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 Laurie Nichols.
Student Board

President
Molly Meyerson
CLASS: 2027
MAJOR: ASL Studies & Pre-Elementary Education
Hi! My name is Molly and I am a sophomore here at UConn. I am from Long Island, New York! I am a dual major in ASL Studies with a concentration in interpreting and a proposed 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 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!
.png)
Vice President/Treasurer
Shira Herscovici
CLASS: 2027
MAJOR: History & Judaic Studies

Social Media Coordinator
Amy Erlichson
CLASS: 2027
MAJOR: Pre-Elementary Education, Spanish Minor
Hi! My name is Amy, and I am a sophomore here at UConn from New Jersey! My intended 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 I 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!

Jewish Life Coordinator
Maya Cohen
CLASS: 2028
MAJOR: Environmental Science
Hi! My name is Maya, and I'm a freshman environmental science major from Leominster, Massachusetts. My first time at Hillel was when I toured campus for the first time. It was the summer going into my senior year and it was the old spring fellow's first day and he gave me my first tour of the building. I have since committed to UConn and found a second home at Hillel. I was very involved in BBYO in high school and knew Hillel would be a huge part of my college career no matter where I went. I have always enjoyed being in a leadership position so when there was an opportunity to take on a leadership role in Hillel I jumped on it.
Outside of Hillel I am a member of the UConn Marching Band, UConn Pep Band, Sigma Alpha, and Jewish on Campus. When I am home I work as a lifeguard and swim instructor. I enjoy watching movies, going on drives, and trying new foods! If you see me around feel free to say hi:)
.jpg)
Events Coordinator
Emily Dubin
CLASS: 2026
MAJOR: Human Development and Family Sciences

Shabbat Chair
Summer Lipp
CLASS: 2028
MAJOR: Journalism & Theatre Studies
Hello, My name is Summer Lipp and I am a first year Journalism and Theatre Studies major from Chicago. I've always had a passion for music and some of my earliest musical memories are from singing with my synagogues junior choir. I worked and sang for the junior choir for 12 years and have such fond memories of learning these melodies. I taught myself how to play the guitar because I wanted to be able to play at Shabbat services back home and I am so excited to bring a bit of my home to campus. I have a huge library of Jewish music so if there's a song or melody you really want to hear I'm always up for requests! I can't wait to sing with you!

Photography Chair
Ava Gutterson
CLASS: 2028
MAJOR: Psychological Sciences & Communications
Hi! My name is Ava Gutterson, and I am a Freshman double majoring in Psychological Sciences and Communications. I was first introduced to UConn Hillel through the FYSH (First Year Students at Hillel) program in August 2024. As a Jewish student, I am incredibly grateful for the strong community and meaningful bonds Hillel has helped me build.
Beyond academics and my pride in being part of the Jewish community, I have a deep passion for sports videography and photography. I started my own photography business at age 14 in May 2020, aiming to capture and preserve positive memories during the pandemic. Throughout high school, I was actively involved in yearbook production and worked closely with my town’s varsity sports teams. I now work as a videographer for UConn Athletics & UCTV Sports, furthering my experience in sports media. As Media Chair, I am excited to bring my skills to Hillel by photographing and sharing moments from our events.
Outside of school and photography, I love music, everything bagels, playing and watching soccer, spending time with friends, and meeting new people. Whether you need help with something Jewish-related or just want to chat, I’m always happy to connect! I’m looking forward to an amazing three more years at UConn and can’t wait to be part of this wonderful community.

Events Chair
Rowan Nabel
CLASS: 2028
MAJOR: ACES
Interns

Engagement
Aleia Garfinkel
Hi everyone! My name is Aleia and I am a Senior studying English and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies! I started my Freshman year at UConn Hartford where my goal was to bring Hillel to the Hartford branch! I held many events as the President of the Students for Diversity Alliance at UConn Hartford, which was one of many ways I tried to make Jewish students feel more accepted and welcome on campus! I then campus changed to Storrs my Junior year where I started attending Hillel and meeting so many new friends!
Hillel is so welcoming and all the staff and students that make up this community are so kindhearted! I am so very excited to help open up Hillel to more UConn students and share my experiences with them! I think it is so important for everyone to feel as though they have a safe welcoming place at UConn and in my personal experience Hillel is one of these places! Fun fact about me: I am a huge Premier League soccer fan (please bring it up in a conversation I will be more than happy to talk your ear off)! I am so excited to meet more UConn students!

Engagement
Toby Schwartz
Hi everyone! My name is Toby and I’m a sophomore computer science major. I have been involved with Hillel since FYSHFest my freshman year, and love spending time with my fellow Jews.
I have met so many amazing people through Hillel, and I can’t wait to meet new ones as an engagement intern! I hope I can get students as excited about Hillel as I am, and make an impact on the Jewish community at UConn.
I enjoy listening to new music, going to the gym, skiing, and I LOVE basketball. On campus I am involved with AEPi, Formula SAE, and Husky Ambassadors if you are interested in those. I look forward to a great year!

Engagement
Maya Leonard
Hey everyone! I’m Maya and I’m a junior studying Economics. I first came to Hillel during FYSHfest my freshman year and have never looked back. I have made so many great friends and memories here and am so excited to be an engagement intern this year! I hope I can introduce other students to Hillel through this position so they can experience this great place and all the opportunities it offers!

BICEP
Troy Sweet
My name is Troy Sweet and I am a senior, finance major here at UConn. I am from the Westchester area of New York. Some of my favorite hobbies are singing in my a cappella group, playing piano, playing guitar, and hanging out with friends! I love making new friends and am always happy to chat. If you see me at Hillel or around campus say hello!

BICEP
Eva Dannison
Eva is a member of UConn's Class of 2027 and has found a friendly, welcoming environment in becoming involved at Hillel here at UConn. She is from the South Shore of Massachusetts and is double majoring in political science and human rights in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Eva's grandparents were founding members of her synagogue in the 1970s, and she has built a family and strong foundation in her Jewish community both at home and at school. Eva loves music and is a member of UConn's own A-Minor, a competitive a-cappella group. During her free time, she loves to cook, stay active, and spend time with friends and her dog Brisket.

Israel Leadership Network
Noah Saben
My name is Noah Saben and I am a sophomore majoring in history. I am from Fairfield Connecticut, and I have two cats. I love music, specifically rock & roll and the blues, and I play the bass guitar. I also love sports and I am a huge fan of the Yankees and Knicks. In the future I hope to work in the National Archives or the Smithsonian as a historian.

StandWithUs
Julianne Katz
Hi! My name is Julianne Katz, and I am a Political Science major (minor TBD). I took a gap year in Israel where I also traveled to 10 countries, and now will be a rising Sophomore. I love fitness, traveling, and everything Israel!
I am also a StandWithUS intern, so I get to coordinate events to spread positivity, and factual information about our beloved homeland. I’m looking forward to this year!

Marketing
Rachel Carney
Hi everyone! My name is Rachel and I am currently a Junior majoring in Communication with a minor in HDFS. Hillel has always been a special place on campus to me. I have had some incredible experiences-everything from making challah in the kitchen to traveling to Israel on birthright with other students last summer. I feel grateful to be a part of such a welcoming and supportive community. Last semester I had an awesome time as the Marketing Intern for Hillel. I’ve loved being able to use my creativity to highlight all of the amazing events and activities Hillel has to offer. I couldn’t be more excited to continue this role next semester!

Wellness
Haley Janush
Hello! My name is Haley and I am a Sophomore at UConn from Westchester, NY. I am a PNB major and minoring in Human Rights and Spanish. I am motivated to help ensure that students at UConn feel supported, recognized, and valued.
I look forward to furthering the initiative to educate students across our campus about ways to address and respond to antisemitism. I also look forward to continuing my work with my peers here at Hillel by implementing lots of fun creative activities!
Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors are trained after-hour workers trained in first-aid, security, and fire safety who welcome our students outside of traditional hours.
.jpg)
Daris Pon Mohan Kumar
I am a current sophomore here at UConn, majoring in computer science. I am excited to work with UConn Hillel and meet new people!

Ella May
Howdy I’m Ella! I’m a sophomore ag student from New Haven, CT. I love yoga, discovering new music, and composting!

Eva Dannison
Eva is a member of UConn's Class of 2027 and has found a friendly, welcoming environment in becoming involved at Hillel here at UConn. She is from the South Shore of Massachusetts and is double majoring in political science and human rights in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Eva's grandparents were founding members of her synagogue in the 1970s, and she has built a family and strong foundation in her Jewish community both at home and at school. Eva loves music and is a member of UConn's own A-Minor, a competitive a-cappella group. During her free time, she loves to cook, stay active, and spend time with friends and her dog Brisket.

Isabella DeSouza
Hey hey! My name is Isabella DeSouza and I’m a senior studying Elementary Education and Communications. I was first introduced to Hillel through the Israel Discovery trip where I not only had the opportunity to learn, but made lifelong connections. Since then, UConn Hillel has held such a special place in my heart as it truly welcomes and creates a sense of belonging for all students!

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 sophomore 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!