Student Leadership
University of California, Irvine
Alex Bennett, Class of 2022
Since my freshman year at UCI, Hillel has been a place where I have felt comfortable exploring my Judaism. Over the past three years I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of because of my time with Hillel. I am beyond excited to serve you all this year as Hillel at UCI's President, and to hopefully foster an environment that provides an incredible home away from home for Jewish students of Irvine. Please come up and say, "hi" at any event (I love meeting new people)!
Major: Drama and Jewish Studies
Samantha IIan, Class of 2025
Hi there! My name is Samantha Ilan (she/her), but you can call me Sami, and I am a first year here at UC Irvine. I am majoring in Psychology and hoping to attend PA School after UC Irvine to become a Psychiatrist. I love the outdoors, music, drawing, reading, cats, and Taylor Swift. My culture and religion have always been a significant part of my life and identity and I am very thankful for how it has shaped me into the young woman I am today. I was a member of USY throughout high school and wanted to continue my involvement in Jewish Leadership in college. I am thrilled to be a member of Hillel here at UC Irvine and also to be in the Tikkun Olam position and create purposeful events for the Jewish community here. I am ecstatic for what is to come this year!
Major: Drama and Jewish Studies
Yoav Weber, Class of 2024
I love Hillel because of the Jewish community we are building and the people that are involved in the process.
Major: Mathematics
Hannah Ruhm, Class of 2024
Hi! My name’s Hannah and I’m a sophomore at UCI. I like drawing animals and running in my spare time. I love Hillel because I love connecting with other Jewish people on campus and learning more about Judaism in general.
Major: Biology
Taryn "Tirtzah" Williams
Taryn is an incoming doctoral student in the Paul Merage School of Business. She is a recent graduate of Cal State Long Beach, where she was the treasurer of Beach Hillel. She loves the unique Jewish experience found on college campuses and can't wait to meet everyone at OC Hillel! Having a community of people who- despite variations of levels of observance, opposing opinions on Israel, and ethnic or gender differences- will always be there for you is paramount! We are one mishpacha ❤️ Taryn is most passionate about advocating for the needs of Jewish students on college campuses, getting young Jews excited about the Jewish community, and peace-building initiatives.
Major: PhD in Organizations and Management
Nicole (Nishama) Kofman, Class of 2023
I joined Hillel to help others feel safe in their identity and be a part of a Jewish community, no matter what their beliefs or practices are, while furthering my connection with others. I enjoy working with the other board members and love meeting new people. On the side, I love to create graphic designs, learn about psychology, and play basketball.
Major: Psychology
Chapman University
Talia Israel, Class of 2022
Hey everyone! I am so lucky to be your President for Chapman Hillel this year! I love coffee shop adventures, sunsets, yoga, soul cycle and meeting new friends! I love Jewish non-profit work including fundraising and event planning! I can’t wait to meet you all and further explore Judaism and Hillel with you!
Major: Theater Performance & Disability Studies
Eden Gal, Class of 2025
I’m Eden, and I’m a freshman at Chapman! I love Hillel because it’s a place I can call home on campus. I love being involved in this organization and planning fun events for all students.
Major: Business Real Estate
Brianna Schatt, Class of 2023
I’m so excited to be apart of this fantastic team this year at Hillel. This organization is a gateway to meeting incredible people and finding those who share similar values and aspirations. I can’t wait to expand our community during these upcoming months and collaborate to put together meaningful events!
Major: Broadcast Journalism & Documentary and Peace Studies
Eliana Moore, Class of 2025
Hello! My name is Eliana Moore, and I am a Shabbat Chair on this year’s board! I am an actor from Davis, California, and am so happy to be apart of the Chapman and the Hillel community. I’m excited to continue meeting everyone!!:)
Major: Theater Performance
Ellie Soverinsky, Class of 2023
I love Hillel because it is a very inclusive and fun group. I love meeting new people and planning fun events! I am a very social person, and meeting new people is always a good time for me. I also like how I can meet other Jewish students with the same values as me!
Major: Health Science and Public Health
Micah Strok, Class of 2024
Hi, I’m Micah! I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing music, and watching soccer. I also just started teaching 3rd grade religious school back home at Leo Baeck Temple, which is super surreal. I only knew two other Jews at Chapman before joining Hillel, and after going to a few events, I really feel part of the Jewish community on campus!
Major: Physiology
Noah Brenner, Class of 2022
I have been involved with Hillel since my freshman year, and have made many friends and memories at Shabbat dinners, trips to AIPAC, and small moments across campus. I am also involved in Chabad and SSI, and served as an Orientation Leader for two years. I have been a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi since my freshman year, and am currently on its Executive Board. In my free time I like to coach for a year-round swim team, watch my beloved Houston sports teams, and hang out with friends!
Major: Business Marketing & Physicology
Brynn Tiano, Class of 2023
I love Hillel because it brings the Jewish community together. I have met so many new incredible people that I wouldn’t have. It truly defines Jewish values and brings a family feel.
Major: Integrated Educational Studies & Leadership Studies
Michael Zapesotsky, Class of 2025
My name is Michael Zapesotsky and I am a freshman at Chapman. Hillel is a great place for people to meet each other as well as engage in their Jewish roots. It’s a really warm community that encourages connections and supportiveness of one another.
Major: Screen Acting
Eleanor (Elly) Lowy, Class of 2025
Hi! My name is Elly and I’m a biology major from the Bay Area, California. Although I do love STEM, my hobby is singing and performing. Hillel gives me so many amazing opportunities as an Israeli Jew to explore my culture and religion at Chapman!
Major: Biology