2021-2022 Kol Koleinu Fellows

Gabrielle Biederman is a senior at Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad, CA. Gabrielle loves to create all kinds of art and she is passionate about animals and the environment. Gabrielle is a member of Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego, CA and serves as the social action vice president of the synagogue’s youth group, BITY. She also attends Camp Mountain Chai. Gabrielle is a returning fellow and launched Chaverim del Mundo with Maya Lurvey last year.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu as a returning fellow in hopes of further developing my leadership and public speaking skills. I am also very excited to continue my social action project from last year and I hope to expand and improve upon it this year! Ultimately, I hope to be able to make a tangible, positive change in my broader community.”

Gabrielle Biederman 

Gloria Blumenkrantz is a junior at Frank McCourt High School in New York City, NY, where she is a Peer Group Connection mentor. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and photography. Gloria is a member of Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, NY where she is on the board of the congregation’s youth group BESTY. She is also a member of NFTY NAR and a Rosh Hodesh group. In the 2020-21 year of Kol Koleinu, Gloria worked with Foster Schrader to create Pinch our Petals: An Anthology on Gender.

“My time in the Kol Koleinu fellowship last year really allowed me to break out of my shell in multiple ways. I’m very excited to start a new year of Kol Koleinu with a fresh start!”

Gloria Blumenkrantz

Jacki Brant is a junior at San Marcos High School in San Marcos, CA. She is president of her school’s Jewish Student Union, part of the Associated Student Body leadership program, and on varsity lacrosse team. She is also a member of Temple Solel in Cardiff, CA and a member of a Rosh Hodesh group. In her free time, Jacki enjoys spending time with her friends and snowboarding. 

“The main goal I want to achieve through the fellowship program would be a better understanding of the feminist movement as a whole and what being a feminist means to other members. I feel as though these experiences would help me fully develop my grasp on my own feminist identity.”

Jacki Brant

Sydney Chow is a junior at Newton South High School in Newton, MA where she is part of her theater program and UNICEF club. She participates in Temple Beth Avodah’s Social Justice club and assists in the congregation’s Hebrew school. Sydney is a member of a Rosh Hodesh group and attends Maine Arts Camp. Sydney loves to perform and enjoys singing and dancing.

“I applied for Kol Koleinu because social justice and feminism are topics I am interested in. I am excited to be in a group of people who have the same interest and passions as me.”

Sydney Chow

Hana Collison-Zeldes is a sophomore at San Dieguito High School Academy in Encinitas, CA. She is the president of her school’s Take Action Club, created specifically for volunteer work and communal projects. Hana is a member of Temple Solel in Cardiff, CA and attends Camp Simcha. She is passionate about dance, design, modeling, and all forms of art.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu to be a part of something bigger, to advocate on feminist issues and help empower others. I am looking forward to working with a group of like-minded teens and implementing passion projects in our communities. I hope to gain greater knowledge about feminism and social injustice so that I can teach others and continue the movement.”

Hana Collison-Zeldes

Amelia Erdman is a senior at Deerfield High School in Deerfield, IL. She is very passionate about social justice and has a specific interest in gender studies and inclusivity. Amelia is a member of Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim in Deerfield, IL. She loves discovering new music, refining her Spanish speaking skills, and volunteering at her local food pantry each week.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because of the great appeal of being a part of and engaging in a Feminist space, especially one consisting of my peers. I hope that this fellowship will help me to expand upon my social justice education through research, discussion, and opportunities to learn from others.”

Amelia Erdman

Tabitha Feldman is a sophomore at El Camino Real high school in Los Angeles, CA, recently moving from Oregon. She enjoys reading, studying Judaism, acting in school plays, and watching movies.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu to expand my feminist knowledge alongside a group of like-minded individuals. I recently moved from Portland, OR to Los Angeles and I’m looking forward to being part of this Jewish community as I settle into my new home.”

Tabitha Feldman

Jayden Fogel is a Senior at New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL. She was a Jewish Teen Alliance of Chicago 18 Under 18 Honoree in 2020-2021, served on her school’s COVID-19 Re-Opening Advisory Board, and was the president of her synagogue’s USY chapter, along with many other leadership positions.  She is a member of Am Yisrael Congregation in Northfield, IL and attends JCC Camp Chi. Jayden is passionate about social justice and loves to play with her puppy, Effie.

“I am interested in being a part of Kol Koleinu: A Teen Feminist Fellowship to continue and deepen my knowledge and understanding of current and past female issues. I am excited about this program because I also have a goal to create change. I think that this would be a great opportunity to meet others who share that goal.”

Jayden Fogel

Leah Frankel is a junior at Boulder High School in Boulder, CO. She is a member of Congregation Har HaShem in Boulder, CO and attends Camp Ramah of the Rockies. She also participates in the Boulder JCC High School Culture Club. Leah is a middle child of three girls and has been interested in social justice issues from a young age. In her free time, she loves to sing, make art, read, hike, and listen to music.

“Kol Koleinu offers a space to explore myself as a Jewish feminist and have meaningful conversations with others who bring the same amount of enthusiasm to the space as me. I hope to deepen my relationship with feminist topics, and how it coincides with Judaism in my life.”

Leah Frankel

Sara Frankel is a junior at Lower Moreland High School in Huntingdon Valley, PA. She is president of BAFTY/NFTY and a member of a Rosh Hodesh group at Old York Road Temple-Beth Am. Sara is a member of National Honors Society and participates in clubs like World Affairs Council and Girl Up 2030. She loves a good book, especially fiction, and learning new things.

“‘Do it for Her.’ Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late Supreme Court Justice, has always been a role model for me. When I discovered Kol Koleinu, it felt as if the final piece of the puzzle was clicking into place. I became instantly excited at the prospect of collaborating with other like-minded fellows where we could work together on ideas and projects that would have a positive impact on the world around us. I want to be a part of it for her, for me, and for all the other young girls out there seeking the kind of role models that have inspired me to this point.”

Sara Frankel

Hannah Fremmer is a junior at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, NY. She is an ambassador for the Manhattan chapter of Letters for Rose and is interested in environmentalism. Hannah is a member of Ansche Chesed in New York City, NY and in a Rosh Hodesh group. She also attends Eden Village Camp. Hannah enjoys painting, photography, and baking.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I wanted to learn about how social justice, feminism, and Judaism connect. I go to a public school, so I am looking forward to having a Jewish community to talk to.”

Hannah Fremmer

Hallel(i) Abrams Gerber is a sophomore at The Bronx High School of Science in New York City, NY. She is a member of Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale in Bronx, NY and attends Camp Yavneh. Hallel is part of her school’s journalism program, a member of their speech and debate team, and an avid reader.

“Not only do I want to continue to embrace my Judaism and develop a more nuanced and grounded relationship to feminism, I also am aware that my prejudices, and those of others my age, can have serious and harmful repercussions. I want to educate myself and my peers as well as learn how to combat bias. I believe that Kol Koleinu is a place to take on these biases, gain more perspective, and create a world in which everyone feels a sense of belonging.”

Hallel(i) Abrams Gerber

Noa Glezer is a sophomore at the Abraham Joshua Heschel School in New York City, NY. She is on the Hesed and Tzedek council of Heschel School’s student government, the co-captain of Israel club, and plays on her school soccer team. She is also a member of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Manhattan, NY. Noa is passionate about English and Social Studies and spends her free time playing music and hanging out with friends.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I am passionate about both social justice and social action, and I want to create positive change in my community. I hope to further my leadership and activist skills by taking on social justice projects and strengthening my voice so I can inspire more young women to speak up and use their voices to impact their communities.”

Noa Glezer 

Miriam Goldel is a sophomore at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD, where she plays softball and volleyball and staffs the school newspaper and yearbook. Miriam has served on the chapter board for Beyla, her BBYO chapter, and was a Youth Creating Change (YCC) Fellow. She is a member of Congregation Har Shalom in Potomac, MD and enjoys spending her summers at Camp Ramah in New England. Miriam likes baking, reading, photography, and traveling. She is very passionate about fighting food injustice, gender inequality, and racism.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to explore and deepen my Jewish feminist knowledge, strengthen and share my opinions on the issues that I am passionate about, and learn the skills to actively promote change on these issues and other social justice issues. I am looking forward to meeting others who are learning about and passionate about issues that I care deeply about, so together we can build community and help each other advance social change.”

Miriam Goldel

Sarah Gorman is a junior at Montville Township High School in Montville, NJ. She belongs to Temple Beth Am Youth Group in Parsippany, NJ and has attended URJ Eisner Camp. She loves to read and play field hockey as well as track. Sarah is passionate about writing, and in her spare time likes to listen to music and watch movies.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu in hopes of bridging the gap between my Jewish and feminist identities. Both my Judaism and feminism have influenced my life tremendously thus far, and I look forward to meeting other people who share these passions. I can’t wait to participate in Kol Koleinu and further enrich myself as well as my community!”

Sarah Gorman

Emma Green is a senior at Needham High School in Needham, MA. She is part of her high school’s sailing club, ski club and ultimate frisbee team. Emma is a member of Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, MA and she enjoys reading, dogs, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends and family. She is also passionate about mental health and reproductive rights issues.

“Since becoming a Kol Koleinu fellow last year, I have opened my eyes to prevalent feminist issues that affect myself and my community. The teaching projects from myself and other fellows as well as constructing my social change project have provided me with passion and awareness for a variety of feminist issues and how it relates to Judaism. I am looking forward to another wonderful experience in the fellowship!”

Emma Green 

Sonia Gustavson is a sophomore at Colorado Academy in Denver, CO. She has participated in several Model UN conferences. Sonia is a member of Congregation Beth Evergreen in Evergreen, CO and its Rosh Hodesh group. She is very passionate about human rights, animal rights, and social justice. She loves to draw, paint, read, bake, hang out with friends, watch movies, and study French.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because it is the perfect opportunity to discuss the issues that I am so passionate about. I hope to gain more of an understanding of feminism and social justice and start on the path to creating tangible change. I am really looking forward to meeting friendly, like-minded people and learning more about Judaism, feminism, and the connections between the two.”

Sonia Gustavson 

Rebecca Hensley is a junior at Chaparral High School in Parker, CO. She is a religious educator at her synagogue, Hebrew Educational Alliance, and serves as both historian and recruitment and retention director of the youth group: Mile Chai. In addition, Rebecca was selected as the Anti-Defamation League’s Mountain States peer intern. She also waitresses at Texas Roadhouse. Rebecca is passionate about protecting her community.

“I’m heavily involved in Jewish life – I teach Hebrew and serve as Vice President of Mile Chai. I’m dedicated to opposing persecution, especially within Jewish circles. Kol Koleinu promises to foster my activism and help me combat antisemitism: a disgustingly ubiquitous attitude.”

Rebecca Hensley

Samantha Kaplan is a junior at Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco, CA. She works on the school yearbook and is a member of both the Jewish Student Union and Gender-Sexuality Alliance. She is a member of The Kitchen, an independent Jewish community in San Francisco, CA. Sam is interested in food and history, and in her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her dog, Shiloh.

“I am interested in being a part of Kol Koleinu because my passion for feminism and activism hasn’t yet had a chance to cross paths with my appreciation for Jewish culture, history, and study. I hope to gain education, collaboration, and friendship from the fellowship, and gain the skills I need so that I can go into the world and make change with a knowledge base for my passion.”

Samantha Kaplan

Nadine Katz lives in Larchmont, NY with her family. She is a junior at Mamaroneck High School and a member of Larchmont Temple, Har Chayim Larchmont, NY where she participates in youth chorus. In the great tradition of the diaspora, Nadine is Argentinian through her mother and Austrian-American through her father, providing her with a truly globalist perspective. Nadine serves as the NFTY NAR Westchester-Fairfield Sub-regional Director. She attends URJ Eisner Camp and is a member of a Rosh Hodesh group. Nadine is currently working on her 5K and her German.

“My interest in participating in Kol Koleinu is rooted in my commitment to continuing to become an active participant within the Jewish youth movement—locally, nationally, and internationally. As a Jewish young woman, I have an obligation to articulate and educate my peers in circumstances where my understanding of feminism and gender equality can further social, political, and economic justice.”

Nadine Katz

Olivia Katz is a junior at Clairemont High School in San Diego, CA. She is on her school’s swim team and helps backstage at her school’s theater program. She is a member of Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego, CA and its Rosh Hodesh group, and attends Camp Mountain Chai. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, reading, and cooking.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to further my knowledge of feminist ideas and learn how to look at them through a Jewish lens. I am looking forward to working with other Jewish feminists like myself to create positive change in our communities.”

Olivia Katz 

Savannah Keith is a sophomore at Torrey Pines High School in San Diego, CA. She is president of the sophomore class and is on her school’s varsity dance team. Savannah is a member of Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego, CA, where she is part of Beth Israel Temple Youth (BITY) and its Rosh Hodesh group. She attended summer camp at Camp Mountain Chai. She loves to travel, bake, and spend time with her friends and family.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I wanted the opportunity to grow as a person and as part of a community, and to create change around me. I am looking forward to learning about feminism and social justice, as well as spreading the knowledge I gain to help make a difference. I am excited to work with others who think similarly to me, and collaborate in making our world a better place.”

Savannah Keith

Simone Kimelman-Block is a junior at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, MD. This past year, she directed a play, helped create her school yearbook, and worked at a farmers’ market. She is a member of Tifereth Israel Congregation in Washington, D.C., participates in USY, and attends Camp Tel Yehuda. In her free time, Simone loves to sing, hike, and listen to music.

“I am looking forward to learning and exploring feminism in Judaism and meet others who are interested in the same topics.”

Simone Kimelman-Block

Tamar Ladd is a junior at High Tech High Mesa in San Diego, CA. She is active in leadership roles at her high school such as Associated Student Body president, and at her synagogue, Congregation Dor Hadash in San Diego, CA, including madrichim and teen leadership council. She attends Camp Gilboa is also part of Habonim Dror Gilboa Tzedek. She is passionate about social justice causes and loves art, design, and theater.

“I would like to share my voice in the Jewish community and help create visible change. I wish to learn more about feminism and to connect feminism to my Jewish identity and my passion for social justice. I want to increase my self-awareness and insight about intersectionality and feminism in the Jewish community. I wish to educate my peers, friends, and community about feminism and counter common misunderstandings and stereotypes attached to the word. I hope to spread the idea that feminism is a positive social movement that benefits everyone.”

Tamar Ladd

Leah Levitan is a junior at Lower Moreland High School in Huntingdon Valley, PA. She loves participating in her school’s World Affairs Council and Students Against Melanoma Club, and she is a junior THON head at her school’s mini-THON. She is a member of Ha Lev Community in Montgomery County, PA. In her free time, Leah loves listening to records, reading books, and spending time with loved ones.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I always find myself wanting to talk with my peers about feminist issues and this would be the perfect experience to do that with like-minded teens. I look forward to making new friendships, discussing important feminist topics, and doing research with other Kol Koleinu members to propose ideas!”

Leah Levitan

Isabelle (Izy) Lusk is a junior at The Beacon School in New York City, NY. She loves music, specifically playing the guitar, ukulele, and piano, along with reading, writing, and snowboarding. Izy is on the leadership team of her school’s literary magazine and is a proud member of her synagogue, SAJ. She is a member of BBYO and Tzelem. Izy is a returning fellow and launched Finding Feminism: An Anthology of Women in Literature with Maya Gardos and Samantha Renzulli.

“I am so excited to be a returning fellow this year, especially after how much I learned from my peers last year. I can’t wait to see what the new and other fellows are passionate about, along with making more friends. I’m hoping to find more social justice topics I am passionate about this year, and to learn as much as I can about them.”

Isabelle (Izy) Lusk

Orelle Magnani is a senior at Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, PA. She is part of the Congregation Beth Shalom community in Pittsburgh, PA and a member of a Rosh Hodesh group. Orelle is passionate about political advocacy and psychology. She also loves playing with her dog, volunteering, and reading.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I believe that social and political change is only possible through a feminist framework. I want to see a world where women are valued for their intellect, not their appearance.”

Orelle Magnani

Yael Mainzer is a sophomore at Atlanta Jewish Academy in Atlanta, GA, where she plays volleyball, basketball, and tennis and is a staff editor for her school’s yearbook. She is a member of Congregation Ohr HaTorah in Atlanta, GA and attends Camp Yavneh. Yael enjoys traveling, and in her free time likes to bake and spend time with friends.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to gain skills, experiences, and connections that will help me grow as a leader who is able to create change. I hope to make new friends who are passionate about the same things I am, and I hope to learn how to properly initiate conversations with adults and authority figures about the inequities that I see taking place around me. I am looking forward to growing as a person and as a Jewish feminist.”

Yael Mainzer

Maya Martinez Lurvey is a junior at Westridge School for Girls in Pasadena, CA. She is the president of a club dedicated to educational equity, leads a student group uplifting the voices of minority students on campus, and plays for her school’s varsity basketball and tennis teams. Maya is a member of Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center in Pasadena, CA and USY. She is interested in activism, sports, gardening, and neuroscience. In her free time, she enjoys going on long hikes, trying new foods, and volunteering in her community. She is a returning fellow and launched Chaverim del Mundo with Gabrielle Biederman last year.

“Kol Koleinu provides me with a sense of community that allows me to feel welcomed in a Jewish space. As a returning fellow, I look forward to continuing my research project exploring environmental racism, assisting new fellows, and continuing my journey as a Jewish feminist.”

Maya Martinez Lurvey

Jules Maylott is a junior at the Downingtown STEM Academy in Downingtown, PA. He is a vice president of his school’s chapter of the High School Democrats of America and is part of Movie Magic Club and Tabletop Games Club. Jules is a member of Kesher Israel Congregation in West Chester, PA. He likes to play video/tabletop games, read, hang out with friends and family, and “nerding out.” “

I applied to Kol Koleinu in order to learn more about feminism and issues that affect women and other gender minorities. I’m looking forward to meeting other passionate people who want to change the world. I hope to learn how to effectively fight discrimination and fight for change.”

Jules Maylott

Riley Mehall is a senior at West Bloomfield High School in West Bloomfield, MI. She is a Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholar and a Virtual Visionary with Michigan Women Forward. Riley is passionate about reproductive healthcare access and food justice. She serves as president of the Volunteer Impact Program at her school, is a member of the Cinema Club and Sisters in Society. In her free time, she likes to read, cook, travel, and go for walks outside.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu hoping to develop my feminist and Jewish identities. I am very excited to see the many ways social justice and Judaism intersect. I look forward to learning alongside likeminded teens as well as utilizing the resources and opportunities Kol Koleinu provides.”

Riley Mehall

Dahlia Miller is a junior at The Beacon School in New York City, NY. She lives with her parents and older brother and attends services and Hebrew school at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, NY, where she is also a madricha (teaching assistant), a BeSTY/NFTY board member, and a member of a Rosh Hodesh group. In her free time, Dahlia studies dances with the Mark Morris Dance Group’s Student Company, reads voraciously, and attempts to keep peers civically engaged. She is a returning fellow and launched “Periods and ME: Menstruation Education” with Orli Hockenstein last year.

“I re-applied to Kol Koleinu because, in the last year, my experience collaborating with and learning from feminist peers has been incredibly rewarding. I am looking forward to meeting a new group of excited teen feminists and using our different perspectives, along with our collective commitment to Judaism, to implement change.”

Dahlia Miller

Avivah Mitchel is a junior at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, MI and is a writing tutor for the Skyline Writing center. Avivah is the president of Michigan region’s only co-ed chapter, Hatmadah BBYO, and is involved in the Sunrise Movement Ann Arbor hub. She is a member of Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor, MI. She also enjoys making art, mainly focusing on watercolor painting, embroidery, and drawing.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I am very passionate about my Jewish and feminist identities and hope to expand my understanding of how the two intersect. This opportunity will also give me a variety of perspectives and ideas around Jewish and feminist concepts, as well as allow me to have a space to share my own perspective and knowledge.”

Avivah Mitchel

Alex Nelson is a junior at Del Norte High School in San Diego, CA. She is the founder of Women4Women, plays volleyball for her high school team, and actively participates in Peer Counseling. She is a member of Temple Adat Shalom in Poway, CA and participated in Temple Youth Group TASTY prior to COVID. She is also a member of Rosh Hodesh. Alex loves history and psychology, and her favorite tv show is Grey’s Anatomy.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu right as my club was being started. I loved the idea of learning more about feminism and making changes in our society, and I believe that what I learn could be used to benefit both Kol Koleinu and my school. I’m looking forward to meeting people who share the same passions as I do, as well as learning from what Kol Koleinu has to offer!”

Alex Nelson

Tal Pemstein is a senior at Newton North High School in Newton, MA. Tal participates in theatre as an actor and a director, they are the club manager and sing in their school’s co-ed a cappella group, and they study Talmud as part of Hebrew College’s Teen Beit Midrash. Tal is a member of the Newton Centre Minyan. In their spare time, Tal loves reading, doing sudoku, and playing Bananagrams.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because it seems like the perfect opportunity to connect Judaism with feminism and other topics related to social justice. I am dedicated to making the communities I am a part of more inclusive and supportive of people of all genders, and I am so excited about working with other like-minded teens to achieve real change!”

Tal Pemstein

Samantha Renzulli is a senior at Fairfield Warde High School in Fairfield, CT. She is a member of Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport, CT. She pursues creativity as VP of Music Honors Society, Asst. Editor of the Warde Focus Newspaper, and through Acappella, poetry, piano, and guitar. She is proudly President of Warde’s Best Buddies chapter, a Teen Trainer for the ADL, and founder of the Merkaz Mobile Mitzvot philanthropic aid and support initiative. She is also improving her proficiency in Spanish and ASL. Samantha is a returning fellow and launched Finding Feminism: An Anthology of Women in Literature with Maya Gardos and Izy Lusk. 

“Prior to my experience with Kol Koleinu this past year, my feminism was strong in conviction, passionate in challenging personal injustices, but I was unequipped and unsure how to expand my efforts to my larger community. Through this program, I am learning how to do so; how to integrate feminism (through personally developed mediums) into society. There is so much more I can learn about modern issues from more teens, more complex understandings I can tackle with others, and as a returning fellow, I wish to bring my experience of learning, and setbacks, and lessons, to others.”

Samantha Renzulli

Dahlia Rosenthal is a senior at Upper Dublin High School in Fort Washington, PA. She is passionate about expanding her world view and teaching others about her perspective. Dahlia looks at the world with a skeptical eye and a feminist lens. She is a member of Temple Sinai in Dresher, PA and attends Camp Galil, which teaches her about social justice and helps her practice her leadership skills.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because it focuses on two defining parts of my identity, Feminism, and Judaism. I am looking forward to having enlightening conversations, and diversifying mine, and other people’s points of view.”

Dahlia Rosenthal

Leah Schutz is a senior at Queens Metropolitan High School in Queens, NY. She is the co-founder and president of her school’s American Sign Language Club and is a member of her school’s art club. Leah is a member of Forest Hills Jewish Center and is part of USY. She also attends Sababa Surf Camp. Leah is passionate about art and in her spare time she tutors Italian.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I am interested in pursuing gender/women studies, and I feel that the best way to fully begin my journey in this realm is to learn about my passions while being surrounded by a group of people like me. My hope for participating is to gain tools that can help me strengthen and potentially reshape my preexisting viewpoints.”

Leah Schutz

Gabriella Schwager is a senior at Harriton High School in Lower Merion, PA. She is treasurer of her school’s Latin Club and co-president of its Book Club. Gabriella is a member of Congregation Mishkan Shalom in Philadelphia, PA and attends Camp Havaya. In her spare time, she can be found reading, writing, and listening to 2000s pop rock.

“I would really like to meet likeminded peers — other people who are Jewish and focus on progressive causes. Meeting other Jewish people who are interested in the same things as I really changed the trajectory of my Jewish identity, and I’d love to continue doing that.”

Gabriella Schwager

Kayla Shapira-Stern is a junior at SAR High School in Riverdale, NY. She enjoys learning history and Talmud and participates in musical theater productions at the Riverdale Y. Kayla is a member of Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale in Bronx, NY and has a passion for dancing and baking.

“I care deeply about social justice issues and look forward to expanding my knowledge about these issues as well as learn how to use my voice to speak up about them. I’m also excited to discuss and share my beliefs with like-minded people.”

Kayla Shapira-Stern

Juliette Silk is a senior at Scarsdale High School in Scarsdale, NY. She is a Model UN officer and the founder and president of a Women for Women club at her high school. She is a team leader for the Scolios-us Bracing Mentor Program. Juliette is a member of Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, NY and BBYO. She also participates in teen programs through her synagogue and the JCC of Mid-Westchester. Juliette is passionate about art and loves to paint and write poetry in her free time.

“I applied to be a Kol Koleinu fellow because I hope to expand my interest in women’s issues by implementing social change to help women in my community and abroad, while also making connections with other teens within the Jewish community. I would like to build upon the valuable work I am doing for the organization Women for Women, which merges my interest in global, humanitarian issues with my interest in women’s issues.”

Juliette Silk

Alexandra Sinins is a senior at Kent Place School in Summit, NJ. She is president of Student Affairs, a committee for all student activities and clubs, president of the club GLAM’D (Girls Learning and Making a Difference) and plays soccer and basketball for Kent Place. Alex is a member of Congregation B’nai Israel in Millburn, NJ and attended Harbor Hills Kids Summer Day Camp and Campus Kids NJ. She is passionate about humanities, and, in her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family and friends and playing with her dogs.

“I am interested in being a part of Kol Koleinu because I want to immerse myself in feminist issues and introduce myself to new opinions and voices from Jewish teens all around the country to create positive change. I hope to gain a greater understanding of the pressing issues of my community from Kol Koleinu and learn from my peer’s new perspectives and ways of thinking.”

Alexandra Sinins

Sadie Solomon is a junior at Wellesley High School in Wellesley Hills, MA. She is a member of Temple Beth Eloheim in Wellesley, MA, where she participates in Challah Back Girls (Rosh Hodesh group). She attends URJ-Crane Lake Camp and is a member of BBYO. She is very social, plays the violin and guitar, runs cross country and track. Sadie loves to be in nature and is pretty adventurous.

“To me, Judaism is an interpretation of faith that is different for all participants. My connection is through collaboration, bonding, and the continuation of our principles into the modern world. I hope that this fellowship will include the struggles of women and members of minority communities in the preservation of the story of the Jewish people, allowing us to tell the stories of each member of our empowered community.”

Sadie Solomon

Tessa Spear is a senior at Beacon High School in New York City, NY, where she is a leader of the Poetry and Current Event clubs at her school. She is a member of Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, NY and attends URJ-Crane Lake Camp. Tessa enjoys running and hanging out with friends in her free time.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu to strengthen my relationships between spirituality and political activism. After taking an intro to gender studies class, I realized how surface level my understanding of feminism and all of its intersectionalities. I look forward to working with a group of young curious leaders to deepen our understandings and put our goals into action!”

Tessa Spear

Liv Stoopack is a senior at the Institute for Collaborative Education in New York City, NY. She is a member of Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, NY. Liv is a member of Rosh Hodesh and attends URJ-Crane Lake Camp.

Sophie Taylor is a junior at Abington Senior High School in Abington, PA. She is recording secretary of Student Council and the features editor of the school newspaper. Sophie is also a part of her high school’s tennis team and is a competitive dancer. She is a member of Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, PA, KFTY, NFTY, and was previously in a Rosh Hodesh group.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu so that I would be able to further my knowledge on feminism in relation to Judaism. I am looking forward to not only sharing my opinions, but also listening to other passionate fellows’ views on topics. I hope through this program I will improve upon my public speaking skills and learn how to voice my beliefs.”

Sophie Taylor

Lauren Vegas is a senior at Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, TX. She plays varsity volleyball and softball and enjoys volunteering at a local children’s museum. Lauren is also president of her local chapter of BBYO, teaches at the Hebrew school of Congregation Agudas Achim in San Antonio, TX, and works as a bagger at the grocery store. She attends Herzel Camp.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I was very excited by the opportunity to study the intersectionality of feminism and Judaism while meeting and discussing with like-minded teens. I believe this fellowship will facilitate the expansion my beliefs regarding feminism through a Jewish lens and deepen my knowledge and involvement in the feminist movement.”

Lauren Vegas

Mia Vorkoper is a sophomore at Mercer Island High School in Mercer Island, WA. She is currently a communications vice president for USY, and she plays volleyball for her high school. Mia is a member of Temple De Hirsch Sinai in Seattle, WA. She is passionate about drama, art, and baking.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu looking to see fresh perspectives and help create a difference in our world. I’m looking forward to interacting with new people, as well as learning more about things I’m passionate about. I hope to create strong relationships with my peers and use my voice alongside them to make a change.”

Mia Vorkoper

Stella Weiss is a senior at Cherry Creek High School in Denver, CO. She is a regional treasurer for BBYO and is the manager of her high school’s school store. She is a member of B’nai Havurah in Denver, CO and attends Camp Kamaji. Stella loves to cook and bake in her free time as well as try new arts and crafts projects.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because it is the perfect opportunity for me to combine my passions and explore how feminism intersects with my Jewish identity with the support and friendship of fellow Jewish teens. I am looking forward to meeting new teens and participating in projects and discussions. I want to learn how I can empower not only women but all individuals who experience prejudice.”

Stella Weiss

Julia White is a junior at Bentley Upper School in Piedmont, CA. She is a member of Temple Beth Abraham and Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, CA, and a member of a Rosh Hodesh group. Julia attends Camp Tawonga. She loves baking delicious, gluten-free desserts for her friends and family and expressing her creativity through directing in theatre. Julia is a returning Kol Koleinu fellow and launched Boss(y): Exploring the double standard in all areas of female life with Michayla Brown last year.

“I re-applied to Kol Koleinu in the hopes of furthering all of the amazing skills I was able to build last year, as well as passing those skills on to younger fellows. I can’t wait to embark on a brand-new project that can truly make a difference.”

Julia White

Mayah Windt is a junior at West High School in Torrance, CA. She is a member of Temple Menorah in Redondo Beach, CA and lives in Los Angeles. In her spare time, she loves baking, exercising, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I believe it will allow me to not only to grow as a feminist but as a Jew. I wanted to surround myself with people who are similar to me and don’t disregard what I am saying.”

Mayah Windt

Rachel Zacky is a sophomore at Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles, CA. She is a part of many school clubs and is a part of her school water polo team. Rachel is a member of Adat Ari El in Valley Village, CA and USY, and attends Gindling Hilltop Camp. She is passionate about helping others, and in her spare time she likes to read and spend time with her friends and family.

“I applied to Kol Koleinu because I want to learn to embrace being a Jewish woman and learn to better the world. I am looking forward to meeting the other fellows and hopefully being able to have an in-person retreat in March!”

Rachel Zacky