Birthright Israel Foundation: Alum Ambassadors
The nearly 25-year impact of Birthright Israel’s programs can be felt through the stories of our 850,000-plus alumni community.
To best showcase the pivotal role Birthright Israel plays in the lives of young Jewish adults, the Foundation recommends the following alumni to speak on behalf of the organization. These dedicated individuals, touched by their journeys to Israel, carry a torch of passion and commitment. They are excited to use their voices to showcase the program’s impact and build continued support for our mission.
Meet Birthright Israel Foundation’s 2024 Alum Ambassadors →
Adela Cojab
Co-Chair, 2024 Alum Ambassadors
2018 Birthright Israel Alum
New York, NY
Adela Cojab Moadeb is a Jewish activist, published author, and JD candidate at Yeshiva University’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
In 2019, Cojab filed a Title VI Complaint against NYU for failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. Cojab’s case resulted in a resolution agreement openly addressing antisemitism as a form of discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, laying the groundwork for subsequent antisemitism lawsuits against universities. In December 2019, former President Trump honored Cojab and later signed the Executive Order Against Antisemitism.
Her work, from political advocacy to interfaith peace rallies, has been recognized internationally, earning her designation as a Broome and Allen Fellow, Jewish Week 36 Under 36, JNS Top 40 Latin American Pro-Israel Advocates and Leaders, Top 50 Pro-Israel Influencers of 2021, and a PROPEL Woman 30 Under 30. She also served as the official representative of Jewish Students at the United Nations 2017-2019 and is an antisemitism correspondent for Univision and Telemundo. Adela co-hosts the interfaith podcast Americanish: Daughters of Diaspora and, as of 2024, hosts the OpenDor Media show, TodayUnpacked on YouTube.
Cojab is, proudly, a Syrian-Lebanese Jew born in Mexico City, Mexico, and raised in Deal, New Jersey.
“Historically, Jews have lived in exile as guests in host countries. Being Jewish made you different, and being different made you a target. This led to the wandering Jew mentality, where we are afraid to stand up for ourselves or for each other out of fear of expulsion or, worse, genocide. It took me up until that point to realize that we are no longer the wandering Jews of the past. We are strong, we are united, and we have a homeland. The existence of Israel gives us, as Jewish people, agency — but with agency, to paraphrase the axiom, comes great responsibility, and that responsibility falls on each of us.”
Tyler Scheff
Co-Chair, 2024 Alum Ambassadors
2022 Birthright Israel Alum
2023 Birthright Israel Onward Alum
Baltimore, MD
Tyler Scheff brings the world to life through captivating photos and videos, many of which can be seen across Birthright Israel’s social media. Fueled by a passion for travel and a deep connection to Israel, initially sparked on his Birthright Israel trip in 2022, Tyler shares immersive stories that bridge cultural divides. Inspired by his Birthright Israel experiences, he uses his visual expertise to inspire others to explore and connect. Tyler is based in Baltimore, MD.
“Birthright Israel, staffing, and Onward has changed my life so significantly that I feel more connected to Judaism and Israel than I have ever imagined. Having not known much about either, I feel like I can properly speak for the people of Israel and the importance of the country. More so, I feel more connected and proud of being Jewish. I was lost in my life spiritually and felt disconnected before, and I didn’t know where to start to learn about being Jewish. I can say confidently that 2022 was a huge turning point in my life for the better, and I feel like I have grown as an individual and have become a better person because of it.”
Michael Valdes
Co-Chair, 2024 Alum Ambassadors
2023 Birthright Israel Alum
New York, NY
Michael Valdes is a singer, actor, activist, author, and content creator based in New York.
He is an AMDA Los Angeles BFA Music Theatre program graduate and studied Method Acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York. Michael is currently studying at The New School in New York and is on track to receive an MFA in Contemporary Theatre & Performance.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Michael’s theatrical credits include EastLine Theatre’s world premieres of This Play Was Never About Noses (A New Cyrano) and An Oresteia, or What We Have Seen; AMDA’s Songs for a New World; Edges; and Ordinary Days. He has also been featured in three cabaret series at the famous Don’t Tell Mama’s and Triad Theater, which include Seth’s Talent Showcase (produced by Seth BisenHersh), The Comeback Cabaret (presented by The Drama Company NYC and produced by Sara Laursen), and Bound for Broadway (produced by Andy Crosten).
Michael’s ambitions expand outside of the performing arts. As the founder of Hot Jewish Media, he runs the Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter account @ hotjewishenergy (with a combined audience of over 20,000 followers.) Michael also hosts the Hot Jewish Podcast (Season 1 is streaming wherever you listen to podcasts) and is the co-author of Hot Jewish Hanukkah, an adults-only Hanukkah companion book reimagining the story of Hanukkah for a modern audience.
“The most memorable part of my trip was our weekend in Jerusalem, where I got to renew my Bar Mitzvah on Shabbat. When I initially had my Bar Mitzvah a decade ago, I was not true to myself and the people around me. Being able to reconnect with my roots and have this special moment in the Holy Land as a queer Jewish man was healing for me. It is a moment I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.”
Gabriella Guez
2022 Birthright Israel Alum Miami, FL
Gabriella Guez, also known by her Hebrew name Yael, resides in Miami, FL, but grew up in Peru. A lifelong adventurer with a passion for travel, Gabriella has recently embarked on a journey of self-discovery and exploring her Jewish heritage, which she had known little about while growing up in Peru.
In 2022, Gabriella participated in Birthright Israel, seeking a deeper connection to her roots. This experience sparked a passion for her heritage, reflected in her volunteer work packing supplies for IDF soldiers and hosting Shabbat dinners with Birthright friends. A lover of arts and culture, Gabriella delves deeper into Israeli music and explores the vibrant flavors of Israeli cuisine in Miami’s restaurants. Professional Gabriella works in social media and marketing management and is an Emmy award-winning producer for NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises.
“If I learned anything on this trip, it is that destiny is already written, and patience and trust could lead you to find the most fulfilling gift. Because ever since I left the Middle East, my outlook on life has undergone a profound transformation. After a whole year, I can confirm I’ve never been happier than I am now, knowing I am a Jew. Today I have another family that I look up to..”
Mitch Linefsky
2023 Birthright Israel Alum
2023 Birthright Israel Onward Alum
Fair Lawn, NJ
Mitch Linefsky, a 20-year-old student from Fair Lawn, NJ, is a double major in Business Management and Legal Studies in Business at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. Mitch’s desire to participate in Birthright Israel stemmed from wanting to further connect with Israel’s significance to his Jewish identity. Grateful for the experiences Birthright provided him, Mitch is drawn to a career in Real Estate Management, having honed his skills as an assistant property manager during his 2023 Birthright Israel Onward internship.
An avid reader and writer, Mitch strives to live in the moment. At Tulane, he has spearheaded volunteer projects for his fraternity, contributing to the betterment of the New Orleans community. With an open mind and heart, Mitch’s ultimate goal is to continue to spread the light that was sparked during his summer in Israel.
“The Israelis shared stories, filled with both hardship and humor, that fostered not just respect but genuine friendship between us. I saw that they had an amazing appreciation for life that many of my American peers just could not understand. After the trip, I even visited Amit, one of the soldiers, at his home in Hod Hasharon—a testament to the deep connections we forged. These friendships weren’t just about shared laughs; they were bridges to understanding, offering invaluable insights into Israeli culture and its complexities.”
Romy Miller
2019 Birthright Israel Alum
2019 Birthright Israel Onward Alum
Trip Staffer
Boca Raton, FL
A native of Boca Raton, Florida, Romy relocated to Gainesville in 2017 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations at the University of Florida, graduating in 2021. Choosing to remain at UF, Romy is currently a third-year law student at the Levin College of Law, aiming for a May 2024 graduation. With aspirations for a legal career in South Florida, Romy plans to pursue both the Florida Bar Exams.
While attending UF, Romy participated on the classic 10-day trip followed by a Birthright Israel Onward internship experience that solidified her desire to be the best Jewish leader she can be. She also feels like by advocating for Birthright Israel, she is doing her part to build a vibrant Jewish future, something her grandparents, who were Holocaust survivors, would be proud of.
“By fostering connections with fellow Jews in the Diaspora and forging unbreakable bonds with Israeli peers, we impact each other in ways we never thought possible. We stand united across the ocean through good times and bad. Every Jewish individual deserves the opportunity to experience Israel firsthand. The selfless contribution to Birthright is the most meaningful mitzvah one can do. Birthright trips transform lives, reconnect individuals to their heritage, remind us of our shared responsibility, inspire us to marry Jewish, raise Jewish children, and stand firmly with Israel.”
Sam Permutt
2005 Birthright Israel Alum
12-Time Trip Staffer
New York, NY
A strong sense of Jewish identity is at the core of Sam’s life, worn with pride, complexity, and a touch of melancholy thanks to his Birthright Israel trip two decades ago. Balancing a demanding career as an in-house lawyer for a New York City real estate investment firm, Sam finds solace and energy in several passions. Sam is chair of The UJA-Federation In-House Counsel Group, Vice Chair of the UJALawyers Council, Committee member of the UJA Global-Jewish Communities and a New Member of JFNA’s Cabinet thanks to a love of Zionism sparked on his Birthright trip. Sam is also a die-hard NY Mets fan, prioritizes daily workouts at 5:30 am, staying fit and disciplined. While the pull of politics is undeniable (and perhaps a little frustrating), Sam’s creative side finds expression through a side business in film production, currently on hold due to a busy schedule. Additionally, a recent stint as an adjunct professor teaching “Law and Literature” may have to wait for a less hectic pace.
Married with a seven-year-old French Bulldog named Nucky, Sam resides in Brooklyn Heights. While deeply passionate about baseball, reading biographies (currently Golda Meir), and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, nothing quite compares to the love for their furry companion, Nucky.
“My biggest takeaway was how instant (like instant instant!) my connection was to the people, to the land, and to the idea of a Jewish homeland. It was like it was part of me; I just didn’t know it. It’s hard to believe that I’ve only known Israel for like 20 years. I never knew Israel before Birthright, and now it seems to be in my DNA—like if you prick me, I bleed blue and white. Maybe it’s because my grandma and my great-grandma were such ardent Zionists—maybe they handed it down to me without my knowing until one day it was just revealed to me.”
Marcus Pierre
2021 Birthright Israel Onward Alum
Fort Myers, FL
Marcus Pierre is a 24-year-old registered behavioral technician living in Fort Myers, Florida. He dedicates his work to supporting children on the autism spectrum. In 2021, Marcus participated in a social justice Birthright Israel Onward internship in Haifa where he volunteered with the children of Eritrean asylum seekers at the NGO Aleph. This was a pivotal experience for Marcus and solidified his connection to Israel. Outside of work, Marcus enjoys various activities including listening to music, fitness, reading, language learning, socializing with friends, and traveling. In 2025, Marcus plans to make Aliyah and relocate to Israel, with Tel Aviv or Haifa being his dream destinations. His career aspirations lie with the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
“On our Jerusalem seminar, I’ll never forget going to the Kotel and praying and being struck by the sudden realization that I was the first in my family to return to our ancestral homeland after 2,000 years. Everything in our history as a people, the pogroms, the scapegoating, the de jure segregation, somehow made this moment possible, and I was forever intertwined with those who were and those to come.”
Julia Pratt
2018 Birthright Israel Onward Alum
Miami, FL
Julia Pratt is the Social Media & Marketing Manager for Diller Teen Fellows where she develops social media content and cultivates a growing, engaged digital community. Before joining Diller, Julia was a Campaign Associate in the Young Leadership Division at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation; she currently serves on its Executive Board. Julia participated in an Onward internship in 2018 that solidified her passion for being not only a Jewish professional but a Jewish leader. Julia is a fierce advocate for Israel both in her Miami community and online. She has spearheaded a magnitude of initiatives on behalf of FIDF, United Hatzalah, JNFuture, and Birthright Israel—raising tens of thousands of dollars.
Julia holds a B.A. in Political Science and Jewish Studies from Tulane University and an M.A. in Jewish Nonprofit Management from Hebrew Union College.
“I could not have imagined Onward Israel would forever change the course of my life. It was more than a summer trip, it was the experience of a lifetime. There is something truly magical about spending eight weeks in a land that your body and soul are connected to with truly unique people.”
Ava Rigelhaupt
2022 Birthright Israel Alum West Warwick, RI
Ava Rigelhaupt is a writer, actor, and DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility) consultant, who works at the intersection of entertainment and inclusion. Currently, Ava serve as the Autistic Creative Consultant for the Broadway musical, “How to Dance in Ohio” [How to Dance in Ohio, the Musical], fostering a culture of accessibility and inclusion throughout the production, both internally and for the audience. Ava’s creative talents extend beyond the stage, as they are also a writer for the upcoming PBS Kids animated series, “Carl the Collector.” Ava has a wealth of experience consulting with Hollywood studios on accurate autistic representation in film and television, as well as best practices for working with disabled individuals. Previously, Ava interned at Nickelodeon and collaborated on a neurodiversity training course with the Kennedy Center. She also participated in RespectAbility’s Summer 2020 Lab for Entertainment Professionals and was a Ruderman Family Foundation Inclusion Ambassador.
“As an autistic woman with wanderlust and someone who advocates for autistic people and people with disabilities— primarily through the entertainment industry, I love hearing the perspectives of disabled people and/or autistic people in other countries. How does that country view disability and work to create opportunities for disabled people? How are those ideas and laws – even TV/movies similar and/ or different from America? What can we learn from each other? On disability-specific Birthright trips, even ones that are not, Jewish young adults have the opportunity to explore these questions and others in the community with their American and Israeli peers. When the time is right, and I return to Israel, I hope to ask more of those questions.”
Amanda Rosen
2008 Birthright Israel Alum
Seattle, WA
Amanda Rosen is based in Seattle, Washington, and lives with her husband, whom she met on her 2008 Birthright Israel trip, along with their two sons, Rivers (3) and Silas (19 months). She recently transitioned to a senior attorney position at a major tech company, but her career path has been deeply rooted in public service. Her journey began as a legislative intern on Capitol Hill, followed by lobbying efforts for a sustainable agriculture non-profit, and most recently, serving as an attorney for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Amanda’s heart belongs to the outdoors. Rain or shine, you’ll find the Rosen family traversing the mountains of Washington State. Judaism also plays a significant role in Amanda’s life. Following the tragic events of October 7th, Amanda and her family made a conscious decision to strengthen their commitment to their faith, it was one of the reasons she applied to be an Alum Ambassador. They have embraced the tradition of Shabbat dinners every Friday since then, a powerful act of defiance against those who sought to instill fear.
“Birthright changed my life. It shifted my sense of Jewish identity. I still hold generational trauma. We all do. Now, though, I also carry a light that for some, can only come with taking that first step into Israel, meeting the Israeli people, and getting the chance to truly be yourself...It is impossible to overstate what Israel and this trip has done for me. I’m no longer that little girl, too scared to read stories of the Jewish experience. I am a wife, a mother, an attorney, a proud Jew, and an ambassador for Birthright Israel.”
Jared Stone
2023 Birthright Israel Alum
Las Vegas, NV & Princeton, NJ
Jared Stone is a senior at Princeton University where he is leading the fight against campus antisemitism. As the former President of Tiger for Israel, Princeton’s Pro-Israel student group, Jared uplifts Jewish voices and frequently leads counter protests against antiIsrael groups such as SJP. Jared is an outspoken advocate for his fellow Jewish students and is a contributor to The Jerusalem Post and Times of Israel.
Jared Stone is a junior at Princeton University studying politics with minors in history and classics. A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, he has served as president of Tigers for Israel, president of Princeton’s Koach Conservative Jewish community, and chairman of one of the Princeton debate society’s major political parties. He is extraordinarily passionate about Israel, Judaism, and the American-Jewish community, topics about which he has written and spoken extensively for various audiences and major publications.
“For young Jews, Birthright Israel’s classic 10-day trips are not simply about soaking up the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv, or traversing the bohemian neighborhoods of Haifa, or reveling in the scents and melodies that line the alleyways of Jerusalem and Tzfat. Instead, these journeys are about forming enduring bonds with the Israeli people and embracing the vibrancy of Israeli culture. They deftly reinvigorate participants’ sense of belonging to Am Yisrael. And, perhaps most importantly, they bind together the fringes of the Jewish diaspora in the land where our ancestors roamed, where our covenant was enacted, and where we have practiced our faith with pride and enthusiasm for millennia.”
Rosseta Tourgeman
2017 Birthright Israel Alum
2017 Birthright Israel Onward Alum
Miami Beach, FL
Rosseta Tourgeman, a 27-year-old Miami Beach native, proudly embraces her Jewish identity and strong connection to Israel. Fueled by a life-changing Birthright trip and Onward internship in 2017, she made Aliyah in 2019 and has since moved back to Miami following the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel.
Following graduation from the Tel Aviv University International graduate program, Rosseta actively built a network within Israel through extracurricular activities and events. While exploring new opportunities, Rosseta seeks a role within the U.S. Jewish community that capitalizes on her education and passion for community relations.
Deeply motivated to contribute, Rosseta sees the Alum Ambassador role as an opportunity to channel her passion into meaningful contributions for Birthright Israel. Her confidence lies in her energy, commitment, and strategic mindset, all of which she believes will make a substantial impact on the Foundation’s initiatives. The chance to engage with influential circles and actively participate in the Foundation’s future aligns perfectly with Rosseta’s aspirations to make a lasting impact on Jewish-Israeli relations.
“Birthright was a pivotal moment that deepened my connection to Israel and solidified my commitment to being an active participant in the ongoing story of the Jewish people. It was the spark that set my path in a whole new and unexpected direction. I can’t imagine my life unfolding any other way, and I am eternally grateful for everything the Birthright Israel Foundation and Israel have given me—it is truly immeasurable.”
More Birthright Israel alumni speakers →
Brendan Schneier
2023 Birthright Israel Onward Volunteer Alum
Miami, FL
Brendan Schneier comes from a renowned Rabbinical lineage, an inheritance that profoundly influenced his upbringing and values. Growing up amidst the lively atmosphere of New York City, Brendan experienced a harmonious blend of urban vibrancy and the enduring traditions of his Jewish heritage. These formative experiences instilled in him a profound sense of community, purpose, and a deep-rooted connection to his cultural roots.
Brendan attended the University of Miami and has lived in Miami since. In Miami’s dynamic and diverse environment, Brendan discovered an avenue to pursue his passion for commercial real estate. Possessing a sharp eye for opportunities and a talent for negotiation, he has established a reputable presence in both brokerage and development sectors. Brendan’s adeptness at navigating the intricacies of the real estate industry has garnered him admiration and acknowledgment among his professional peers.
Beyond his career pursuits, Brendan is dedicated to giving back to his community. He actively engages in various initiatives within the Jewish Community, devoting his time and resources to support causes that hold personal significance. Whether organizing community events or spearheading charitable campaigns, Brendan is recognized for his proactive and impactful contributions.
During his leisure time, Brendan relishes exploring Miami’s vibrant cultural offerings, staying active outdoors, and cherishing moments with his loved ones. His unwavering work ethic, coupled with a genuine passion for his heritage and a commitment to effecting positive change, solidifies Brendan Schneier’s esteemed standing within both the commercial real estate realm and the Jewish Community.
Jared Firestone
2012 Birthright Israel Alum
2026 Olympic Hopeful for Team Israel Miami, FL
An attorney with a passion for speed, Jared Firestone isn’t your typical legal professional. After competing in track & field at Tulane University, a stroke threatened to sideline his athletic dreams. Jared’s initial desire to become part of Team Israel was sparked during his 10-day Birthright Israel trip one summer in college. However, Jared discovered skeleton racing and saw a chance to not only compete, but also represent Israel on the world stage. Combining sprinting skills with a drive to honor Jewish heritage, Jared has risen through the ranks, achieving podium finishes and even securing Israel’s first-ever gold medal in a skeleton racing competition. Jared’s desire to be an ambassador for Israel through sport is far from over as he has his eyes set on competing for Team Israel in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“Birthright reignited the fire within me to represent Israel...I knew I had to find a way to be an ambassador for the Jewish homeland and our people, and that’s when I turned to sport.”
Isabel Allard
2021 Birthright Israel Alum
2022 Birthright Israel Onward Alum
Miami, FL
Isabel Allard is a senior at the University of Michigan studying Business and Art History. She is from Greenwich, CT, where she attended Greenwich Academy. After graduation, she will work in Industrials Investment Banking at Jefferies in NYC.
Isabel is passionate about the power of experiential education. In high school, she founded a collective giving organization called Generation Impact Fairfield County, which exposes girls to their community’s needs through an extensive grant review process and in-person visits. She remains an active advisor, and GIFFC has given over $83,000 in grants since 2019.
Isabel first got involved in Birthright Israel after signing up for a trip in 2021 during a wave of antisemitism in Michigan. During those ten days, she realized how powerful an educational experience the trip was, and she came back determined to get as many people to Israel as possible—a goal enabled by the incredible opportunity to speak nationwide at Birthright Israel Foundation fundraising events.
Isabel participated in Birthright Israel Onward, interning for Social Finance in Tel Aviv in the summer of 2022— by far the best two months of her life. Unfortunately, however, the reality of being on a college campus postOctober 7th has made her all too aware of just how much misinformation and miseducation is out there—and what a crucial role Birthright plays in standing up to this.
Following graduation, Isabel plans to volunteer in Israel with Birthright in June 2024. Israel will continue to be an outspoken advocate and ambassador for Israel and Birthright’s programs.
“I credit Birthright Israel for imparting in me the passion and courage to continue to stand up and approach hard conversations with my peers, and for giving me the tools to be an advocate for Israel rather than sitting by silently.”
Miranda May
Birthright Israel Excel Fellow Miami, FL
Miranda May is the Vice President of Revenue at SpoiledChild, an ODDITY brand. She previously was at the Boston Consulting Group, where she focused on Private Equity. Miranda attended the University of Pennsylvania where she received her BSE in Electrical Engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Science and her BS in Business Analytics from the Wharton School. Currently, Miranda is working with the Excel community and fellow Penn alums to combat the rampant antisemitism seen on campus following the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel. Miranda also pitched the Birthright Israel Onward volunteer program to Birthright Israel and worked to ensure young Jewish adults have opportunities to support Israel during this crucial time.
Eden Cohen
2009 Birthright Israel Alum
Los Angeles, CA
Eden Cohen is an accomplished leader in the Jewish world, with a deep passion for Jewish and Israel advocacy and education. As Senior Advisor to Former Special Envoy Noa Tishby, she worked to advance Israel’s foreign policy regarding antisemitism. In her role, Eden determined strategies on complex, diplomatic projects and spearheaded initiatives worldwide to respond to acts of antisemitism. In addition, Eden is the founder and president of A Wider Frame, a digital media company that provides quick, easy, and comprehensive Jewish and Israelrelated news. Thousands of young Jews look to A Wider Frame as a trusted source of information. She is launching another Jewish multimedia company later this year, aimed specifically at Gen Z and millennial Jews. Working with journalist Jordyn Tilchen, Eden is excited to bring a fresh perspective to Jewish media and to engage the next generation. With a deep understanding of the issues facing Jews globally, Eden is a sought-after speaker and educator, regularly addressing audiences at Jewish organizations and schools across the country.
Eden’s passion for advocating for issues impacting Jews around the world took shape during her several months living in Jerusalem after her Birthright program. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern Law School and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to her work with Special Envoy Tishby and A Wider Frame, Eden worked as a practicing entertainment attorney in Los Angeles.
Talia Dror
2022 Birthright Israel Alum
2023 Birthright Israel Onward Alum
New York, NY
Talia Dror, a dynamic force driven by her rich heritage and commitment to justice. Having embarked on the classic 10-day trip in 2022 and explored her roots through Birthright Israel Onward in 2023, Talia stands as a living embodiment of the Jewish-American dream. The daughter of Jewish immigrants who fled Iran amidst political persecution, her journey reflects resilience and determination.
As a prominent Jewish leader at Cornell University, Talia found herself at a pivotal moment when students and professors celebrated the brutal massacre of innocent civilians following the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel. In the face of adversity, she courageously took a stand, recognizing the importance of upholding the values that define her community.
Driven by a deep sense of responsibility and fueled by her family’s hopes and dreams, Talia understood the need to be a beacon of change. In November 2023, she showcased unwavering courage by testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives, actively combating antisemitism on U.S. college campuses. Talia’s commitment to justice and advocacy shines brightly, making her a formidable advocate for a more inclusive and understanding world.
Abigail Schleichkorn
2024 Birthright Israel Alum
Los Angeles, CA
Abigail Schleichkorn was born and raised in a suburb of Los Angeles and grew up a member of Kehillat Israel temple in Pacific Palisades. A competitive tennis player in Southern California, she was recruited to play tennis at Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA. Abigail loved her time at Wellesley College and fell in love with Boston. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies and a minor in Art History in June of 2021. During Wellesley, her love for sport and passion to use the power of sport to change the world led her to an internship at Nike, Inc.’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
Currently residing in Portland, Oregon, Abigail has been at Nike, Inc. full time for three years and leads global initiatives on Nike’s Business Diversity & Inclusion work. Sitting at the intersection of Global Procurement and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Abigail’s work centers around making meaningful economic impact in historically underrepresented communities globally by influencing purchasing patterns and working with certified diverse owned businesses on key projects spanning the Nike, Converse, and Jordan brands. She has been nominated for internal Nike awards for her accomplishments in driving meaningful change and has twice been recognized in Nike’s external reporting as a key employee driving progress towards Nike, Inc.’s publicly stated Purpose goals. Outside of work, Abigail is involved in the Wellesley Alumnae Group of Portland, Oregon and gives back to her community through different volunteering efforts. She loves exploring new skiing territory and is always up for new adventures and exploration of new places.
“I am learning how to be more confidently Jewish and how to bring the teachings that I learned from my time with my Birthright group into everyday life. From themes such as allowing light in on Shabbat to waking up and saying a prayer, I am yearning to further incorporate my Jewish identity into my everyday life.”
