Want to honor this person? Make a donation to our Annual Campaign in recognition of this 36 Under 36 honoree.

Age: 27

 

Pronouns: they/them

 

Primary Gig: Advisor and Recruiter for the IU School of Social Work at IUPUI

 

On the Side: Volunteer with Indiana Recovery Alliance

 

How long have you lived in Indianapolis? 4 years

 

Describe yourself in 100 words or less: I am a higher education professional by day and an athlete and activist by night. I was raised in Dayton, Ohio, but migrated to Indiana when I attended IU for grad school, and never left. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, bouldering, reading, and spending time with friends and my quirky cat, Toast. I am involved with my congregation at IHC and look forward to attending services and Torah study each week, engaging with various committees in both membership and leadership roles, and attending adult education classes and community events.

 

How do you give back? I volunteer with the Indiana Recovery Alliance, a harm reduction organization in Bloomington, which provides education, safer use supplies, and access to community resources for people who use drugs in Southcentral Indiana. We work to prevent overdose deaths and combat the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C. We also educate the public on overdose reversal and advocate to end the stigma around drug use and recovery.

 

Who is a Jew who inspires you?  Ruth Bader Ginsburg

 

How do you envision the Indianapolis Jewish community in the next 10 years? I envision people living their Judaism by engaging with one another, across congregations and denominations, to foster a strong, inclusive Jewish community, dedicated to improving ourselves, our city, and our world.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment in the past 10 years? My proudest accomplishment in the past 10 years is undoubtedly finishing my conversion to Judaism. I had been on a meandering path toward conversion since 2013, so I was overjoyed to officially be welcomed home to the Jewish people this year.

 

Any advice for younger professionals? It's never too late to get involved in the Jewish community. Whether you converted to Judaism in your adult life (like me!) or grew up Jewish, but weren't very active in the community, there are countless ways to engage your skills, talents, and interests Jewishly and to connect with fellow Jews. Having a strong Jewish network can open doors to impactful religious, social, and professional opportunities.