As we mark 75 years of Israeli statehood, we're spotlighting a diverse selection of Zionist women for our inaugural list of 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know, women who are shaping the future of Zionism. Each is doing important work to educate on and advocate for Zionism in the US and around the world.

Just as they have since before Israel's founding, women thinkers and visionaries are helping shape and guide Israel's future — from behind the scenes and on our screens, whether they're on Jeopardy! (Mayim Bialik) or in the pulpit (Rabbi Rachel Marder), on Wall Street (Zoya Raynes), making news (Emily Schrader) or empowering journalists (Leah Soibel).

Our list represents the diversity of Zionism today and the many ways women are building bridges and making an impact, as activists and educators, newsmakers and journalists, scientists or entrepreneurs. Some are Hadassah members, all are pro-Israel, joining our list from across America — from California to Colorado, New York to Texas — and post-aliyah in Israel, and bringing together multifaceted identities: Iranian Los Angeleno, Chinese American, Iranian American, Hispanic American and more. Israel is multifaceted — and so are these women. Too often, women's voices go unheard, so we're excited to highlight these women of vision and valor. We think all of them should be on your radar.

Amy Albertson — advocate, educator and online activist

Amy Albertson is a Jewish advocate and educator from California. Through online activism, public speaking and workshops, Amy empowers young Jews to be unapologetically Jewish.

She has been active in the Jewish community for over 10 years, starting as president of Hillel at Portland State University. In 2015, she made aliyah and dedicated herself to working for Jewish nonprofits. Amy created "The Asian Israeli," cataloging her experiences as a Chinese American Jewish woman. Exploring her identity and relationship with Israel led her to her current work. She is a consultant for At The Well Project, an associate at the Tel Aviv Institute and an executive board member of Be'Chol Lashon. Amy received the Women's International Zionist Organization Warrior for Israel Award, and she has been published in The Times of Israel and Jewish Journal.

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Amy Albertson — advocate, educator and online activist

Amy Albertson is a Jewish advocate and educator from California. Through online activism, public speaking and workshops, Amy empowers young Jews to be unapologetically Jewish.

She has been active in the Jewish community for over 10 years, starting as president of Hillel at Portland State University. In 2015, she made aliyah and dedicated herself to working for Jewish nonprofits. Amy created "The Asian Israeli," cataloging her experiences as a Chinese American Jewish woman. Exploring her identity and relationship with Israel led her to her current work. She is a consultant for At The Well Project, an associate at the Tel Aviv Institute and an executive board member of Be'Chol Lashon. Amy received the Women's International Zionist Organization Warrior for Israel Award, and she has been published in The Times of Israel and Jewish Journal.

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Mayim Bialik — Actress, author and neuroscientist

Mayim Hoya Bialik is best known for playing Blossom Russo on the 1990s sitcom Blossom. She is most recently known for playing Kat Silver on the hit comedy Call Me Kat and as the current host of Jeopardy! She played Amy Farrah Fowler on the hit comedy The Big Bang Theory, and she also wrote and directed the star-studded feature film As They Made Us. She co-hosts a podcast on mental health titled Mayim Bialik's Breakdown. After Blossom, Mayim took a break from acting to earn a BS and PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. She authored many books, two of which reached #1 on The New York Times Best Sellers list (Girling Up: How to be Strong, Smart and Spectacular and Boying Up: How to be Brave, Bold and Brilliant). She is a frequent contributor to a variety of Jewish publications via 70 Faces Media.

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Mayim Bialik — Actress, author and neuroscientist

Mayim Hoya Bialik is best known for playing Blossom Russo on the 1990s sitcom Blossom. She is most recently known for playing Kat Silver on the hit comedy Call Me Kat and as the current host of Jeopardy! She played Amy Farrah Fowler on the hit comedy The Big Bang Theory, and she also wrote and directed the star-studded feature film As They Made Us. She co-hosts a podcast on mental health titled Mayim Bialik's Breakdown. After Blossom, Mayim took a break from acting to earn a BS and PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. She authored many books, two of which reached #1 on The New York Times Best Sellers list (Girling Up: How to be Strong, Smart and Spectacular and Boying Up: How to be Brave, Bold and Brilliant). She is a frequent contributor to a variety of Jewish publications via 70 Faces Media.

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Shiva Beck — Jewish advocate and attorney

Shiva Delrahim Beck was born to a proud Zionist family in Iran two days before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Her family fled to Los Angeles, where she grew up in a close-knit Persian Jewish community, learning that the greatest safeguard to her Jewish identity was the Jewish homeland of Israel. After nearly 20 years practicing law, Shiva retired to focus on advocating for Zionism in the US and around the world. She serves on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and The Jewish Agency for Israel and has led missions to Azerbaijan and Turkey. Shiva also provides pro bono legal services to disabled children and adults through Bet Tzedek Legal Services. She lives in Dallas with her husband and three children and travels to Israel to ensure a secure Jewish future for generations to come.

Shiva Beck — Jewish advocate and attorney

Shiva Delrahim Beck was born to a proud Zionist family in Iran two days before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Her family fled to Los Angeles, where she grew up in a close-knit Persian Jewish community, learning that the greatest safeguard to her Jewish identity was the Jewish homeland of Israel. After nearly 20 years practicing law, Shiva retired to focus on advocating for Zionism in the US and around the world. She serves on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and The Jewish Agency for Israel and has led missions to Azerbaijan and Turkey. Shiva also provides pro bono legal services to disabled children and adults through Bet Tzedek Legal Services. She lives in Dallas with her husband and three children and travels to Israel to ensure a secure Jewish future for generations to come.

Laura Ben-David — Photographer, writer, speaker and marketing professional

Laura Ben-David lives her passions, which include Israel, the Jewish people and humanity. A prolific writer, photographer and speaker, she uses her talents to share her loves and to build bridges between people. Originally from New York, she made aliyah from Florida in 2002. Laura is the author of the book Moving Up: An Aliyah Journal. Formerly the head of social media at Nefesh B'Nefesh, she is now the director of marketing at Shavei Israel. Laura can usually be found on an adventure somewhere, photographing beautiful things and collecting stories.

Laura Ben-David — Photographer, writer, speaker and marketing professional

Laura Ben-David lives her passions, which include Israel, the Jewish people and humanity. A prolific writer, photographer and speaker, she uses her talents to share her loves and to build bridges between people. Originally from New York, she made aliyah from Florida in 2002. Laura is the author of the book Moving Up: An Aliyah Journal. Formerly the head of social media at Nefesh B'Nefesh, she is now the director of marketing at Shavei Israel. Laura can usually be found on an adventure somewhere, photographing beautiful things and collecting stories.

Daniella Greenbaum Davis — Award-winning producer and columnist

Daniella Greenbaum Davis is an Emmy Award-winning producer and columnist. Her work has appeared on ABC and PBS and in the pages of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She frequently covers stories pertaining to Judaism, antisemitism and Israel.

Daniella Greenbaum Davis — Award-winning producer and columnist

Daniella Greenbaum Davis is an Emmy Award-winning producer and columnist. Her work has appeared on ABC and PBS and in the pages of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She frequently covers stories pertaining to Judaism, antisemitism and Israel.

Rayna Rose Exelbierd — Entrepreneur, motivational speaker and youth mentor

Rayna Rose Exelbierd is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, youth mentor and children's author. She uses her Jewish influence and experiences to empower non-Jewish audiences to learn Jewish history, develop relationships with the Jewish community and connect with Holocaust survivors through workshops and lectures. Her podcast, The Rose Grows, features survivors and stories of human connection and kindness. As founder and CEO of The Rose Grows, Rayna shares personal stories of facing antisemitism and how she rose up to fight it. Rayna has mentored thousands of students from around the world and has published two books, The Girl Who Said Hello to Everyone and The Girl Who Wore Two Different Shoes. Growing up in Memphis, Tenn., Rayna was involved with BBYO and Young Judaea. She has also volunteered in the Israeli army and at the Hadassah Medical Organization, strengthening her identity as a proud Zionist and Jewish woman. Her mother and grandmother are Hadassah life members.

Rayna Rose Exelbierd — Entrepreneur, motivational speaker and youth mentor

Rayna Rose Exelbierd is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, youth mentor and children's author. She uses her Jewish influence and experiences to empower non-Jewish audiences to learn Jewish history, develop relationships with the Jewish community and connect with Holocaust survivors through workshops and lectures. Her podcast, The Rose Grows, features survivors and stories of human connection and kindness. As founder and CEO of The Rose Grows, Rayna shares personal stories of facing antisemitism and how she rose up to fight it. Rayna has mentored thousands of students from around the world and has published two books, The Girl Who Said Hello to Everyone and The Girl Who Wore Two Different Shoes. Growing up in Memphis, Tenn., Rayna was involved with BBYO and Young Judaea. She has also volunteered in the Israeli army and at the Hadassah Medical Organization, strengthening her identity as a proud Zionist and Jewish woman. Her mother and grandmother are Hadassah life members.

Rabbi Rachel Marder — Rabbi and writer

Rabbi Rachel Marder is the associate rabbi at Congregation Beth El in South Orange, N.J. She graduated from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2018, where she was a Wexner Graduate Fellow. She graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University with a BA in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies and from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem with an MA in conflict research, management and resolution. Rabbi Marder made aliyah and lived in Israel for several years before rabbinical school. During those years, she worked as a writer and editor at The Jerusalem Post. She contributed a chapter to The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate. She is happily married to Rabbi Hilly Haber, the director of social justice organizing and education at Central Synagogue in New York City.

Rabbi Rachel Marder — Rabbi and writer

Rabbi Rachel Marder is the associate rabbi at Congregation Beth El in South Orange, N.J. She graduated from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2018, where she was a Wexner Graduate Fellow. She graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University with a BA in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies and from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem with an MA in conflict research, management and resolution. Rabbi Marder made aliyah and lived in Israel for several years before rabbinical school. During those years, she worked as a writer and editor at The Jerusalem Post. She contributed a chapter to The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate. She is happily married to Rabbi Hilly Haber, the director of social justice organizing and education at Central Synagogue in New York City.

Megan Nathan — Philanthropy professional and Israel advocate

Megan Nathan is the Program and Special Initiatives Director at Kirsh Philanthropies, overseeing the Shine A Light initiative, which raises awareness about antisemitism through education, community partnerships, workplace engagement and advocacy, and helping steward Jewish and Israel-related grantmaking in the United States. Most recently, she served as the Chief Operating Officer for Israel on Campus Coalition, where she provided students across the country with the tools and resources to support Israel on campus and in their communities. Megan began her career at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C. She then worked at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, where she built networks of leaders from top NGOs, Fortune 500 companies, and the military to educate Americans on the importance of global development. A Schusterman Senior Fellow, Megan holds a BA from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MA from Reichman University in Israel.

Megan Nathan — Philanthropy professional and Israel advocate

Megan Nathan is the Program and Special Initiatives Director at Kirsh Philanthropies, overseeing the Shine A Light initiative, which raises awareness about antisemitism through education, community partnerships, workplace engagement and advocacy, and helping steward Jewish and Israel-related grantmaking in the United States. Most recently, she served as the Chief Operating Officer for Israel on Campus Coalition, where she provided students across the country with the tools and resources to support Israel on campus and in their communities. Megan began her career at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C. She then worked at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, where she built networks of leaders from top NGOs, Fortune 500 companies, and the military to educate Americans on the importance of global development. A Schusterman Senior Fellow, Megan holds a BA from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MA from Reichman University in Israel.

Zoya Raynes — Wall Street leader

Zoya Raynes is a managing director on the Senior Relationship Management team at Bank of America. She is lead coverage for a strategic group of hedge fund, asset manager, pension, insurance and sovereign wealth fund clients. She has worked on Wall Street for over 20 years, including at Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan, after graduating with honors from Drexel University. Active in the nonprofit and philanthropic community, Zoya is a board member of the Jewish Heritage Program (JHP), Jewish Funders Network (JFN), Jewish Community Relations Council of NY (JCRC) and UJA-Federation of New York. She was a 2012 Wexner Heritage Fellow, was featured on Jewish Week's "36 Under 36" list and was honored by JCRC and JHP. Zoya was born in Kiev and immigrated to the US with her family in 1979. She lives in Manhattan with her husband, Robert Friedman, and two sons.

Zoya Raynes — Wall Street leader

Zoya Raynes is a managing director on the Senior Relationship Management team at Bank of America. She is lead coverage for a strategic group of hedge fund, asset manager, pension, insurance and sovereign wealth fund clients. She has worked on Wall Street for over 20 years, including at Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan, after graduating with honors from Drexel University. Active in the nonprofit and philanthropic community, Zoya is a board member of the Jewish Heritage Program (JHP), Jewish Funders Network (JFN), Jewish Community Relations Council of NY (JCRC) and UJA-Federation of New York. She was a 2012 Wexner Heritage Fellow, was featured on Jewish Week's "36 Under 36" list and was honored by JCRC and JHP. Zoya was born in Kiev and immigrated to the US with her family in 1979. She lives in Manhattan with her husband, Robert Friedman, and two sons.

Tabby Refael — Award-winning editorial columnist

Tabby Refael is an award-winning weekly editorial columnist for The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, where readers rely on her to address topics related to Iran, Israel, Jewish identity, women's rights and Mizrahi advocacy. She also contributes to Newsweek, Los Angeles magazine, Moment magazine and White Rose Magazine. Born in Iran after the Islamic Revolution, Tabby fled the country with her family and was granted refugee asylum in the US in the 1990s. She is also a child survivor of the Iran-Iraq War. In Los Angeles, Tabby served as executive director and co-founder of 30 Years After, the nation's only civic action organization for Iranian American Jews. She also served as director of academic affairs for the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles and as director of campus affairs, North America for StandWithUs.

Tabby Refael — Award-winning editorial columnist

Tabby Refael is an award-winning weekly editorial columnist for The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, where readers rely on her to address topics related to Iran, Israel, Jewish identity, women's rights and Mizrahi advocacy. She also contributes to Newsweek, Los Angeles magazine, Moment magazine and White Rose Magazine. Born in Iran after the Islamic Revolution, Tabby fled the country with her family and was granted refugee asylum in the US in the 1990s. She is also a child survivor of the Iran-Iraq War. In Los Angeles, Tabby served as executive director and co-founder of 30 Years After, the nation's only civic action organization for Iranian American Jews. She also served as director of academic affairs for the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles and as director of campus affairs, North America for StandWithUs.

Danielle Rugoff — Nonprofit management and policy professional

Danielle Rugoff believes in community building, civic engagement and the power of individuals to change the world. She has over two decades of nonprofit management and government affairs experience focused on the US-Israel relationship, American foreign policy, Jewish peoplehood and higher education policy. She currently serves as senior director of movement programs for Starts With Us, an effort to fight extreme political and cultural divisions. Danielle previously held leadership roles at Alder, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and Hillel International. Danielle serves on the boards of the Dallas chapter of the American Jewish Committee, the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, the Texas Lyceum and the Trinity River Audubon Center, among other organizations.

Danielle Rugoff — Nonprofit management and policy professional

Danielle Rugoff believes in community building, civic engagement and the power of individuals to change the world. She has over two decades of nonprofit management and government affairs experience focused on the US-Israel relationship, American foreign policy, Jewish peoplehood and higher education policy. She currently serves as senior director of movement programs for Starts With Us, an effort to fight extreme political and cultural divisions. Danielle previously held leadership roles at Alder, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and Hillel International. Danielle serves on the boards of the Dallas chapter of the American Jewish Committee, the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, the Texas Lyceum and the Trinity River Audubon Center, among other organizations.

Ana Sazonov — COMMUNAL WORK PROFESSIONAL, UKRAINIAN ACTIVIST AND ENTREPRENEUR

Born in Ukraine to a non-Jewish mother and a father who repressed his Jewish identity, Ana Sazonov made aliyah with her family after the fall of the Soviet Union. She uncovered her Jewish identity through a program of the Israel Defense Forces and The Jewish Agency for Israel, gained a sense of belonging and underwent conversion to join the Jewish people. Ana holds a bachelor’s degree from Ruppin Academic Center, and she graduated with an MA in Jewish professional leadership from the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University  and an MBA from the Heller School. She began her Jewish communal work as the Israel Fellow to Emory University Hillel and later founded JewBer, a startup that delivered kosher meals to Jewish medical professionals, low-income seniors and Holocaust survivors during COVID-19. Today, Following that, she served as executive director of the Columbia Jewish Federation in South Carolina. Today, Ana advocates for Ukrainian refugees and dedicates her time to working with Ukrainian Patriot, a group of Ukrainians and internationals who provide support and aid to those defending Ukraine and the civilians caught in the crossfire.

Ana Sazonov — COMMUNAL WORK PROFESSIONAL, UKRAINIAN ACTIVIST AND ENTREPRENEUR

Born in Ukraine to a non-Jewish mother and a father who repressed his Jewish identity, Ana Sazonov made aliyah with her family after the fall of the Soviet Union. She uncovered her Jewish identity through a program of the Israel Defense Forces and The Jewish Agency for Israel, gained a sense of belonging and underwent conversion to join the Jewish people. Ana holds a bachelor’s degree from Ruppin Academic Center, and she graduated with an MA in Jewish professional leadership from the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University  and an MBA from the Heller School. She began her Jewish communal work as the Israel Fellow to Emory University Hillel and later founded JewBer, a startup that delivered kosher meals to Jewish medical professionals, low-income seniors and Holocaust survivors during COVID-19. Today, Following that, she served as executive director of the Columbia Jewish Federation in South Carolina. Today, Ana advocates for Ukrainian refugees and dedicates her time to working with Ukrainian Patriot, a group of Ukrainians and internationals who provide support and aid to those defending Ukraine and the civilians caught in the crossfire.

Emily Schrader — Israeli human rights activist and journalist

Emily Schrader is an Israeli human rights activist, international speaker and senior correspondent for Ynetnews based in Tel Aviv. With over 175,000 social media followers, Emily is known for providing concise answers to tough questions related to Israel's political and historical reality through social media. She has also established herself as the leading voice for the Iranian people in Israel with her coverage and social media content on the ongoing Iranian uprisings. In 2022, Emily was named one of The Algemeiner's Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life and the Sixth Most Influential Israeli Woman on Twitter by Raash Digital. Emily is also a regular commentator in the international media about Iran, Israel and women's rights.

Emily Schrader — Israeli human rights activist and journalist

Emily Schrader is an Israeli human rights activist, international speaker and senior correspondent for Ynetnews based in Tel Aviv. With over 175,000 social media followers, Emily is known for providing concise answers to tough questions related to Israel's political and historical reality through social media. She has also established herself as the leading voice for the Iranian people in Israel with her coverage and social media content on the ongoing Iranian uprisings. In 2022, Emily was named one of The Algemeiner's Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life and the Sixth Most Influential Israeli Woman on Twitter by Raash Digital. Emily is also a regular commentator in the international media about Iran, Israel and women's rights.

Naava Shafner — Social activist and strategic consultant

Naava Shafner is a storyteller, activist and strategic consultant driven by passion and optimism. Naava made aliyah at 12 years old. After two years in the National Service serving disadvantaged populations and learning about the Israeli welfare system, she pioneered social initiatives focused on women's rights, including ImaKadima, a forum that empowers career-minded mothers and advocates for family-friendly workplaces. Through ImaKadima, she spearheaded several changes in Israeli legislation, most significantly allowing flexible paternity leave in Israel. Listed as one of Israel's 50 top social activists in 2016, Naava was part of a successful appeal to the Supreme Court demanding women's rights in the mikvah. An accomplished speaker, Naava has presented to both the Jerusalem Municipality and Israel's Knesset. She also facilitates panels on women's rights, disadvantaged populations, religion and state and social activism in Jerusalem. Naava spent five years working for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and is currently a strategic fundraising consultant working with several nonprofits in the social change sphere.

Naava Shafner — Social activist and strategic consultant

Naava Shafner is a storyteller, activist and strategic consultant driven by passion and optimism. Naava made aliyah at 12 years old. After two years in the National Service serving disadvantaged populations and learning about the Israeli welfare system, she pioneered social initiatives focused on women's rights, including ImaKadima, a forum that empowers career-minded mothers and advocates for family-friendly workplaces. Through ImaKadima, she spearheaded several changes in Israeli legislation, most significantly allowing flexible paternity leave in Israel. Listed as one of Israel's 50 top social activists in 2016, Naava was part of a successful appeal to the Supreme Court demanding women's rights in the mikvah. An accomplished speaker, Naava has presented to both the Jerusalem Municipality and Israel's Knesset. She also facilitates panels on women's rights, disadvantaged populations, religion and state and social activism in Jerusalem. Naava spent five years working for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and is currently a strategic fundraising consultant working with several nonprofits in the social change sphere.

Leah Soibel — Founder and media advocate

Leah Soibel, a Hispanic American and Israeli, has spent over 15 years working in Israel, the US and Latin America empowering thousands of global Latino journalists and media influencers. In 2012, she founded Fuente Latina (FL), which ensures accuracy in Spanish-language reporting on Israel, the Jewish world and the Mideast, irrespective of location. Recently, Leah launched Activista Media, the first English/Spanish digital news brand to engage the next generation of English-dominant, non-Jewish US Latino journalists, influencers and online news consumers about Jews, antisemitism and Israel. FL brought 350 journalists to Israel and facilitated 65,000 accurate stories. Their work has resulted in two Emmy Award wins. Leah has a BA in Middle East history from Dickinson College and an MA in security policy studies from George Washington University. She is also a National Security Education Program Fellow.

Leah Soibel — Founder and media advocate

Leah Soibel, a Hispanic American and Israeli, has spent over 15 years working in Israel, the US and Latin America empowering thousands of global Latino journalists and media influencers. In 2012, she founded Fuente Latina (FL), which ensures accuracy in Spanish-language reporting on Israel, the Jewish world and the Mideast, irrespective of location. Recently, Leah launched Activista Media, the first English/Spanish digital news brand to engage the next generation of English-dominant, non-Jewish US Latino journalists, influencers and online news consumers about Jews, antisemitism and Israel. FL brought 350 journalists to Israel and facilitated 65,000 accurate stories. Their work has resulted in two Emmy Award wins. Leah has a BA in Middle East history from Dickinson College and an MA in security policy studies from George Washington University. She is also a National Security Education Program Fellow.

Margot Stern — Entrepreneur, strategic thinker and visionary

Margot Stern, entrepreneur, strategic thinker and visionary, has over 15 years of experience in advising companies on global strategic management, private equity, consulting, growth plans and business strategy. Since moving to Israel in 2006, she has worked at World Jewish Congress, European Jewish Fund and Jewish Diplomatic Corps. In 2016, Margot founded StellarNova Ltd., an award-winning children’s edutainment company focused on science education, where she remains chairwoman. Margot now serves as chief strategy officer and acting CFO for Reagenics Ltd., a biotech company. She is a board member of The Jerusalem Open House and Giving Ltd. She earned a BA and MS from the University of Florida. Margot lives with her wife and three children in Jerusalem.

Margot Stern — Entrepreneur, strategic thinker and visionary

Margot Stern, entrepreneur, strategic thinker and visionary, has over 15 years of experience in advising companies on global strategic management, private equity, consulting, growth plans and business strategy. Since moving to Israel in 2006, she has worked at World Jewish Congress, European Jewish Fund and Jewish Diplomatic Corps. In 2016, Margot founded StellarNova Ltd., an award-winning children’s edutainment company focused on science education, where she remains chairwoman. Margot now serves as chief strategy officer and acting CFO for Reagenics Ltd., a biotech company. She is a board member of The Jerusalem Open House and Giving Ltd. She earned a BA and MS from the University of Florida. Margot lives with her wife and three children in Jerusalem.

ChayaLeah Sufrin — Educator and community builder

After 12 years teaching high school Jewish history and as education director at Shul by the Shore, ChayaLeah Sufrin is now executive director of Long Beach Hillel in Long Beach, Calif. She has the unusual ability to live in two worlds: the Hasidic world of the Chabad community and the secular world of modern Jews. This perspective gives her insight into the timeless messages and lessons to be found in Judaism. Whether spending time at the Shalom Hartman Institute, leading Jewish and non-Jewish students to Israel or advocating for Israel on campus, she is not afraid to have tough conversations about important topics facing Israel and the Jewish people. ChayaLeah cohosts the podcast Ask a Jew, covering culture, politics, humor and life. She lives in Long Beach, Calif. with her husband, Boruch, and four sons.

ChayaLeah Sufrin — Educator and community builder

After 12 years teaching high school Jewish history and as education director at Shul by the Shore, ChayaLeah Sufrin is now executive director of Long Beach Hillel in Long Beach, Calif. She has the unusual ability to live in two worlds: the Hasidic world of the Chabad community and the secular world of modern Jews. This perspective gives her insight into the timeless messages and lessons to be found in Judaism. Whether spending time at the Shalom Hartman Institute, leading Jewish and non-Jewish students to Israel or advocating for Israel on campus, she is not afraid to have tough conversations about important topics facing Israel and the Jewish people. ChayaLeah cohosts the podcast Ask a Jew, covering culture, politics, humor and life. She lives in Long Beach, Calif. with her husband, Boruch, and four sons.

Melissa Weiss — News editor and strategic communications expert

Melissa Weiss is the executive editor of Jewish Insider, a daily curated morning newsletter at the nexus of politics, philanthropy, business and the Jewish community. Prior to joining JI, she spent nearly a decade working in strategic communications in the nonprofit sector, heading strategy at The Israel Project and the Israel on Campus Coalition before restarting the Simon Wiesenthal Center's campus outreach program. A native of upstate New York, she lived in Seoul, Washington, D.C., Brooklyn and Mexico City before making aliyah in 2022 and moving to Tel Aviv. Melissa graduated from the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism with a BA in print journalism and a minor in Eastern European history.

Melissa Weiss — News editor and strategic communications expert

Melissa Weiss is the executive editor of Jewish Insider, a daily curated morning newsletter at the nexus of politics, philanthropy, business and the Jewish community. Prior to joining JI, she spent nearly a decade working in strategic communications in the nonprofit sector, heading strategy at The Israel Project and the Israel on Campus Coalition before restarting the Simon Wiesenthal Center's campus outreach program. A native of upstate New York, she lived in Seoul, Washington, D.C., Brooklyn and Mexico City before making aliyah in 2022 and moving to Tel Aviv. Melissa graduated from the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism with a BA in print journalism and a minor in Eastern European history.

Learn More

• Get to know four of these women in the latest issue of Hadassah Magazine.
• Since before Israeli independence, Hadassah women have been shaping the course of Zionism and Israel. This list is part of our yearlong Hadassah & Israel — Together at 75 celebration. Learn more about what's happening at Hadassah, including our upcoming Zionist symposium.
• Read the press release.

Learn More

• Get to know four of these women in the latest issue of Hadassah Magazine.
• Since before Israeli independence, Hadassah women have been shaping the course of Zionism and Israel. This list is part of our yearlong Hadassah & Israel — Together at 75 celebration. Learn more about what's happening at Hadassah, including our upcoming Zionist symposium.
• Read the press release.