Kol Koleinu Fellows

Ella S. is a rising junior at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, PA, where she is an executive on the varsity mock trial team and president of the Jewish Student Alliance. Ella has been dancing since she was three, she is an avid activist in her community, and a student representative on her district’s Diversity Committee. Ella enjoys history, reading, and LOVES Taylor Swift. She is a returning fellow and Teen Leader for the 2024-2025 cohort.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because my experience last year was so amazing. I am so excited to aid and mentor other fellows and experience Kol Koleinu from a different perspective.”

Eve B. (she/her) is a sophomore at John T. Hoggard High School in Wilmington, NC. She is in BBYO and is an active member of Bnai Israel Synagogue, also in Wilmington. She enjoys hiking, baking, going to the beach, and playing soccer.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to find ways I can create change in my community while exploring my Jewish faith. I am looking forward to meeting others my age with similar views and values. My sister participated a few years ago and had an amazing experience, I am hoping to feel the same way.”

Evei P. (she/they) is a freshman at Lebanon High School in Lebanon, NH. She is also an assistant teacher at Upper Valley Jewish Community congregation in Hanover, NH. She plays softball, skis, and runs cross country. She is passionate about math and science, likes to read, crochet, and bake.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu to help my community, make a change, and also inspire others to gain the confidence to do so. I hope to continue building public speaking abilities in myself. “

Frieda B. (she/her) is a senior at Hastings High School in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, where she is Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, president of Amnesty International Club, and treasurer of the Model UN team. Additionally, she is on the Executive Board of Hastings KIDS, her town’s Youth Council that connects teens to service opportunities. Last year, she was a Rising Voices Fellow at the Jewish Women’s Archive and contributed blog posts to the JWA website. Frieda enjoys reading, photography, learning about history, and traveling.

“I applied to be a Teen Leader with Kol Koleinu because I admire the supportive community that the fellowship provides for teens to discuss meaningful and challenging topics pertaining to Judaism and social justice. As a first-year fellow two years ago, I absolutely loved getting to know people of different backgrounds and perspectives who shared my passion for making the world a better place, and I greatly valued the encouragement we received when creating our own social justice initiatives. As a Teen Leader, I hope to help create a community where fellows feel that they can explore their interests, voice their opinions, and grow as advocates for social justice.”

Hannah C., who lives in New York City, is a senior at Millbrook School, a boarding school in Millbrook, NY. She has a passion for learning, and enjoys writing, playing lacrosse, traveling, and spending time with friends. Previously, she has been in a Rosh Hodesh group and has been to Israel on a NFTY/Yallah trip.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to meet new people, learn more about activism, social justice, the Jewish community, and I want to make a difference.”

Jaclyn S. (she/her) is a sophomore at Brookline High School in Brookline, MA, where she plays ice hockey and lacrosse, as well as club hockey. Additionally, she is a member of Temple Reyim in Newton, MA. In her free time, Jaclyn enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and spending time with her three younger sisters. 

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I strive to make change while getting to know those in my community as well as others outside of it. I hope to develop my leadership skills and come out of this experience with a better understand of how to initiate and achieve change.”

Jenna R. (she/her) is a sophomore at Compass Academy, a charter school in South Elgin, IL. She belongs to Congregation Etz Chaim of Dupage County in Lombard, IL, and is a member of their youth group, where she often assists with temple events. In her spare time, Jenna also enjoys many forms of art, such as playing the guitar and visual art, like drawing and painting. 

“I’ve been a part of various Jewish communities my whole life, like I was part of my temple and going to Sunday school as a child and going to summer camp as I got older. Being part of the Jewish community is important for me and so I am interested in exploring more Jewish spaces. I also am interested in social justice and learning to complete projects in a somewhat professional setting, and this seems like a good opportunity to improve my skills.”

Joy N. (she/her) is a freshman at Liberty High School in Eldersburg, MD, where she is a member of the choir. Additionally, she is a member of Beth Shalom Congregation in Columbia, MD, where she is involved in the Youth Advisory Board, as well as the Moving Traditions Madrichim and Kulanu programs. In her free time, Joy enjoys reading and exercising. 

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to make a difference in the community and learn how to be a good leader. I also would like to meet others who feel the same way and learn from them.”

Julia K. (she/her) is a junior at Castilleja School in Palo Alto, CA, where she plays tennis and lacrosse, and is leader of the school’s Green Team, Jewish Student Association, and History Research Program. Additionally, she is a member of Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City, CA. Her passion for history, public policy, and technology, drive her exploration of the intersection of these disciplines through historical research, filmmaking, and community legislative work. Julia is a bobarista, and in her free time, loves running and watching movies with her family.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I was excited by the opportunity to create relationships with Jewish teen feminists across the country and deepen my exploration of where I fit in feminism. Also, I am excited to immerse myself in a space where I am encouraged to use my voice for social change in areas I am passionate about!”

Julia S. (she/her) is a senior at Westfield High School in Westfield, NJ, where she is a member of the Jewish Cultural Development Club and the cheer team. Julia belongs to Temple Emanu-El of Westfield and loves to play tennis in her free time. Her favorite musical artist is Sabrina Carpenter, and she loves her 2 cats, Max and Ozzie.

“I’m excited to be part of Kol Koleinu to make a positive impact in my community by starting a project on mental health awareness. I look forward to collaborating with others and developing my leadership skills through this opportunity.”

Kate S. (she/her) is a junior at Windward School in Los Angeles, CA. She is on the board of a non-profit called Hope in a Suitcase and works at a restaurant. She plays on a club soccer team as well as her high school team. Kate enjoys history and English, and in her free time enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and playing soccer.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to create a positive impact on my community by building on my leadership skills through similar and different experiences from others.”

Kayla K. (she/her) is a freshman at Julia R. Masterman High School in Philadelphia, PA, and a member of Germantown Jewish Centre, also in Philadelphia. She participates in a Rosh Hodesh group and loves running, figure skating, and volleyball. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her friends.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I see the way gender plays a role in the activities people participate in at my school, and I’d like to figure out why this happens and what I can do to change this. I want to learn how to educate people on what I see happening, even when the conversations I’m having aren’t easy. “

Lauren Z. (she/her) is a junior at Brookline High School in Brookline, MA, where she is a member of the yearbook club and fashion club. She belongs to Congregation Shaarei Tefillah in Newton, MA. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys reading, baking, and volunteering with Hebrew SeniorLife.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu as a returning fellow because I look forward to guiding new fellows in their journey as Jewish feminists, as well as gaining further knowledge from new discussions and people. I look forward to connecting with a new group as a Teen Leader!”

Leah G. is a senior at Milken Community High School in Los Angeles, CA. She is president of a Jewish organization that gives back to veterans in need, and she contributes a great amount to her community. Leah is passionate about her Jewish identity and loves to spend time with friends and family in her free time.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to contribute more to my Jewish community and get more involved. I hope to get in touch with many people and have many opportunities to learn from others. I want to engage more in my Jewish identity and educate others on conflicts about antisemitism.”

Lilly G. is a senior at Windward School in Los Angeles, CA, where Lilly is on the cheer team. Additionally, Lilly is on her BBYO chapter’s board, and a member at Leo Baeck Temple, also in Los Angeles. Lilly also enjoys dancing and going to the beach.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to create change that I want to see in the world. I additionally want to be guided by Jewish values in order to create such change.”

Livnat B. (she/her) is a junior at George Washington High School in Denver, CO, where she is a member of the speech and debate team and runs cross country and track. Additionally, she is a member of Congregation Rodef Shalom, also in Denver, where she is the secretary of their USY chapter. Some of her interests include chemistry, writing, reading, and baking.

“I applied to become a Kol Koleinu teen leader because my experience as a fellow last year was truly life changing. I loved being surrounded by other Jewish feminists and I’m so excited to have another opportunity to grow and learn in such an incredible community. This year, some topics I’m interested in are the mental health toll teens face from the high pressure experience of high school and holding corporations responsible for their impact on climate change.”

Lucy L. is a senior at Tremper High School in Kenosha, WI, where they are involved in acting and the tennis team. Lucy is a member of Beth Hillel Temple where they participate in their youth group and Sunday school. Lucy also participates in NFTY and attends URJ OSRUI over the summer. Lucy is excited to be reentering Kol Koleinu as a teen leader and is looking forward to meeting all the new fellows.

“I reapplied to Kol Koleinu because of how amazing the connections I made were, and how similar mine and the other fellows goals were. It’s an extremely refreshing experience to have constructive conversations about some more difficult topics. I can’t wait to meet all the rest of the fellows and grow together as feminists!”

Maayan S. is a senior at Northampton High School in Northampton, MA, where she is co-president of her school’s Jewish Student Alliance. She is a member at both The Ohel Minyan and Congregation B’nai Israel (where she teaches in the Hebrew school), both also in Northampton. She is a member of her city’s Mayors Youth Commission and has served as their social media manager. Maayan is a member of USY and attended Camp Ramah New England. In her spare time, she enjoys watching tv, hanging out with friends, and listening to music. Maayan is a returning Kol Koleinu Fellow.

“I applied to be a returning Kol Koleinu fellow because of the amazing experience and impact it had on me last year. As a first year fellow I learned so much about what it means to be a leader and activist, and made so many meaningful friends connections. The Kol Koleinu community was so welcoming and supportive, I just had to come back for a second year.”

Maya F. (she/they) is a junior at Centennial High School in Ellicott City, MD, and a member of Columbia Jewish Congregation in Columbia, MD. She is a co-president of SAGA, dances in a performing company at Dance Connections, is a Silver Award-earning Girl Scout, and a published author. She enjoys creating all kinds of art and loves to read.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because it seems like a fun opportunity for me to both meet other Jewish folks my age, and to also create change in my community.”

Megan (Mara) Rose is a human who exists who is often in the locations of Pacific Crest Community School where she is a junior, and at her synagogue Havurah Shalom where she regularly attends services and Torah study. She enjoys discussing and debating philosophy as well as all of academia. She resides in Portland, Oregon. 

“I am interested in Kol Koleinu because I desire change in this world and activism is a way of creating change. I hope to learn how to efficiently and effectively redistribute resources to manifest change.”

Molly R. (she/her) is a junior at Crystal Springs Uplands School in Hillsborough, CA, where she holds leadership positions in the Mental Health club and the “Jew Crew” club. Molly is a member of Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo, CA. Outside of school, she enjoys running cross country and track, reading, listening to music, and crafting.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu so that I would have the chance to solidify the connection between my Jewish identity and social justice. I am passionate about applying my faith to modern issues, such as reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ rights. In addition, I am looking forward to meeting and working with young Jewish feminists like myself. “

Norah D. (they/he) is a sophomore at North Reading High School in North Reading, MA and a member of Temple Emmanuel of Wakefield in Wakefield, MA. They are an officer in their Academic Decathlon, secretary of their Queer-Straight Alliance, and often volunteer at their synagogue. Norah is passionate about his activism in fields such as LGBTQ+, Women’s, and Palestinian rights, and enjoys writing, playing cozy video games, and drawing in their free time.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to expand my Jewish community beyond the small one surrounding my synagogue. I also hope to create change in my community regarding various issues (such as LGBTQ and neurodivergent acceptance) that I will pinpoint later on in this process.”

Phoebe B. (she/her) is a rising junior at Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn Heights, NY, where she is a part of the JSA. She is a member of Brooklyn Heights Synagogue. Phoebe enjoys hanging out with her friends and doing ceramic sculpture in her free time. She loves to discuss current events, both highbrow and lowbrow, and eating good food.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I am looking for a larger Jewish community outside of my synagogue and a space to interpret the world through a feminist Jewish lens. I’m hoping to gain new perspectives and insight on how to tangibly better the world around me and contribute to positive change.”

Reese F. (she/her) is a senior at Pacific Grove High School in Pacific Grove, CA, where she plays varsity golf. She is a member of Congregation Beth Israel in Carmel, CA. She sits on her temple board as the youth representative and is an active member of her temple’s youth group. Reese is passionate about history and plans to study that on a pre-law track next year in college.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because it stuck out to me as an amazing opportunity to create valuable change in my community and learn knew leadership skills. Im looking forward to my time in the program and how it will help me grow as a person and make a positive impact on my community.”

River S. (they/them) is a junior at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School in Deerfield, IL, where they are the leader of their school pride club and participate in the annual spring musical. They love to read, write, and play video games.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I wanted to learn how to be a better advocate for feminism as a feminist. I hope to learn how to advocate better and make a change in my community.”

Rowan S. (she/her) is a freshman at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL, where she plays trombone in the marching band. Additionally, she is a member of Shir Hadash in Wheeling, IL, and serves as a Madrachim. Rowan plays the guitar and loves to read and write. Her work has been featured in Micro and her school newspaper. 

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to raise awareness of female and non-binary Jewish authors, who are typically under-represented in my area. I hope to expand my connections to other young feminist leaders and share my passion for literacy and representation in the young adult/middle grade market.”

Saree S. is a freshman at Centennial High School in Ellicott City, MD, where she plays volleyball. She enjoys volunteering for various organizations and is very passionate about art and writing. In her free time, Saree enjoys reading and hanging out with friends.

“I joined Kol Koleinu to experience new opportunities while also growing my knowledge on various topics. I’d love for my future project to inspire and encourage others in the most positive and effective way possible, and I know for sure I will gain new knowledge from this experience.”

Sierra A. (she/her) is a senior at Bloomfield Hills High School in Bloomfield Hills, MI, where she is a member of the varsity ski and cross country and track teams. She belongs to Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy, MI, and works with the kids there during Sunday school. Sierra loves sculpting with clay and creating large pieces of art, as well as thrifting and writing poetry.

“I initially applied to Kol Koleinu going into my junior year because I wanted to learn how I could bring further positive change upon my community. After reapplying, and now as a teen leader, I hope to share this knowledge with others as well as immerse myself further in opposing opinions and views.”

Sophia Y. (she/her) is a senior at Phoenix Country Day School in Paradise Valley, AZ, where she is president of the Jewish club and captain of the varsity softball team. Additionally, she is a member of Temple Solel in Phoenix, AZ. Sophia is passionate about abortion rights and in her spare time likes to read and cook. 

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I am curious how feminism and Judaism are interconnected.”

Yael S. P. (she/her) is a senior at Abington Friends School in Jenkintown, PA, where she is the clerk (president) and founder of AFS’s Jewish Affinity Group and Senior Advisor of the Womxns Empowerment Club. She is a madricha and youth group board member at Germantown Jewish Center in Philadelphia, PA. When not enacting her plans for Jewish feminist world domination, you can find her in the theater. Yael is grateful for her Jewish feminist role models: her mom and Grandma Baka. 

“I want to be a teen leader because I want to inspire younger feminist Jewish women to be their loud proud courageous selves.”