IU HILLEL STAFF

"I’m a Hoosier through and through, born and raised in Indianapolis. I attended Indiana University, where I earned a degree in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures along with a Certificate in Jewish Studies. For more than three decades, I’ve served the Greater Indianapolis community as an entrepreneur, volunteer, and Jewish communal professional, always committed to building strong and successful initiatives.

I bring experience from both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, from launching startups and creating new departments and programs to leading large, community-wide initiatives. Most recently, I oversaw operations at the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, where I served as Chief Community Operations Officer. During my time there, I was proud to help create Safe Indiana, a safety and security initiative supporting more than 60 Jewish community organizations across the state.

Outside of work, I’m a husband and proud father of three amazing kids.”

“From 1963 to 1974, I served at the Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, working as a counselor, specialist, unit head, and assistant director. I studied at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem and Cincinnati from 1972 through my ordination in 1977. During that time, I became Director of the URJ’s Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI), where I proudly served for more than 30 years.

After retiring with my wife Juca to Bloomington, I’ve continued my lifelong commitment to Jewish education, health and safety, and building strong, connected communities.”

“I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Management from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Before joining the team at IU Hillel, I served as the Youth Engagement Director at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. While in that role, I was also a Camp Leader and Synagogue Professional (CLASP) Fellow, supporting recruitment and programming for Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI), a Reform Jewish summer camp just outside Indianapolis.

Before working in the Jewish professional world, I built experience in the restaurant industry, including restaurant marketing and management.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, stamp collecting, hiking, playing with my dog Minerva, and traveling to national parks with my wife, Jillian.”

“I bring a strong background in management, team leadership, business development, and strategic partnerships. Most recently, I worked with an Israeli startup where I played a key role in launching an innovative piece of assistive technology that has made a significant impact in the industry.

Motivated by the way Hillel supported my own children in the face of rising campus antisemitism, especially following the October 7th tragedy in Israel, i felt called to refocus my career on supporting the Jewish community. I am deeply committed to ensuring Jewish institutions remain safe, vibrant, and well-organized spaces for all.

I live in Bloomington with my husband, Motti, and together we are proud parents to eight children, one grandchild, and two beloved dogs!”

“I’m Becca, originally from Dayton, Ohio, and a recent graduate of Muhlenberg College, where I earned my degree in Business Administration and Judaic Studies. Before joining IU Hillel as the Springboard Fellow, I spent summers at Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) as a camp counselor and Kitchen Steward, and I also worked as a development intern at the Lehigh Valley Jewish Community Center.

I’m passionate about building community and am so excited to connect with students over coffee chats, ice cream trips, and fun events at Hillel, on campus, and throughout Bloomington. In my free time, I love cooking and exploring arts and crafts, especially with my new sewing machine.”

“I started my career in Jewish education right here at IU Hillel 23 years ago, and I’m so excited to be back. I’m a born and bred Bloomingtonian with deep community roots, and I spent 16 years as a high school teacher after my training at the Pardes Institute of Advanced Jewish Studies.

More than anything, I want you to feel connected to your Jewish identity in ways that feel meaningful to you. Outside of Hillel, I love to knit, sew, thrift, spoil my senior mutt, Henry (16 years old and going strong!), visit the local farmer’s market, and support local businesses.”

“I’m Diana, you can also call me '“Diana Indiana”. I’m from Givatayim, a city right next to Tel Aviv, and grew up a true city girl. A few years ago, I went to a Shlichut at a JCC summer camp in Metairie, New Orleans. Later, I decided to get closer to nature and moved to a kibbutz near the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. That’s where I earned my B.A. in Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology from Kinneret Academic College. While studying, I also worked as a youth counselor in an informal education program.

“In my free time, you’ll probably find me jogging outdoors or at a yoga class. If you live close to me, you might hear me singing out loud while I cook (vegetarian only but I promise it’s delicious!). I also love quiet moments with a good book and my sweet cat, Golda, by my side.”

“I’m here for the free trips to Israel. I went on Birthright as a student and loved it so much that by my senior year, I went back, but this time as a staff member. Now, I get to keep the magic going as an IACT.

Originally from Mexico City, I earned my bachelor’s in business at Emory University, spent some time living it up in Miami, decided alligators aren’t exactly the friendliest neighbors, so I went for the complete opposite, possums, bunnies, and deer in Bloomington, Indiana.

I grew up in a very conservative family but found my place at Hillel as a Reform Jew. I love baking challah, so on Thursdays you’ll probably find me in the kitchen, covered in flour and halfway through braiding a batch. When I’m not having fun at Hillel, I’m probably working out, reading novels (Hufflepuff here), or spending time with my boyfriend, Mikolaj.

I function on caffeine, so if you want (free) coffee, and to give me an excuse to drink some myself, reach out! Want a free trip to Israel too? Definitely reach out to me.”