Student Leadership

UConn Hillel is dedicated to fostering leadership skills among students. Committed to empowering the next generation of leaders, Hillel encourages students to take on impactful roles in our community. Through the student board, internships, and ambassador program, Hillel equips students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in leadership positions.

Students, if you are interested in a leadership position at UConn Hillel, please contact Edina Oestreicher.

Student Board

President

Molly Meyerson

president@uconnhillel.org

CLASS: 2027
MAJOR: ASL Studies & Elementary Education

Hi! My name is Molly and I am a Junior here at UConn. I am from Long Island, New York! I am a dual major in ASL Studies with a concentration in interpreting and Elementary Education major with an English concentration. I reluctantly came to Hillel through the FYSH (First Year Students of Hillel) Fest program and have never looked back! UConn Hillel has provided the opportunity to meet my best friends and grow as a person and leader. This is the community I did not know I needed before coming to UConn!

Outside of Hillel, I am in Alpha Omicron Pi (GO GREEK!) and ASL Club. I also studied abroad in Puerto Rico with the ASL program over winter break during my sophomore year, which was the best experience of my life! When I am home, I work as a camp counselor at a Jewish day camp with the musical theater group choreographing and directing the shows! I am a huge sports fan...My favorite teams are the New York Yankees, New York Islanders, and Buffalo Bills! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or just want to chit chat!

Vice President

Amy Erlichson

vicepresident@uconnhillel.org

CLASS: 2027
MAJOR: Elementary Education, Spanish Minor

Hi! My name is Amy, and I am a Junior here at UConn from New Jersey! My major is Elementary Education with an English concentration and a minor in Spanish. I came to Hillel for Shabbat, my very first week of freshman year, and have been coming here ever since. UConn Hillel has given me the chance to meet new people and grow as a leader in this new leadership position. Hillel has created a welcoming community for me as an out-of-state student, and I’ve had a fantastic time here!

Outside of Hillel, I'm a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a community service fraternity, and Her Campus, a national organization of writers on college campuses. I also LOVE attending sports games. When I'm home, I work as a camp counselor at a day camp for preschoolers! As I mentioned, I’m a huge sports fan... I love to talk about anything WNBA-related and the UConn basketball teams, so if you see me around Hillel, definitely come say hi! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat!

Treasurer

Ethan Goldman

CLASS: 2029

MAJOR: Pre-Sport Management

Hi! My name is Ethan, I am a Freshman. I am originally from Maryland, and love my hometown. I first got involved with Hillel through FYSH Fest. I did FYSH Fest because I knew it was a good way to meet new people on campus and it was also good to move in early. Being on Hillel board was an easy way to get involved on campus because I am in the building so often with my friends.

Outside of Hillel, I am a fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, as I have been my whole life. I also love going to UConn basketball games and I try to camp out whenever I can. Some of my hobbies include going to the beach and watching movies with my friends. I'm excited to be this year's Treasurer!

Media Chair

Ava Gutterson

CLASS: 2028
MAJOR: Psychological Sciences, Digital Media & Design (Business Strategies)

Hi! My name is Ava, and I am a sophomore here at UConn. I first connected with Hillel through the FYSH Fest program and quickly found it to be a place I could call home. Being a part of UConn Hillel has allowed me to utilize my love for creativity in meaningful ways, and I am excited to help share the stories and events that make our community special through our social media platforms.

Outside of Hillel, I’m heavily involved with sports media and creative production. I am an intern for UConn Athletics Broadcast and Creative Video Services, and cover UConn games with UCTV Sports. I also freelance on campus, capturing graduation portraits and other special events. Over the summer, I work as videographer & photographer for a local day camp, and this summer I will also be interning with YES Network.

Aside from covering sports, I love watching live games– some of my favorite pro-teams include Chelsea F.C., the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils, and the New England Patriots. I grew up watching UConn basketball games, so it has been a dream come true getting to experience the behind-the-scenes of game days. In my free time, I enjoy collecting vinyl, shooting digital and film photography, trying new coffee spots, hiking, hanging out with my family and dog, and exploring New York City. I am excited to be this year’s Media Chair and look forward to connecting with new people!

Jewish Life Chair

Matthew Yoffe

CLASS: 2027

MAJOR: Physiology and Neurobiology, Cognitive Science

Hello, my name is Matthew Yoffe. I am a Junior pursuing a double major in Physiology & Neurobiology and Cognitive Science, as well as being on the Pre-Medical Track at the University of Connecticut. I am from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was a member of Temple Ohev Sholom growing up. Like most of the other board members, I first came here via the First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH Fest) program and have been a part of the organization since.

Before UCONN & Hillel, I attended Harrisburg Area Community College, graduating with an AS in Pre-Health Professions and an AAS in General Studies, both with Honors. Outside of Academics and Hillel, I swam competitively for over a decade, took a few years off, and as of May 2024, resumed competing with the Connecticut LMSC. I enjoy playing chess and solving sudoku, especially those in The Daily Campus. I also love travelling, watching movies, and learning more about the world around me.

I am honored to have the privilege of serving as your Jewish Life Chair. I look forward to strengthening our Jewish roots, engaging in Jewish education, and creating a lasting legacy for our students!

Co-Events Chair

Gabriela Naar

CLASS: 2029

MAJOR: Business

Hi, I’m Gaby Naar and I’m the co-events chair. I’m a freshman and I’m currently business undecided but will likely major in management and concentrate in entrepreneurship. I’m excited to bring you some fun events this year!

Student Life Chair

Summer Lipp

CLASS: 2028

MAJOR: Journalism and Theatre Studies

Coming soon..

Co-Events Chair

Rowan Nabel

CLASS: 2028

MAJOR: Computer Engineering

Coming soon..

Student Interns

Engagement

Coming soon...

Engagement

Coming soon...

Engagement

Coming soon...

BICEP

Amit Schatzberger

Hi! I'm Amit, a sophomore Civil Engineering major. I'm from Tampa, Florida but originally from Tel Aviv, Israel. I'm currently a Mishelanu Fellow for the IAC and love to be involved with my Jewish community. I love to be active, hangout with friends, bake, cook, and paint. I am so excited to bring more education about Israel to campus!

BICEP

Sophia Hendizadeh

Hi, I'm Sophia, I am a sophomore Marketing major. I'm from Long Island, NY. I'm also currently one of the social media managers for Jewish On Campus UConn chapter. I love hanging with friends, sorority sisters, and I am a triathlete! I look forward educating the UConn community about Israel!

Israel Leadership Network

Gabby Pines

Hi! I'm Gabby, an Animal Science major with a minor in ASL & Deaf Culture. I'm a transfer student from UConn Stamford and joined Hillel to find community- and I found so much more. I'm passionate about making Jewish spaces more inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Outside of Hillel, I'm a WOW Captain and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, UConn's co-ed service fraternity. I also spend my summers working at the UConn dairy barn. Feel free to reach out- I'd love to chat about animals, service, or anything in between!

StandWithUs

Sophie Rifkin

Hi! My name is Sophie Rifkin, and I am a sophomore majoring in Judaic Studies, with the hope of pursuing a master’s degree in public administration. I was introduced to Hillel through the FYSH Fest program and fell in love with the atmosphere and the people here. Finding a warm and active Jewish community was a top priority for me when looking at schools, and Hillel has become the most amazing home away from home. Over the course of my freshman year, I made an effort to get involved, and I am so excited to be in a leadership position this year.

Outside of Hillel, I am involved in USG (Undergraduate Student Government) as a senator and am an active member of Knit 4 NICU. I love exploring campus and going to different sporting events. I am also in the Leadership Learning Community, which has given me so many amazing opportunities for networking and career development. If you see me around, come say hi!

Wellness

Lynnea Moskowitz

Hello! My name is Lynnea Moskowitz and I am from Fairfield County! I came to Hillel as a transfer student last year looking for a community and found a home. Outside of Hillel, I am President of the Club Cheerleading Team here at UConn. Being part of cheer has been such a rewarding leadership experience, and I really value teamwork, spirit, and bringing people together!

Student Ambassadors

Student Ambassadors are trained after-hour workers trained in first-aid, security, and fire safety who welcome our students outside of traditional hours.

Daris Pon Mohan Kumar

I am a current Junior here at UConn, majoring in computer science. I am excited to work with UConn Hillel and meet new people!

Emily Dubin

Coming soon..

Nick Kafka

What's up! My name is Nick, and I'm a Political Science Major at UConn. I'm from Southington, CT, but currently live in Willimantic. I joined the Hillel community last spring, and let me tell you, some of my best memories have been created with this community, and I cannot imagine my time at UConn without Hillel. Some fun facts about me: I transferred from Tunxis Community College in the fall of 2024 with an associate degree in liberal arts and science. I also went to Israel for the first time in January 2026 and had the time of my life! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and gaming (ask me about my favorite game). You will always catch me working on Fridays during Shabbat, so feel free to come up and chit-chat with me about anything. Some of my favorite things to talk about are politics, D&D, or anything of that genre. I look forward to meeting you and welcome to UConn Hillel!!!

Maya Cohen

Coming soon...

Marcia Colten

Hi, I’m Marcia! I’m from New Haven CT. At UConn, I’m studying Exercise Science. I also play women’s club hockey. Some of my hobbies are reading, running, going to the gym, and petting my cats!

Sadaf Zarei

Greetings,

My name is Sadaf. I’m a CS major here at UConn, born and bred in Iran, briefly lived in the UK, and now embracing the scenic beauty of Storrs, CT. I love engaging in thoughtful discussions that involve Leonard Cohen, Arctic Monkeys, Persian cuisines, or the state of affairs in the Middle East. It is not without a sense of pride that I join the lively community of Hillel, nor is it without a sense of excitement that I think of what lies ahead.

Toni Robillard

Hi! I'm Toni, a Junior here at UConn. I am from Boston, Mass but have LOVED my time in Storrs so far. During my free time, I like to get food with friends, go to the gym, and spend time outdoors. I'm super excited to become a community member at Hillel and meet everyone!