Alana Schwarz grew up in Highland Park, IL and went on to attend Boston University, where she was active in Jewish life on campus and loved being part of that community. She now works as a medical supply sales rep for Medline, a role that lets her connect with people in healthcare. In her free time, Alana loves to work out and stay active, attending spin classes and lifting weights. She’s also a big foodie and belongs to a restaurant club that tries a new spot every month, one of her favorite ways to explore the city. Alana attended Inside Jewish Mexico, allowing her to learn about the vibrant Jewish community in Mexico City and connecting with their traditions. Overall, she’s someone who values good food, good company, and staying engaged with the communities she cares about.

Anna was born in Ukraine, grew up in New Jersey, and has lived in Los Angeles and Brooklyn before settling in San Francisco. She works in environmental philanthropy, specializing in data management and reporting, and is passionate about advancing environmental sustainability and Jewish community engagement. Anna is a board member of the Young Adult Leadership Committee (YALC) at Congregation Emanu-El and an active participant in the JDC Bay Area Action Group. She has joined JDC Entwine trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Georgia, experiences that deepened her connection to global Jewish communities. She has also participated in giving circles through the Jewish Community Federation. In her free time, Anna enjoys snowboarding, hiking, live music, and travel, and is always looking for ways to build meaningful connections across cultures and communities.

Bari is from Atlanta, Georgia and now lives in Miami. Bari attended the University of Maryland and then fled to the Miami heat where attended law school at the University of Miami. She is an attorney with the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, defending people who are charged with crimes and could not otherwise afford an attorney. Bari attended the JDC trip to Cuba in September, 2025, refreshing her passion and love for the global Jewish community. Bari loves running, spending time with her corgi, Herbie, and planning future travels!

Ben Cavataro is Assistant Professor of Law at Wayne State University in Detroit, where he has taught evidence, torts, and products liability. His research has explored varied areas, including executive accountability, the rule of law, and consumer protection. Ben formerly practiced law in Washington, D.C., where he advised clients on safety regulation and had an active voting rights pro bono practice. He participated in JDC Entwine’s Ethiopia trip in 2025. He earned his BA from the University of Florida and his JD from the University of Michigan Law School. In addition to spending time with family, Ben enjoys hiking, bicycling, gardening with native plants, and reading about early modern history.

Danielle was born and raised in Clarksville, MD. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Nurse Leadership and has been working as a Registered Nurse in Baltimore since 2018. Currently living in downtown Baltimore, Danielle enjoys being actively involved in the Jewish community. She loves hosting and is well-known for her large Shabbat dinners. Danielle is also passionate about traveling and learning about Jewish communities around the world. She has participated in Jewish-centered trips to Spain, Germany, Poland, South Africa, Cuba (via Entwine), and, of course, Israel, and she’s excited to add more destinations to her list.

Devon is a Jewish nonprofit professional and community builder born and raised in Southern California. He works for MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, an organization fighting to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds. Before MAZON, Devon was involved in disaster response and journalism. With a passion for tikkun olam, he volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Our Big Kitchen LA, Repair the World, and Team Rubicon. Devon enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as being active, whether it’s hiking, pickleball, or salsa dancing. He, of course, loves to travel too, going to Austria and Bulgaria with Entwine.

Eleni Baskin is an educator who is incredibly passionate about building community and inspiring others. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Biology, and most recently worked as a math and science teacher. She currently is completing a leadership fellowship with the nonprofit LUNAR (the Asian American Jewish organization), where she works as a community leader and bridge builder. She loves spending time in nature and with animals, traveling to new places, and singing along to the latest musicals! Eleni was a part of the 2025 Inside Georgia trip and was inspired to bring the meaningful work that Entwine does back to her own community.

Erika is from the Boston area and works as the Creative Director for a well-known road race. She studied sport management and continued to earn an MBA at Western New England University. Erika surrounds herself with other opportunities in sports, including working at the start line of the Boston Marathon, running swim meets for local organizations, and staffing many charity walks/races. In her free times, she enjoys watching sports, going on hikes, and visiting sculpture parks. Erika traveled to Mexico City with JDC Entwine in February 2025 and hopes to continue to travel the world to experience different cultures and try lots of food.

Goldie is a connector, creator, and emerging leader in the Jewish professional world. A community builder at heart, she engages members of the Boston Jewish community in meaningful opportunities through her work as a fundraiser for Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) and her service as President of the Jewish Women International young women’s network in Boston. Goldie is a graduate of the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership MBA/MA program, during which she interned with the JDC Archives. Through her archival exploration, Goldie’s connection and commitment to the global Jewish community deepened, leading her to travel with Entwine in 2025 to Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Outside of her involvement in the Jewish community, she enjoys cooking (but mostly eating) Persian food, taking Orangetheory classes, planning her next beach day (when seasonally appropriate), and dreaming about her next chance to travel.

Hannah Spevak is a first generation American who was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents immigrated from the former Soviet Union in pursuit of religious freedom. They instilled her with lifelong pride and passion for being Jewish as well as advocating for and supporting the global Jewish community. Hannah currently applies her passion for advocacy as a high school social worker. She attended the University of Illinois and received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. She was inspired to become a high school social worker from her 13 summers at Beber Camp in Wisconsin. In her spare time, she serves on the Jewish Womens International Young Women’s Impact Network board where she plans monthly community events and was previously a part of the summer repair the world volunteer cohort. Hannah enjoys traveling, reading, yoga and swimming in Lake Michigan.

Hilary is a speech language pathologist that is passionate about helping adults and children communicate. In her free time, she enjoys checking out new restaurants and looking for the best bagels! She is currently learning Spanish and has a a 975 day streak on Duolingo. Hilary traveled in 2024 with JDC Entwine on their inaugural trip to Montreal and had a truly amazing time.

Originally from Long Island, Kevin graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a double major in Music Education and Bassoon performance and later attended Loyola University Maryland for his masters in teaching. Kevin has been working as a public school band teacher outside of Baltimore for almost 10 years while also teaching Hebrew school. For the past five summers, Kevin has worked for BBYO Passport, where he leads trips around the world with groups of Jewish high schoolers, including to Germany, Israel, Costa Rica, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and more. He had the pleasure of participating in the JDC Entwine Cuba trip in 2025, a place he always wanted to go. He learned so much about the vibrant and mighty Jewish community there and made many new friends. He hopes to go on more Entwine trips in the future! Kevin enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, and board games with friends.

Liya Levich is a Web & Graphic Designer with a passion for helping organizations and businesses create impactful digital experiences and meaningful visual communications. In addition to her professional work, she is actively involved in Minnesota’s Jewish community, where she enjoys building connections, supporting community initiatives, and participating in programs that foster Jewish engagement and leadership. Liya recently participated in an international leadership and educational experience through JDC Entwine, traveling to Italy to learn about global Jewish communities and their histories. Outside of work, Liya enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, attending local events, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. Her curiosity, creativity, and commitment to community continue to shape both her professional and personal endeavors.

Marissa is born and raised in Washington, DC and attended University of Wisconsin-Madison where she graduated in 2023. She studied marketing and entrepreneurship during her time at Wisconsin. After graduation she moved back to Washington, DC. She works remotely for a technology company based in San Francisco where she works in marketing operations. She has been involved with many Jewish organizations through high school, summer camp, college life and now post grad. She has been to Bulgaria and Mexico City with JDC and had wonderful experiences in each place. In DC she participate in and hosts many Shabbats and other Jewish events for her community. In her free time she likes to try new hobbies, find new coffee shops, walk her dogs, and is currently learning to knit.

Marius is a policy professional based in London, working in financial services and public policy with a focus on payments, innovation, and regulation. He currently works at UK Finance, where he leads on policy issues including digital assets, payments, and financial innovation. He studied politics and international affairs and has lived and worked in Latin America, which deepened his interest in global Jewish communities and cross-cultural exchange. Marius will serve as the Community Representative for London within the Entwine network and enjoys bringing people together through community events and shared experiences. He has previously been involved with Entwine through trips and local programming, and values the opportunity to build meaningful connections across Jewish communities worldwide. Outside of work, he enjoys travel, fitness, food, and learning about different cultures and traditions.

Marla Topiol is an engaging educator, passionate historian of Jewish history, and dedicated community builder. Her professional background includes community relations, combatting antisemitism, and Israel education and advocacy. Marla holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the College of Charleston and a Master’s degree in European Jewish History from Queen Mary University of London. She participated in the JDC Entwine Trip to Austria and Bulgaria. Marla loves to travel and try new fitness classes.

Megan Sims is an engaged Jewish professional serving her community as the manager of young adult programming and adult learning at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, TX. Megan grew up at Temple Emanu-El, and she credits her experiences there with her current passion for building Jewish community. In particular, her experiences traveling with Temple Emanu-El have shaped her Jewish identity. Most recently, she embarked on Entwine’s Inside Jewish Budapest trip with the young adult community at Temple Emanu-El. This powerful experience of global Jewish connection continues to inspire her work to this day. When she’s not at her synagogue, you can usually find her knitting, creating, or watching Survivor.

Menachem Mendel Davis is a Baltimore based entrepreneur and insurance executive, currently serving as CEO of Nova Insurance Company located in the Grand Cayman Islands. With a professional background spanning private banking and wealth management roles at firms such as Merrill Lynch, JPMorgan Chase, and Raymond James, he brings strategic leadership and community building to both his work and volunteer efforts. A proud father of two daughters, Mendel is passionate about meaningful Jewish connection. His previous involvement with Entwine includes participating in the Entwine Japan trip, where he built lasting relationships with his cohort and deepened his connection to global Jewish community. Inspired by the experience, he later hosted a Japanese themed Shabbat for young Jewish professionals in Baltimore. In his free time, Mendel enjoys traveling, cooking, going to the gym, watching sports, playing saxophone, and creating spaces where Jewish young adults can connect with depth and purpose.

Micali is the Director of Teen and Young Adult Engagement at the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, as well as the Director of Teen Engagement and Social Responsibility at the JCC Harlem. Micali first learned about JDC Entwine through their KAHAL initiative, which connected her to a Pesach seder while abroad in Sydney, Australia. She continued to participate in that community’s events for the rest of her time there, and upon returning home itched to experience more Jewish life across the Diaspora. In 2024 she participated in the Entwine trip to Austria and Bulgaria in partnership with Repair the World–a trip that continues to deeply impact her work and how she creates Jewish programming for everyone. When Micali isn’t at work, she enjoys reading, trying out new recipes, and doting on her rabbit, Martie.

Nick Schiff is a professor of history, creative writing, and literature at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He is obtaining his M.S.W. at Yeshiva in University, adding clinical mental health therapy to his expertise. He recently completed his M.A. in Modern European History at the CUNY Graduate Center, focusing on the cultural history of antisemitism during the Weimar and Nazi periods in Germany. Nick is deeply engaged with his Jewish community, as well as a poet and fiction writer.

Noam currently works as an Administrative Operations Assistant for a nonprofit entitled AHRC that works with people with intellectual and developmental differences. Additionally, he works as a New York City tour guide for a group at the JCC called Adaptations. Outside of work, Noam is involved with multiple other activities including Adaptations, a similar group to Adaptations called Relationspot, Toastmasters, a pickleball clinic, a Scrabble club, and assorted walking and hiking groups. Other hobbies include traveling, reading, sports, and taking walks. In terms of previous involvement with Entwine, Noam has traveled to Hungary on a trip cohosted by JDC Entwine and Adaptations at the JCC.BD

Sam (she/her) is a consultant who works with financial services institutions on risk management and strategy, but her passion for consumer protections is what someone once told her sounds like she’s in the business of keeping banks and FinTechs kosher. Outside of work, she loves to build community whether it’s facilitating book club discussions or planning the outing to explore events in the DMV. Sam loves to explore Jewish life around the world, especially through learning new recipes and storytelling which is why she has a large cookbook collection and to-be-read shelf. As much as she loves traveling, her favorite part is returning to share the stories and snacks she brings back with others.

Serena is currently earning her nursing degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. Previously, she worked in reproductive and public health in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cincinnati. She has been on two Entwine trips with Repair the World: Austria and Bulgaria in 2024, and Finland and Latvia in 2025. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants, and traveling.

Shirah Kraus is a Reform rabbi who is passionate about Judaism, joy, and justice. She grew up in Cincinnati, studied Religion at Bryn Mawr College, and received rabbinic ordination from HUC-JIR in 2024. As a rabbinical student, Rabbi Shirah had the privilege of traveling with JDC to Argentina, where she enjoyed seeing the Jewish “once” (pronounced own-say) neighborhood and eating alfajores. Rabbi Shirah currently serves as the part-time rabbi for Temple Shalom in Lafayette, LA as well as the youth group advisor for Rockdale Temple in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lives with her two rambunctious cats, Lila and Latke. In her free time, Shirah loves to play with her nieces, go outside, cook, and travel.

Talia Israel-Feldman is the Assistant Director of Fundraising, Community Events, in the Pacific South Coast market for the National MS Society, a national nonprofit rooted in finding a cure for MS while supporting those living with MS. Talia has a dual master’s degree in Jewish Nonprofit Management and Public Administration from Hebrew Union College Zelikow School and University of Southern California. Talia currently resides in San Diego with her husband, Sebastian and their dog, and enjoys visiting new coffee shops, going on beach sunset walks, and parking in local theatre. Talia and Sebastian traveled with JDC Entwine in 2024 to Argentina, which was extra special because Sebastian’s family is from Argentina. Traveling to Argentina with JDC Entwine was a once in a lifetime experience that Talia hopes everyone has the chance to experience!

Waylon has been working professionally in Louisville’s Jewish community for the past six years. He currently works full-time as the Assistant Camp Director at the Trager Family JCC. He also teaches at his synagogue’s religious school, focusing on Judaism in the US, Israel, and around the world. His first experience with Entwine was during October 2025, on the Inside Jewish Berlin & Prague trip. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability from the University of Louisville and loves teaching about the connection between Judaism and the natural world. In his free time, Waylon enjoys gardening, creative writing, and fiber arts.

Yadida is a Mazorti (Conservative) Jewess from London. She has worked in the refugee sector for 9 years. She is currently working as an Outreach Advocate with survivors of modern slavery and trafficking at Hestia. She has extensive community mobilisation experience as a Moishe House resident for 2 years (2021-2023) in South-West London. She was introduced to Entwine by Olam, while working for World Jewish Relief in 2023. She participated in the Rwanda and Ethiopia trips in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Both trips were immensely formative for her. On the former, she was particularly impressed by the adoption of reconciliation by Rwanda post-genocide. On the latter, she will never forget the commitment of Dr. Rick Hodes to his patients, as this powerfully exemplified Tikkun Olam.

Originally from Erie, PA, Zoe graduated from Chatham University (’21), in Pittsburgh, PA, with majors in History and Political Science, minors in French and Theatre Production, and an International Certificate with a European Concentration. Currently, Zoe is one of the University of Wisconsin Hillel’s Senior Program Directors. Zoe is an alum of Repair the World’s Service Corps (’20-’21) and Hebrew Union College’s Jewish Ideas Fellowship (’22-’23). Zoe most recently spent two years at Oberlin College Hillel as their Manager of Jewish Student Experiences and Springboard Social Justice Fellow (’21-’23). Zoe participated in JDC Entwine’s Poland and Moldova trip in 2023 and was trip chair for JDC Entwine’s Austria and Bulgaria trip in 2024.

Zoe Moskowitz is a Business Development Coordinator at Birthright Israel, where she focuses on recruitment and building partnerships to engage Jewish teens and young adults. She brings a background in community engagement, and design, with experience spanning affordable housing, nonprofit initiatives, and Jewish leadership. Zoe is actively involved in her local Jewish community through UJA Federation’s Young Leaders and with Olami Manhattan. Her previous involvement with JDC Entwine includes participating in immersive service and learning trips to Mexico City and India, experiences that deepened her commitment to global Jewish connection and meaningful community impact. She is passionate about fostering relationships and fun Jewish spaces, and helping strengthen Jewish life both locally and globally.