Meet the 2010 PresenTense Fellows!
Entrepreneurship 101
Baillie Aaron
Entrepreneurship 101 is an introductory class for incarcerated and court-involved youth and adults offering important tools to reduce recidivism and increase employment by teaching students how to start their own successful ventures.
Baillie Aaron is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Harvard University, where she discovered her passion for identifying and reducing inequalities in the criminal justice system. In 2007, while working at Harvard's Program in Criminal Justice, Baillie started volunteering at a county prison. Through this experience, she realized that many inmates exhibited an untapped, above-average talent for business and could benefit from formal business classes. Baillie developed an entrepreneurship course inside the prison to help inmates reach their entrepreneurial potential. Since then, her "Entrepreneurship 101" course has grown tremendously (it trains over 150 students/year), and Baillie plans to expand it statewide with the help of the CJP/PresenTense Fellowship and the Boston Jewish community.
Baillie Aaron is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Harvard University, where she discovered her passion for identifying and reducing inequalities in the criminal justice system. In 2007, while working at Harvard's Program in Criminal Justice, Baillie started volunteering at a county prison. Through this experience, she realized that many inmates exhibited an untapped, above-average talent for business and could benefit from formal business classes. Baillie developed an entrepreneurship course inside the prison to help inmates reach their entrepreneurial potential. Since then, her "Entrepreneurship 101" course has grown tremendously (it trains over 150 students/year), and Baillie plans to expand it statewide with the help of the CJP/PresenTense Fellowship and the Boston Jewish community.
Project YALA
David Cohen
Project YALA is a young adult Israel travel experience and networking alliance that brings Americans, Israelis, and Palestinians together to build relationships and find common ground through education, outreach and community activism.
David Cohen has been working as an educator and Israel programs director for over fifteen years. David is the former Associate Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League’s New England Region where he directed their Israel education programs and provided Middle East policy analysis. For three years, David directed an Israel based social justice program that brought Jewish and Arab communities together to build bridges of understanding through cultural exchange and community service. David holds a BA from Brandeis University and a Masters Degree from Boston University where he focused on International Political History. David also studied European Politics and International Law at King’s College in London in 1990. David currently provides educational programming for the Jewish community on a variety of topics including Israel, the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, Jewish Identity, and Social Justice. David also sits on the Combined Jewish Philanthropies Boston-Haifa Living Bridges Committee and is the founder of "Looking Forward for a Two-State Solution"; a program that encourages Palestinians, Americans, and Israelis to see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a more balanced context.
David Cohen has been working as an educator and Israel programs director for over fifteen years. David is the former Associate Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League’s New England Region where he directed their Israel education programs and provided Middle East policy analysis. For three years, David directed an Israel based social justice program that brought Jewish and Arab communities together to build bridges of understanding through cultural exchange and community service. David holds a BA from Brandeis University and a Masters Degree from Boston University where he focused on International Political History. David also studied European Politics and International Law at King’s College in London in 1990. David currently provides educational programming for the Jewish community on a variety of topics including Israel, the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, Jewish Identity, and Social Justice. David also sits on the Combined Jewish Philanthropies Boston-Haifa Living Bridges Committee and is the founder of "Looking Forward for a Two-State Solution"; a program that encourages Palestinians, Americans, and Israelis to see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a more balanced context.
WeDoTouch Jewish Education
David Dobin
WeDoTouch Jewish Education, a project of IDoTouch.com, aims to help members of the Jewish community better communicate and learn from each other through apps developed for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod.
David Dobin is an attorney by trade. David taught himself how to write code, formed a new company and published a number of apps on the iTunes App Store. The inspiration for David's company, iDoTouch.com, comes from his two sons- Alexander, 2, and Abraham, 1 - who he often has to instruct, "Do NOT Touch!"
David Dobin is an attorney by trade. David taught himself how to write code, formed a new company and published a number of apps on the iTunes App Store. The inspiration for David's company, iDoTouch.com, comes from his two sons- Alexander, 2, and Abraham, 1 - who he often has to instruct, "Do NOT Touch!"
The Jewish Climate Action Network (JCAN)
Jonathan Feinberg
The Jewish Climate Action Network (JCAN) provides alternative Jewish experiences through environmental action and learning. By engaging disconnected Jewish youth from within an area of their own interest, JCAN aims to create a wave of connected Jewish youth working towards a sustainable future for the Jewish people and the world.
Jonathon Feinberg was a 2003 Bronfman Youth Fellow, and graduated from Oberlin College in 2008 with a BA in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on politics and a minor in history. Since High School, Jonathon has pursued social and environmental justice work and study in Atlanta, Oberlin, and in Northern California, where he worked to secure National Conservation Area Designation for 500,000 acres of public lands and to develop a community garden for the underserved residents of Yolo County. He now works for Sviva Israel, an Israeli Environmental Literacy group that teaches children the basics of environmental literacy while forging a stronger connection to their Jewish Identity.
Jonathon Feinberg was a 2003 Bronfman Youth Fellow, and graduated from Oberlin College in 2008 with a BA in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on politics and a minor in history. Since High School, Jonathon has pursued social and environmental justice work and study in Atlanta, Oberlin, and in Northern California, where he worked to secure National Conservation Area Designation for 500,000 acres of public lands and to develop a community garden for the underserved residents of Yolo County. He now works for Sviva Israel, an Israeli Environmental Literacy group that teaches children the basics of environmental literacy while forging a stronger connection to their Jewish Identity.
Hebrew Play
Michael Goldstein
Hebrew Play aims to make Hebrew an integral part of the American Jewish identity by inspiring young children and their families to use Hebrew when they play together.
Michael Goldstein has over 11 years of experience as an executive director of non-profit organizations, including Providence Summerbridge, Youth Tech Entrepreneurs, LiNC, and City Year Rhode Island. Since 2007, he has served as the Director of Development at MetroWest Jewish Day School, where he leads the young school's annual campaign and capital campaign. Michael was recognized in 2002 by the Boston Business Journal and in 2007 by the Providence Business News in their respective “40 Under 40” awards for promising young business leaders. Michael is especially proud of his Jewish learning as an adult and recently became a Bar Mitzvah in May 2008. He and his wife Hadassah Margolis have a baby daughter named Ada.
Michael Goldstein has over 11 years of experience as an executive director of non-profit organizations, including Providence Summerbridge, Youth Tech Entrepreneurs, LiNC, and City Year Rhode Island. Since 2007, he has served as the Director of Development at MetroWest Jewish Day School, where he leads the young school's annual campaign and capital campaign. Michael was recognized in 2002 by the Boston Business Journal and in 2007 by the Providence Business News in their respective “40 Under 40” awards for promising young business leaders. Michael is especially proud of his Jewish learning as an adult and recently became a Bar Mitzvah in May 2008. He and his wife Hadassah Margolis have a baby daughter named Ada.
The Mosaic Art Institute of Natick (MAION)
Jenny Gomeringer
The Mosaic Art Institute of Natick (MAION) was founded in 2009 to build strong community identity through public mosaic art. Partnering with individuals, towns, schools, local businesses and large corporations, it creates shared community art that expresses respect, understanding, and pride of environment. To learn more please visit www.mosaicartinstituteofnatick.com.
Jenny Gomeringer brings over 10 years of experience in corporate communications and marketing to her role as senior manager of marketing and brand at Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, a global communications company. She oversees brand development and execution through the company's website, social media tools, advertising, sponsorship and field sales and marketing. Presently, Jenny is working to launch the Mosaic Institute of Natick (MAION), an arts immersion program teaching the foundation of community partnership and philanthropy by designing and creating large public art mosaic sculptures. Jenny also owns a health and wellness business, www.gomeringer.myshaklee.com, and runs the Boston Communications Happy Hour, a monthly networking event for Boston area communications professionals. Jenny holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Emerson College in Boston.
Jenny Gomeringer brings over 10 years of experience in corporate communications and marketing to her role as senior manager of marketing and brand at Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, a global communications company. She oversees brand development and execution through the company's website, social media tools, advertising, sponsorship and field sales and marketing. Presently, Jenny is working to launch the Mosaic Institute of Natick (MAION), an arts immersion program teaching the foundation of community partnership and philanthropy by designing and creating large public art mosaic sculptures. Jenny also owns a health and wellness business, www.gomeringer.myshaklee.com, and runs the Boston Communications Happy Hour, a monthly networking event for Boston area communications professionals. Jenny holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Emerson College in Boston.
Attar
Jeff Kasowitz
Attar is a spiritually-grounded, community-based approach to sustainability that engages the Jewish community in reimagining the world we want to live in. By combining text study, innovative ritual practice, and sustainable living skill development, our programs inspire and give us the skills to shift our behaviors toward more sustainable practices in a way that is hopeful and enduring.
Jeff Kasowitz is a Director and recent recipient of the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Public Service Fellowship at City Year, a youth service organization focused on keeping students in high poverty schools on track to graduate. Jeff moved to Boston in 2008 after seven years in the Bay Area where he received an MBA and a Masters of Public Health from UC Berkeley, worked in strategic planning for several California-based health systems, and served on the board of a school gardening and nutrition program. At home, Jeff can be found experimenting with permaculture and fermentation, struggling with his guitar, and trying, sometimes successfully, to fix things around the house. Jeff’s spiritual practice and connection to Judaism inspire his work for social change.
Jeff Kasowitz is a Director and recent recipient of the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Public Service Fellowship at City Year, a youth service organization focused on keeping students in high poverty schools on track to graduate. Jeff moved to Boston in 2008 after seven years in the Bay Area where he received an MBA and a Masters of Public Health from UC Berkeley, worked in strategic planning for several California-based health systems, and served on the board of a school gardening and nutrition program. At home, Jeff can be found experimenting with permaculture and fermentation, struggling with his guitar, and trying, sometimes successfully, to fix things around the house. Jeff’s spiritual practice and connection to Judaism inspire his work for social change.
Yenta Travel
Alexis Nissenbaum Fish
Yenta Travel will provide the necessary information to Jewish travelers who would like to connect with the Jewish community wherever they are traveling.
Alexis Fish was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and has always had a passion for traveling. During her travels she consistently worked to build relationships with the Jewish community. Her international interests led her to a part-time staff position in the Press Office of the Executive Office of the White House United States Trade Representative while she was a student at The George Washington University. After graduation in 2003, Alexis moved to New York City. She continued to work in public relations before entering the master's degree program at the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service. Alexis graduated in 2008 and then spent time traveling around Southeast Asia before moving back to the Boston area. During her travels, Alexis realized that she could use her newly gained education to help alleviate the difficulty of connecting with the local Jewish community.
Alexis Fish was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and has always had a passion for traveling. During her travels she consistently worked to build relationships with the Jewish community. Her international interests led her to a part-time staff position in the Press Office of the Executive Office of the White House United States Trade Representative while she was a student at The George Washington University. After graduation in 2003, Alexis moved to New York City. She continued to work in public relations before entering the master's degree program at the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service. Alexis graduated in 2008 and then spent time traveling around Southeast Asia before moving back to the Boston area. During her travels, Alexis realized that she could use her newly gained education to help alleviate the difficulty of connecting with the local Jewish community.
BioIL
Jonathan Shapira
BioIL is a program to connect life-sciences entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers to facilitate the exchange of capital, talent, and technology between Boston and Israel.
Jonathan Shapira is an attorney in the Business Law Department at Goodwin Procter LLP, where he helps represent the firm's technology company and venture capital clients. His experience working at Israel Cleantech Ventures in 2008 inspired him to launch the Boston Israel Cleantech Alliance, which connects cleantech entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and government officials in Israel and Boston. Presently, Jonathan is launching the Boston Israel Life Sciences Meetup to connect life sciences entrepreneurs, investors and researchers in Israel and Boston.
Jonathan Shapira is an attorney in the Business Law Department at Goodwin Procter LLP, where he helps represent the firm's technology company and venture capital clients. His experience working at Israel Cleantech Ventures in 2008 inspired him to launch the Boston Israel Cleantech Alliance, which connects cleantech entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and government officials in Israel and Boston. Presently, Jonathan is launching the Boston Israel Life Sciences Meetup to connect life sciences entrepreneurs, investors and researchers in Israel and Boston.
The Jewish Birth Network
Shira Shazeer
The Jewish Birth Network aims to connect soon-to-be and new parents with the resources, skills, and community they need to make good choices for their families in the realms of health care, parenting, and Jewish practice. Learn more at www.JewishBirthNetwork.com.
Shira Shazeer is a Rabbinical Student at Hebrew College anticipating ordination in June 2010. She is also studying towards certification as a childbirth educator through Childbirth International. Before coming to Hebrew College, she studied Talmud and Jewish Law in the Scholars Circle at Drisha Institute for Jewish Education in New York. She has guided families in planning and facilitated numerous Jewish life-cycle rituals, and has a passion for creating ceremonies that reflect the individuals involved. She sees pregnancy and birth as safe, holy, and powerful moments which, when experienced with presence and intention transform individuals and couples, launching them into the joys, challenges and responsibilities of parenthood. Shira lives in Natick, MA with her husband and two sons, Zalmen (2.5) and Velvel (4 months).
Shira Shazeer is a Rabbinical Student at Hebrew College anticipating ordination in June 2010. She is also studying towards certification as a childbirth educator through Childbirth International. Before coming to Hebrew College, she studied Talmud and Jewish Law in the Scholars Circle at Drisha Institute for Jewish Education in New York. She has guided families in planning and facilitated numerous Jewish life-cycle rituals, and has a passion for creating ceremonies that reflect the individuals involved. She sees pregnancy and birth as safe, holy, and powerful moments which, when experienced with presence and intention transform individuals and couples, launching them into the joys, challenges and responsibilities of parenthood. Shira lives in Natick, MA with her husband and two sons, Zalmen (2.5) and Velvel (4 months).
The MEM Project
Tova Speter
The MEM Project works with Jewish young adults interested in exploring their identity and spirituality through Jewish art workshops. The shared mural experience provides them with an opportunity to connect with and give voice to underserved populations in an innovative model of community partnership.
Tova Speter is an artist, art therapist, art educator, and arts administrator with a BA in psychology, MA is art therapy and mental health counseling, and a certificate in arts management. Tova has experience leading community murals, engaging students in artistic expressions of their Jewish identity, and reaching out to under-served communities through art.
Tova Speter is an artist, art therapist, art educator, and arts administrator with a BA in psychology, MA is art therapy and mental health counseling, and a certificate in arts management. Tova has experience leading community murals, engaging students in artistic expressions of their Jewish identity, and reaching out to under-served communities through art.
