Student Leadership
UConn Hillel is dedicated to fostering leadership skills among students. Committed to empowering the next generation of leaders, Hillel encourages students to take on impactful roles in our community. Through the student board, internships, and ambassador program, Hillel equips students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in leadership positions.
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Students, if you are interested in a leadership position at UConn Hillel, please contact Laurie Nichols.
Student Board
Co-President
Jasmine Metcalf
CLASS: 2025
MAJOR: Elementary Education
I am excited to welcome more students to Hillel and create a sense of belonging for UConn’s Jewish community. I also look forward to working with the board to create engaging programs that create a positive impact on campus. Whether studying in the MPR, relaxing in the basement, or welcoming in Shabbat, I hope to make many memories that will last a lifetime.
Ask me about: purple (the color), teaching, or podcasts!
Co-President
Emily Dubin
CLASS: 2026
MAJOR: Human Development and Family Sciences
Emily is excited about creating vibrant programming and interactive engagement for the UConn community and ensuring student board communications.
Ask me about: crafting/friendship bracelets, what I'm watching, and my dog!
Vice President
Molly Meyerson
CLASS: 2027
MAJOR: ASL Studies + Pre-Teaching
Molly is excited for Pizza and Pickleball and the Super Bowl Watch Party!
Ask me about: musicals, camp, and the New York Yankees!
Treasurer
Josh Schulman
CLASS: 2025
MAJOR: Electrical Engineering
Josh is excited to welcoming ALL students into Hillel and making it a fun, inclusive environment; regardless of faith or practice!
Ask me about: getting involved in the Jewish community, what I'm watching, and what I'm reading!
External Relations
Isabella Rubin
CLASS: 2025
MAJOR: Individualized Major - Pre-med Track
Isabella is looking forward to learning and experiencing new opportunities and helping others develop their self identity - specifically as a Jewish individual.
Ask me about: Ultimate Frisbee - literally anything frisbee wise, traveling, and the best time to go to the gym!
Marketing
Ella Gregory
CLASS: 2026
MAJOR: Marketing
Ella is excited to meet more students and to work with the community to increase our social engagement.
Ask me about: concerts, Survivor, and the Amazing Race!
Tzedek
Shira Herscovici
CLASS: 2027
MAJOR: History and Jewish Studies
Shira is excited to work with the board and plan events that help cultivate a community of Social Justice at Hillel!
Ask me about: my favorite books, soccer, and listening to alternative music!
Co-Jewish Life
Jillian Appel
CLASS: 2026
MAJOR: Political Science
Jillian is excited to continue the pursuit of improvement of Hillel!
Ask me about: music, 2000's Disney movies, and the struggles of being a lefty!
Co-Jewish Life
Daniel Flash
CLASS: 2026
MAJOR: UNDECIDED
Daniel is looking forward to incorporating music, helping UConn students become engaged, and to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Ask me about: guitar, soccer, and Lego Ninjago!
Interns
Engagement
Aleia Garfinkel
Hi everyone! My name is Aleia and I am a Senior studying English and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies! I started my Freshman year at UConn Hartford where my goal was to bring Hillel to the Hartford branch! I held many events as the President of the Students for Diversity Alliance at UConn Hartford, which was one of many ways I tried to make Jewish students feel more accepted and welcome on campus! I then campus changed to Storrs my Junior year where I started attending Hillel and meeting so many new friends!
Hillel is so welcoming and all the staff and students that make up this community are so kindhearted! I am so very excited to help open up Hillel to more UConn students and share my experiences with them! I think it is so important for everyone to feel as though they have a safe welcoming place at UConn and in my personal experience Hillel is one of these places! Fun fact about me: I am a huge Premier League soccer fan (please bring it up in a conversation I will be more than happy to talk your ear off)! I am so excited to meet more UConn students!
Engagement
Toby Schwartz
Hi everyone! My name is Toby and I’m a sophomore computer science major. I have been involved with Hillel since FYSHFest my freshman year, and love spending time with my fellow Jews.
I have met so many amazing people through Hillel, and I can’t wait to meet new ones as an engagement intern! I hope I can get students as excited about Hillel as I am, and make an impact on the Jewish community at UConn.
I enjoy listening to new music, going to the gym, skiing, and I LOVE basketball. On campus I am involved with AEPi, Formula SAE, and Husky Ambassadors if you are interested in those. I look forward to a great year!
Engagement
Maya Leonard
Hey everyone! I’m Maya and I’m a junior studying Economics. I first came to Hillel during FYSHfest my freshman year and have never looked back. I have made so many great friends and memories here and am so excited to be an engagement intern this year! I hope I can introduce other students to Hillel through this position so they can experience this great place and all the opportunities it offers!
BICEP
Troy Sweet
My name is Troy Sweet and I am a senior, finance major here at UConn. I am from the Westchester area of New York. Some of my favorite hobbies are singing in my a cappella group, playing piano, playing guitar, and hanging out with friends! I love making new friends and am always happy to chat. If you see me at Hillel or around campus say hello!
BICEP
Eva Dannison
Eva is a member of UConn's Class of 2027 and has found a friendly, welcoming environment in becoming involved at Hillel here at UConn. She is from the South Shore of Massachusetts and is double majoring in political science and human rights in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Eva's grandparents were founding members of her synagogue in the 1970s, and she has built a family and strong foundation in her Jewish community both at home and at school. Eva loves music and is a member of UConn's own A-Minor, a competitive a-cappella group. During her free time, she loves to cook, stay active, and spend time with friends and her dog Brisket.
Israel Leadership Network
Noah Saben
My name is Noah Saben and I am a sophomore majoring in history. I am from Fairfield Connecticut, and I have two cats. I love music, specifically rock & roll and the blues, and I play the bass guitar. I also love sports and I am a huge fan of the Yankees and Knicks. In the future I hope to work in the National Archives or the Smithsonian as a historian.
StandWithUs
Julianne Katz
Hi! My name is Julianne Katz, and I am a Political Science major (minor TBD). I took a gap year in Israel where I also traveled to 10 countries, and now will be a rising Sophomore. I love fitness, traveling, and everything Israel!
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I am also a StandWithUS intern, so I get to coordinate events to spread positivity, and factual information about our beloved homeland. I’m looking forward to this year!
Marketing
Rachel Carney
Hi everyone! My name is Rachel and I am currently a Junior majoring in Communication with a minor in HDFS. Hillel has always been a special place on campus to me. I have had some incredible experiences-everything from making challah in the kitchen to traveling to Israel on birthright with other students last summer. I feel grateful to be a part of such a welcoming and supportive community. Last semester I had an awesome time as the Marketing Intern for Hillel. I’ve loved being able to use my creativity to highlight all of the amazing events and activities Hillel has to offer. I couldn’t be more excited to continue this role next semester!
Wellness
Haley Janush
Hello! My name is Haley and I am a Sophomore at UConn from Westchester, NY. I am a PNB major and minoring in Human Rights and Spanish. I am motivated to help ensure that students at UConn feel supported, recognized, and valued.
I look forward to furthering the initiative to educate students across our campus about ways to address and respond to antisemitism. I also look forward to continuing my work with my peers here at Hillel by implementing lots of fun creative activities!
Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors are trained after-hour workers trained in first-aid, security, and fire safety who welcome our students outside of traditional hours.
Daris Pon Mohan Kumar
I am a current sophomore here at UConn, majoring in computer science. I am excited to work with UConn Hillel and meet new people!
Ella May
Howdy I’m Ella! I’m a sophomore ag student from New Haven, CT. I love yoga, discovering new music, and composting!
Eva Dannison
Eva is a member of UConn's Class of 2027 and has found a friendly, welcoming environment in becoming involved at Hillel here at UConn. She is from the South Shore of Massachusetts and is double majoring in political science and human rights in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Eva's grandparents were founding members of her synagogue in the 1970s, and she has built a family and strong foundation in her Jewish community both at home and at school. Eva loves music and is a member of UConn's own A-Minor, a competitive a-cappella group. During her free time, she loves to cook, stay active, and spend time with friends and her dog Brisket.
Isabella DeSouza
Hey hey! My name is Isabella DeSouza and I’m a senior studying Elementary Education and Communications. I was first introduced to Hillel through the Israel Discovery trip where I not only had the opportunity to learn, but made lifelong connections. Since then, UConn Hillel has held such a special place in my heart as it truly welcomes and creates a sense of belonging for all students!
Marcia Colten
Hi, I’m Marcia! I’m from New Haven CT. At UConn, I’m studying Exercise Science. I also play women’s club hockey. Some of my hobbies are reading, running, going to the gym, and petting my cats!
Sadaf Zarei
Greetings,
My name is Sadaf. I’m a CS major here at UConn, born and bred in Iran, briefly lived in the UK, and now embracing the scenic beauty of Storrs, CT. I love engaging in thoughtful discussions that involve Leonard Cohen, Arctic Monkeys, Persian cuisines, or the state of affairs in the Middle East. It is not without a sense of pride that I join the lively community of Hillel, nor is it without a sense of excitement that I think of what lies ahead.
Toni Robillard
Hi! I'm Toni, a sophomore here at UConn. I am from Boston, Mass but have LOVED my time in Storrs so far. During my free time, I like to get food with friends, go to the gym, and spend time outdoors. I'm super excited to become a community member at Hillel and meet everyone!