OUR STUDENT LEADERS
STUDENT BOARD
Jasmine Metcalf
PRESIDENT
studentboard@uconnhillel.org
CLASS: 2025
MAJOR: Elementary Education
I am excited to welcome more students to Hillel and create a sense of belonging for UConn’s Jewish community. I also look forward to working with the board to create engaging programs that create a positive impact on campus. Whether studying in the MPR, relaxing in the basement, or welcoming in Shabbat, I hope to make many memories that will last a lifetime.
Ask me about: purple (the color), teaching, or podcasts!
Emily Dubin
VICE PRESIDENT
CLASS: 2026
MAJOR: Human Development and Family Sciences
Emily is excited about creating vibrant programming and interactive engagement for the UConn community and ensuring student board communications.
Ask me about: crafting/friendship bracelets, what I'm watching, and my dog!
![20221230_095741[55].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3062e0_6bf9d488af4e45e48c0ad7a2e0b77ec0~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_1506,y_1849,w_5686,h_10151/fill/w_171,h_306,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/20221230_095741%5B55%5D.jpg)
Josh Schulman
TREASURER
CLASS: 2025
MAJOR: Electrical Engineering
Josh is excited to welcoming ALL students into Hillel and making it a fun, inclusive environment; regardless of faith or practice!
Ask me about: getting involved in the Jewish community, what I'm watching, and what I'm reading!
Isabella Rubin
VP of EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
CLASS: 2025
MAJOR: Individualized Major - Pre-med Track
Isabella is looking forward to learning and experiencing new opportunities and helping others develop their self identity - specifically as a Jewish individual.
Ask me about: Ultimate Frisbee - literally anything frisbee wise, traveling, and the best time to go to the gym!
Ella Gregory
VP of COMMUNICATIONS
CLASS: 2026
MAJOR: Marketing
Ella is excited to meet more students and to work with the community to increase our social engagement.
Ask me about: concerts, Survivor, and the Amazing Race!
Jillian Appel
CO-VP OF JEWISH LIFE
CLASS: 2026
MAJOR: Political Science
Jillian is excited to continue the pursuit of improvement of Hillel!
Ask me about: music, 2000's Disney movies, and the struggles of being a lefty!
Daniel Flash
CO-VP of JEWISH LIFE
CLASS: 2026
MAJOR: UNDECIDED
Daniel is looking forward to incorporating music, helping UConn students become engaged, and to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Ask me about: guitar, soccer, and Lego Ninjago!
Shira Herscovici
VP OF TZEDEK
CLASS: 2027
MAJOR: History and Jewish Studies
Shira is excited to work with the board and plan events that help cultivate a community of Social Justice at Hillel!
Ask me about: my favorite books, soccer, and listening to alternative music!
Molly Meyerson
VP OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS OF HILLEL (FYSH)
CLASS: 2027
MAJOR: ASL Studies + Pre-Teaching
Molly is excited for Pizza and Pickleball and the Super Bowl Watch Party!
Ask me about: musicals, camp, and the New York Yankees!
INTERNS
.jpg)
Jess Meyers
LEAD ENGAGEMENT INTERN
jessica.meyers@uconn.edu
Hi! My name is Jess and I am a senior, studying Communications. Becoming a part of the UConn Hillel community was one of the best decisions I could have made. The friends, experiences, and opportunities I have gained through Hillel are ones I am forever grateful for and I learn more and more about myself with every Hillel event I attend. I am so excited to be an engagement intern this year because it will allow me to show other students how amazing Hillel is and how it can make their college experiences that much better, as it did mine! The Hillel community is so welcoming and uplifting and I can't wait to introduce other UConn students to the incredible opportunities that Hillel holds.
Matt Gilbert
ENGAGEMENT INTERN
matthew.l.gilbert@uconn.edu
Hi everyone! My name is Matt and I’m a senior studying molecular bio, psych, and neuro science. I was introduced to Hillel freshman year and I’ve never looked back! Being a part of Hillel is like having a home away from home. Whether it be a person to talk to, a place to relax, or challah to fill me up: Hillel is always there for me, which is the main reason why I wanted to be an engagement intern. I love introducing Hillel to UConn students in hopes of sharing the same experiences I’ve had!
Jeremy Lesser
BICEP INTERN
Hey everyone! I'm Jeremy and I'm a junior studying Physiology and Neurobiology with a minor in Spanish and HCMI. I started coming to Hillel in the beginning of my sophomore year and I ended up going on the UConn Hillel Birthright trip this past summer. I loved the trip and going to Israel was one of the most fun and influential things I have ever done! I'm excited to be one of the BICEP interns this year to plan some events related to Israel and talk with anyone interested in going on Birthright. Feel free to say hi when you see me around Hillel studying or having some delicious food!
Jessica Nirschel
BICEP INTERN
Hey everyone! My name is Jessica Nirschel and I am a junior communications major and I am so excited to be a BICEP intern this year. I have become a strong, Zionist activist, started an SSI (Students Supporting Israel) chapter on campus and got to attend the Israel rally in DC. I am so excited to get to work with Shirly and Jeremy to do some incredible Israel programming.
Rachel Carney
MARKETING INTERN
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!
Haley Janush
WELLNESS INTERN
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!
BUILDING AMBASSADORS
I am a current freshman here at UConn, majoring in computer science. I am excited to work with UConn Hillel and meet new people!
BUILDING AMBASSADOR
Daris Pon Mohan Kumar
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.
Emily Dubin
BUILDING AMBASSADOR
Hi! My name is Emily and I am from Boston, MA. I am a Sophomore HDFS major here at UConn. I am super involved in Hillel and love spending my time in the building. Outside of Hillel, I am involved in Active Minds and Huskython. Outside of school, I like to spend my time working, making friendship bracelets, baking for friends, and snuggling with my dog, Rosie!
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!
![20221230_095741[55].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3062e0_6bf9d488af4e45e48c0ad7a2e0b77ec0~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_1506,y_1849,w_5686,h_10151/fill/w_180,h_322,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/20221230_095741%5B55%5D.jpg)
Josh Schulman
Josh is a third-year undergraduate electrical engineering student from Stamford, CT. Josh is very actively involved in campus life, he serves as a College of Engineering Senator within the Undergraduate Student Government, where he advocates for the student body at large to the University Administration. Additionally, Josh is the Student Representative on the University Senate Curricula and Courses Committee and the Senate’s Parliamentarian. Josh is currently a Student Researcher at the Electrical Insulation Research Center, a high voltage materials and power electronics lab. Josh is currently the UConn Hillel Student Board Treasurer for 2024.
Beyond Hillel, Josh takes on leadership roles in many on campus organizations, including as Secretary of UConn’s IEEE Student Branch, Vice President of the Chabad Student Board, and Vice President & Treasurer of Huskies for Israel. Josh enjoys spending his free time reading fantasy and science fiction books and dedicates time to practicing and coaching ninja and parkour as well as a variety of other sports.
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 freshman 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!