked as a financial adviser at JP Morgan in Manhattan, but realized his true calling was in the world of Torah; he now helps students take stock and form bonds with God and with themselves. Raised in Queens, New York, and a graduate of Queens College, Rabbi Dan now lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with his amazing wife Odelia and their three children, Emmett, Emunah, and Ahava.

dan@gwhillel.org

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Engagement Associate

Noah (he/him/his) is a recent graduate of American University, and comes to GW Hillel with a passion for exploration and community building. Leaving his Ohio hometown for school in Washington, DC, his new kehilla became his extended family, emphasizing how vital community is to our wellbeing and happiness. He looks forward to fostering a fun and inviting home-away-from-home where students can create meaningful experiences, explore the world around them, and become leaders. Noah loves spending his free time finding new restaurants, playing pick-up soccer, and going to Wizards games. Want to grab coffee? Schedule time with Noah!

noah@gwhillel.org

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Innovation Springboard Fellow

Yael Klucznik (she/her/hers) is so excited to be joining the GW Hillel team as the Innovation Springboard Fellow! Yael was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina but has lived most of her life in South Florida. She grew up surrounded by a beautiful and supportive Jewish community where she danced at her local JCC for almost 12 years. Yael is a recent first-gen graduate from Johns Hopkins University where she received a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. One of the best things that came out of her college experience was her appreciation for different cultures, especially through trying new foods. Yael loves going on walks, reading, watching daily news updates, and playing a whole bunch of card games! Her weakness is a good cup of coffee or indulging in my culture by drinking mate. She can’t wait to get to know you over a delicious cup of coffee and help to foster a welcoming and fun community for all. Schedule time with Yael!

yael@gwhillel.org

OMER SHTRULI

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Jewish Agency Israel Fellow

Omer Shtruli (she/her/hers) is so excited to be joining the GW Hillel team as the Jewish Agency Israel Fellow. Omer grew up in Nes Ziona, a small city in the heart of Israel. She has served as a counselor in the Israeli Scouts, guiding groups of teenagers. During her military service, Omer held a pivotal role in the Human Resources Division as Rookie Headquarters, managing responsibilities such as overseeing soldiers and adhering to a demanding schedule. After her military service, Omer embarked on an inspiring and meaningful journey as a dance instructor at a JCC summer camp in Colorado through the Jewish Agency. She later worked as a flight attendant for EL AL Airlines. Omer earned her first degree in Business and Finance from Ben Gurion University. She is now completing her second degree in Business and Marketing.. Concurrently, Omer works as a recruitment coordinator at the university. In her free time, Omer loves to dance, read, and meet new people. She is so excited to meet all of you! 

omer@gwhillel.org

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Director of Finance & Operations

Shaw (she/her/hers) is excited to join the GW Hillel family, bringing over 15 years of non-profit finance & accounting experience to Hillel.  As a mother of two college students, she strongly supports Hillel’s mission – enriching lives, so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.  Both of her boys are actively involved with Hillel.  “Hillel is my boys’ home away from home” said Shaw.  Prior to joining GW Hillel, Shaw worked for The Arc of the US as the Finance Manager and later as the HR Director, Finance Manager for the Eno Center for Transportation and Accounting Associate for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.   Shaw received her BS in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Massachusetts.

fodor@gwhillel.org

ILANA BLEICH

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Campus Marketing and Development Manager

Born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Ilana (she/her/hers) attended the University of Mary Washington and graduated with a degree in Historic Preservation and Urban Studies. She served as the Springboard Innovation Fellow at Northwestern University from 2019-2021, where she helped support students during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has worked in marketing and development for several organizations, including her university Department of Campus Recreation, Jewish camps, and most recently as the Digital Content Strategist at the Chicago Architecture Center. She currently lives in Washington, DC.

MOLLIE KATZ

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Rental & Events Manager

Mollie Katz (she/her/hers) manages event space rental in our beautiful new building. She books events and markets our dining rooms, auditorium, and rooftop. Her experience in marketing, communications, and management includes work for Jewish and interfaith organizations. To unwind, Mollie often opts for swims, long walks, and puzzles, and 

she’s always reading at least one book. 

Email Mollie or visit our rental page

JESS CARBINO

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Mental Health Extern

Jess Carbino (she/her/hers) is excited to join the GW Hillel community as a mental health extern. Originally from Philadelphia, Jess has gradually made her way back to the East Coast after a 12 year stint in Los Angeles. Prior to beginning graduate school at GW, Jess worked in the tech world running research for the dating apps Tinder and Bumble. Jess says her love language is quality time with family and friends. In her free time, Jess tries to hunt down the best tacos and pasta in DC.

Email wellness@gwhillel.org to connect. 

SKYLER SCHAUMBERG

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Mental Health Extern

Skylar Schaumberg (she/her/hers) is thrilled to be joining the GW Hillel team as a mental health extern. Skylar grew up in Maryland and now loves living in DC. Skylar is currently a doctoral student in the GW PsyD program and is studying to become a clinical psychologist. Skylar recognizes the importance of taking care of one’s mental health while in school and is excited to meet and talk to GW students. She can't wait to get to know you and support a welcoming and mentally healthy community for all.

Email wellness@gwhillel.org to connect. 

IRMA CARTAGENA

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Custodian

Irma (she/her/hers) was born and raised in El Salvador and is the proud mother of two sons. She loves spending her free time traveling and cooking on the weekends. She works each day to keep our Hillel home in great shape. Please thank her for her hard work- and she's always happy to help you practice your Spanish skills.

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