Originally from Brookline, MA, Aleeza is Entwine’s Program Coordinator, Community Engagement. She joins Entwine after completing an AmeriCorps service year with City Year New York. She spent her time in a public school in Harlem, where she mentored 7th graders and facilitated programs for the school community. Aleeza holds a Bachelor of Arts from Muhlenberg College, where she studied psychology and public health. During her time at Muhlenberg, she led multiple boards, worked for the local JCC, and was part of the advancement team at the college. In her free time, she loves spending time traveling, hanging with friends and family, hiking, and going to concerts!

Anastasiia (Ana) originally is from Ukraine. She has a BA in Psychology and currently is working on her MA in Non-Profit management at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Ana started her journey at Entwine as a participant of Insider Global Trip to Nepal and of Inside Jewish Argentina LGBTQ Trip. After moving to Israel in 2019, Ana joined the Community Representatives program. Previously, Ana worked as Donor Relations Manager for the Federation of Jewish Communities in FSU. Back in Ukraine Ana was a Moishe House Kyiv resident and worked with such international organizations as Hakhel Jewish Communities Incubator and BBYO.

Andrea is JDC Entwine’s Director of Development. She works closely with the Executive Director to develop and implement Entwine’s resource development strategy and to manage Entwine’s stakeholder relationships including programmatic and funding partners and JDC Board Members.

Andrea grew up in Rochester, NY, and graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Political Science and Judaic Studies. After college, she worked for Close Up, a DC-based nonprofit, leading civic engagement programs for high school students.

In 2010, Andrea went to Israel to teach English to high school students in Ashdod and ended up staying to continue her studies. In 2012, she completed her Master’s Degree in Non-Profit Management at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She came to Entwine from the University of Rochester where she was working in the Medical Center Development Office. In her free time, Andrea can be found running in Prospect Park, making ice cream, and exploring NYC.

Most memorable place you’ve traveled: Guatemala — the most caring and warm people, flavorful, fresh food, and beautiful nature including lakes and volcanoes!

Fun Fact or special skills: Andrea is an expert bread maker — her specialties include challah and french bread!

Andrew Belinfante is a community builder and activist living in New York City. As the Senior Director of Programs and Organizational Development​ at JDC Entwine, he travels the world connecting global Jews and building awareness around humanitarian aid and disaster relief work. Andrew has a Master’s of Science in Education from Bank Street College of Education. While pursuing his Master’s Andrew worked full time at Mechon Hadar, a progressive Yeshiva in New York. Growing up with Type 1 Diabetes and an LGBTQ+ identity pushed Andrew to center the voices of the most marginalized and vulnerable in society. He has dedicated his work towards how we can better expand, and make more inclusive, the Jewish community we live in. An avid social justice activist and lover of Torah, Andrew has appeared in Huffington Post and Tablet magazine writing about the intersections of body positivity, grief, and disability through a Jewish lens. His ELI Talk, Reconciling My Body With Tradition, has been viewed over 25,000 times. He has served as a past board member on Keshet’s Young Leadership Board, was a UJA Federation Ruskay Fellow in 2018, and is a member of Schusterman’s ROI Community. Andrew is a marathon runner, a dedicated baker, and has a deep love for learning and connecting.

Most memorable place you’ve traveled: I loved visiting Timisoara, Romania. I was moved by the fact that such a small place could feel so impactful. The streets were clean, the people were nice, and the pride of the people ran deep.

Arezu is an explorer, traveler, and adventurous learner. A native Angeleno, Arezu grew up in the Iranian-Jewish community, with Jewish ritual and tradition deeply embedded into the fabric of her life. She studied History and Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and holds a master’s degree in Organization Leadership and Innovation from Hebrew Union College (HUC).

As JDC Entwine’s National Outreach Manager, Arezu connects young adults with Jewish communities around the world Arezu is passionate about meeting new people, dynamic storytelling, and honoring cultures from around the world. In her free time, Arezu reads anything she can get her hands on, cooks her way through cookbooks, and attempts to perfect her tennis forehand.

Most memorable place you’ve traveled: Mexico City. The energy there is overflowing. Plus, I’ve never eaten so good in my life!

Fun Fact or special skill: I’m a big geography nerd — I can spend hours staring at maps!

As the Director of Engagement, Arielle oversees Entwine’s strategic direction for bringing global awareness and transformative experiences to young adults around the world. Her passion for sustainable community development began as a volunteer in Nepal with Tevel b’Tzedek and continued as a JDC Global Jewish Service Corps Fellow at the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda. Arielle holds a B.A. in political science from Binghamton University, a Certificate in Jewish Leadership from the Spertus Institute and was a 2022 UJA Ruskay Institute Fellow. Arielle is based in New York City but can more often be found adventuring around the world.

Most memorable place you’ve traveled: Estonia – Old Town is like Disney World!

Fun Fact or special skills: Arielle once bungee jumped off a 585 ft bridge in Nepal.

Diana Gómez joins Entwine as a Salesforce Administrator based in Atlanta, GA. Diana is captivated by continuous learning, efficiency, and has a strong background in operational optimization. She enjoys engaging in Salesforce community groups to learn and support others with their career paths. Outside of her passion for Salesforce, she enjoys cultural experiences through travel, many outdoor activities, and all things plant related.

Diana is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and grew up in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. With a passion for new cultures and adventures, Diana has lived and worked in five countries – Argentina, Bolivia, US, UK, and Israel. She has an undergraduate degree in environmental science and has worked in the development field (international, urban, and sustainable) since she graduated in 2015. During 2021-22, Diana was an Entwine Jewish Service Corps Fellow with the JDC GRID team in Jerusalem, working on projects ranging from women empowerment, Ag-tech implementation to alleviate food insecurity and poverty, health innovation, and disaster relief. She stayed in Israel after her placement and is now excited to be back with JDC Entwine as a team member! In her free time, Diana volunteers with WIZO and One Million Mentors, she enjoys hiking, exploring cities and nature, playing and listening to music, printmaking, going out to eat, and watching great films and shows, all with good friends and family.

Elianne Kremer is a Uruguayan-Israeli development expert with experience in field research, analysis and M&E in humanitarian aid and social development. She has worked with refugees and asylum seekers from Eritrea and Sudan, Ethiopian adolescents in south Tel Aviv and Arab Bedouin women living in unrecognized villages in the Negev. Elianne also has experience in international advocacy mechanisms, to promote the human rights of minorities. She dedicates her leisure time to dance Gaga — a movement workout developed by Ohad Naharin (the choreographer of Batsheva Company), hangout with friends and write in her journal.

Elissa Katz joins the JDC Entwine team with a passion for grant writing and program management in the Jewish communal space. Elissa lived in Haifa, Israel on an Urban Kibbutz for three years before serving as a JSC Fellow in her parents hometown, Odesa, Ukraine in 2016-17. Following an impactful summer at Szarvas International Summer Camp, Elissa managed youth and event programming for Union for Reform Judaism (NFTY) before shifting to the Russian Speaking Jewish space. Elissa followed her passion for the RSJ community and managed the Russian Speaking Jewish Outreach and Engagement Initiative grants at Foundation for Jewish Camp, supporting overnight camps, day camps and Federation partners in their effort to engage more Russian speaking families. She holds a dual degree in Elementary Education and Judaic Studies from the University of Hartford and strongly believes that there is always space in our lives to learn something new, whether it be a skill, perspective, or mindset. When she’s not working, Elissa is on the hunt for new recipes to cook, national parks to hike in, and delicious coffee to pour oat milk into.

Emily joins Entwine as the East Coast Community Manager. Emily comes to us with many years of experience in Jewish education and a passion for facilitating connections across differences. She grew up in Massachusetts and found a love of Jewish community through her participation in summer camp and youth groups. In her first experience with Entwine, Emily served as a JSC @ Home fellow in 2021, helping the Jewish community of Mumbai, India stay connected virtually during a spike in the pandemic. Emily studied Public Relations and Global Studies at Hofstra University. She loves exploring new cultures – especially through food!

Emma is based in London and has formerly worked at St Albans Museums, Willesden Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Museum London. Emma started her career through the Teach First programme as a religious studies teacher for several under-resourced schools. She has previously been Shabbat co-chair for Limmud festival as well as being an alumnus of the Cambridge Inter-Faith Programme.

Emma is an active member of her local shul, supporting environmental initiatives, as well as being an associate governor for a community primary school. Emma has a BA in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Cambridge.

As Director of Global Programs, Jenette oversees Entwine’s global immersive experiences including Insider Trips, the Jewish Service Corps Fellowship, the Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship and Insider Connections. Before joining Entwine, Jenette participated in the Masa Israel Teaching Fellows program, where she taught English in an underserved school in Netanya. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the George Washington University in International Affairs and French Language and Literature and a Certificate in International Development from the University of British Columbia. She is currently adjusting to life in the suburbs outside of New York City with her husband, Leandro, and two-year-old son, Julian.

Most memorable place you’ve traveled: Last year, I went to Tokyo and fell in love with the simultaneously refined/wacky culture. If JDC ever opens an office there, I’ll be the first volunteer!

Fun Fact or special skills: I serve on JDC’s Green Team and started a composting initiative, along with a few other colleagues, at our headquarters!

Joshua Mikutis is the Director of Design and Jewish Learning, Rabbinic Director of the Weitzman-JDC Fellowship at JDC Entwine. He was ordained from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in May of 2018; he also graduated with a Master in Jewish Nonprofit Management from the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, he graduated from Haverford College with honors in Religion and History and with a minor in Russian from Byrn Mawr College. After college, he worked as an Avodah Corps member at New York Legal Assistance Group in their Immigrant Protection Unit. In 2012, he first connected with JDC Entwine when he travelled on an Insider Trip to Moscow. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Anna who works at UJA Federation of New York and son Teddy.

Most memorable place you’ve traveled: Japan

Fun Fact or special skills: Joshua played bass in a MC Solaar cover band in college.

As the Special Projects Manager, Julia works closely with Entwine’s Executive Director to oversee key leadership programs and provides additional support in the executive unit. Julia is originally from outside of Chicago and took two gap years after graduating from high school where she lived in Brazil for a year and worked with AmeriCorps in Providence Rhode Island for a year. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and a Bachelor’s in Education Policy with a concentration in Educational Equality. During her time in college, she served as the Development Intern for the University YMCA for three years and was on the Board of Directors for a local non-profit. Julia loves hiking and eating good food.

Kata Rolf joins Entwine as an Immersive Learning Designer, based remotely in Minnesota. She has worked in progressive education since 2015 as an educator, consultant, and leader for schools, museums, and nonprofits. She has worked on a team creating a new master of education program for novice teachers, taught college students oceanographic research and leadership skills aboard a tallship, and coached leaders to create more innovative work environments. Most recently, she has worked as a management consultant supporting organizations through the change management process as they become more equitable. Kata earned a Bachelor’s in Biology from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and a Master’s in Education from the High Meadows Graduate School of Teaching and Learning in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In her free time, Kata loves to read science fiction and fantasy novels, play board games, go on hikes with her dog, and sing in her partner’s choirs.

As the Midwest and Partnerships Manager, Michelle works to engage with our communities in the Midwest and oversees Entwine’s partnership process. Prior to JDC Entwine, Michelle worked as a Program Director in the non-profit sector for five years. She worked in partnership with the public school system to create engaging programming for youth and young adults. Prior to that, Michelle worked with several different organizations to bring specialized activities and events to the Russian speaking Jewish community. Michelle holds a Bachelors degree in English Literature and a Masters in Public Administration from Rutgers University. Michelle was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY but currently resides in New Jersey with her husband. She is a first-generation American raised by Ukrainian immigrant parents. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, watching too much TV and spending time with family and friends.

Mika Stein, originally from the vibrant Jewish Community in Dallas, Texas, brings a unique blend of experiences to JDC Entwine as a Global Programs Coordinator. Serving as the 89th Grand Aleph Gadol of BBYO, Mika’s journey led him to NYU, where he was an active member of AEPi. With a background in the Entertainment Industry, he weathered the pandemic by becoming a dedicated early childhood educator in the Jewish community of the Upper West Side. Thrilled to rejoin the Jewish professional realm, Mika’s enthusiasm is matched by his passion for comic books, movies, and TV. He’d love to follow you on Letterboxd!

As Global Programs Coordinator, Nicole is responsible for managing the logistics of the global trips organized by Entwine. Nicole’s previous experiences includes working with a non-profit where she helped develop new work processes and led trainings. She has also helped hundreds of children get access to early intervention care through six schools. Nicole holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry from Florida State University. When she’s not in work mode, Nicole enjoys exploring New York for the hottest shows and restaurants, and traveling!

Ramy joins JDC Entwine as the Budget and Data Analyst to manage, synthesize and interpret data related to budget and finance, impact evaluation, program participation and marketing. He has 8 years of experience in non-profit finance management.

In his previous role as the Senior Finance Manager at ACLED Analysis Inc., he helped build the financial and operational systems to support a quickly-growing organization that focuses on disaggregated data collection and analysis for international conflict. He has a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Psychology from the University of California, Irvine.

Ramy has a personal connection to JDC Entwine and has served as a lay leader for San Diego’s first planning committee, and an Insider Trip participant to Haiti and India. He is dedicated to raising awareness of global humanitarian causes and serving those in need.

Ramy lives in San Diego with his beautiful wife, adorable son and clever dog. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, home projects, visiting national parks and spending time outdoors.

Raya Benus joins Entwine as a Global Programs Coordinator based in New York. Born and raised in NYC, she graduated from SUNY FIT with a B.S. in Advertising and Marketing Communications and a minor in Art History. Raya spent a gap year abroad with KIVUNIM where she fell in love with global travel and connecting with Jewish communities, and worked with KAHAL while living in Italy for a semester. She’s been working in event production since graduating. Outside of work, she loves going to museums, thrifting, and hanging out with her family rescue dog, Kasha.

As Senior Director of Strategy and Planning, Sara works with the Executive Director to set the strategic direction and annual plan for JDC Entwine and oversees the measurement and evaluation of Entwine’s programs, budget and finance work.

Prior to coming to Entwine, Sara was the Director of Program Evaluation and Strategy at NEXT for Autism, where she set up their performance measurement program to help NEXT tell its story of innovative model programs for people on the autism spectrum. Prior to her work at NEXT for Autism, Sara worked as a management consultant for many years, both in the for-profit and non-profit sector at Bain & Company and The Bridgespan Group, tackling a broad range of complex strategic challenges. Sara earned her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in 2011. She lives in Westchester with her husband and two sons.

Most memorable place you’ve traveled: My most memorable travel experience is spending a week on a boat exploring Antarctica!

Fun Fact or special skills: Horseback riding! While I haven’t ridden in a few years, it was a huge part of my life growing up and you could almost always find me at the barn or doing something horse-related.

Sara is a born and raised Brooklynite who spends most of her free time on her favorite podcasts, loitering at dog parks, and getting lost in her Pinterest-fueled day dreams. She has held several positions in the Jewish non-profit space and is driven by her passion for humanitarian work, social awareness, and international welfare. She sits on the Global Programs team as the Global Programs Coordinator, where she lends support to and project manages Entwine’s international programming.

Savannah is JDC Entwine’s Director of Marketing, based in North Carolina. In her role, she tells Entwine’s story to the world through strategic, integrated campaigns that foster growth, engagement, acquisition and retention. Driven by meaningful customer journeys and attention to detail, she takes pride in building Entwine’s brand. Savannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing from Appalachian State University. Savannah resides in Asheville, North Carolina and in her free time, she enjoys serving on the board of her local PFLAG chapter, adventuring in the mountains, running and playing with her pit mix, Bailey.

Serena is a connector and passionate Jewish learner. Originally from northern New Jersey, she grew up with a strong sense of Jewish identity. Her summers were spent at Jewish sleep-away camp, her days were full of BBYO meetings, and her Friday nights were often spent at home, celebrating Shabbat with family. During her undergraduate years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Serena deepened her connection to Judaism by participating in many Chabad and Hillel events, serving as a student leader, and representing several Jewish organizations on campus. Serena earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies and Journalism in 2020, with little idea of where she would go next.

Today, Serena calls Brooklyn, NY home and she is proud to work as JDC Entwine’s Outreach Coordinator for the East Coast and Southeast. In her role, Serena connects young adults to Jewish communities around the world. Her favorite part of working at Entwine is connecting with other Jewish individuals.

Outside of work, Serena can be found walking her adorable dog, Sadie, exploring the great outdoors or painting.

Shaun Hoffman is the Executive Director of JDC Entwine, responsible for its vision, strategy, and overall success, including Entwine’s financial oversight and fundraising.

Shaun joined JDC in 2013, previously serving as Entwine’s Director of Global Operations and then as Deputy Director. Prior to joining JDC, Shaun was the Senior Program Director for Canada Israel Experience, managing the Canadian Jewish Community’s youth and young adult Israel experience programs, such as Taglit-Birthright Israel and March of the Living. Shaun holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Toronto, including a year in the Honors Program in Middle East Studies at the Hebrew University. He also holds an M.A. in Jewish Professional Studies from the Spertus Institute in Chicago. Shaun served as a field commander in the IDF Paratroopers Brigade (despite a fear of heights) and continues to serve in the unit’s southern reserve brigade. He was an iCenter iFellow, is a Schusterman Senior Fellow, and is a member of Leading Edge’s first inaugural cohort of the Leading Executives program.

Sophie Schoenbrun joins JDC Entwine as Student Outreach Coordinator. Sophie is originally from San Antonio, TX, and she graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. Alongside her education, she has gained three years of experience in issue-based advocacy and student outreach, organizing students on her campus to fight food insecurity among the student body and then mentoring students across the country doing the same. Outside of work, Sophie loves to cook and bake, and she can often be found with several knitting projects in progress.

Tanya has been involved with the Jewish non-profit field as a participant, volunteer, and employee most of her life. With a strong passion for marketing, she helps transform organizations into engaging brands. Prior to joining JDC Entwine, Tanya worked at OU Israel Free Spirit, a Birthright Israel trip organizer, overseeing its branding, social media, and overall marketing strategy. She is excited to continue inspiring and connecting Jewish young adults through community encounters. Tanya graduated from New York University with a BS in Psychology and Media, Culture, and Communication. She grew up in Brooklyn, NY where she enjoys exploring the city and trying out new restaurants.

Tova Ricardo is JDC Entwine’s West Coast Community Manager. Previously, she served as a Community Engagement Coordinator for a Bay Area Jewish Community Center. Ricardo has devoted years to uplifting American Jewish communities of color, Israel advocacy and Jewish empowerment with organizations such as Hillel International, UJA Federation-NY, Tel Aviv Institute and Jews of Color Initiative. Ricardo holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Sociology from Columbia University. Outside of work, she is an award-winning spoken word poet, a banjo player and a horseback rider.

Zoe is JDC Entwine’s Outreach Coordinator, based in Denver, Colorado. In her role, she introduces young adults to Entwine’s programs both locally and abroad. Zoe is passionate about creating meaningful connections and exploring new cultures.

Originally from North Bethesda, Maryland, Zoe graduated from the University of Virginia where she studied Youth and Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Outside of work, Zoe can likely be found perusing the aisles of Trader Joe’s, exploring a new coffee shop, or persuading a friend to train for a half marathon with her.