Meet our Fellows!
Matthew Hom
Matthew David Hom (譚偉雄 taam4 wai5 hung4) has been a valued faith-rooted organizer at CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) since 2022, bringing a deep commitment to social justice rooted in his multifaceted background. Growing up in the diverse community of Cerritos, California, Matthew’s upbringing within a multiracial Chinese and white Ashkenazi Jewish family has profoundly shaped his worldview and dedication to equity. His family’s history in historically diverse neighborhoods such as Boyle Heights, West Adams, Inglewood, and Montebello has instilled in him a strong understanding of the intricate tapestry of Los Angeles and its vibrant communities.
Matthew’s Jewish and Asian American identities serve as the bedrock of his organizing and advocacy work. He is passionately involved in the struggles for labor rights, comprehensive immigration reform, affordable housing, and the pursuit of racial justice. These interconnected issues are central to his vision of a more just and equitable society.
His academic journey has further enriched his commitment to social change. After pursuing studies in history and music at the University of California, Irvine, Matthew deepened his understanding of Jewish history, culture, and thought by earning a Master’s degree in Jewish Studies from New York University. This academic foundation has provided him with valuable analytical skills and a nuanced perspective on issues of identity, community, and social responsibility.
Prior to his work at CLUE, Matthew actively engaged in various facets of social justice organizing. He contributed his skills and dedication to electoral campaigns and Census outreach through his work with the California Democratic Party and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Furthermore, he has demonstrated his leadership and commitment by serving in volunteer roles with prominent progressive Jewish organizations such as Bend the Arc, Never Again Action, and IfNotNow, all of which advocate for social justice causes aligned with his values.
Matthew’s connection to his faith community is evident through his proud membership in the Boyle Heights Chavurah, a testament to his active engagement in Jewish communal life. His commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting marginalized communities is further exemplified by his service on the Grant Advisory Committee of the Jews of Color Initiative, where he contributes to directing resources towards vital initiatives.
Driven by a profound sense of purpose rooted in his faith and his distinct identities, Matthew feels a deep calling to contribute to the building of a truly multiracial democracy in the diverse landscape of Los Angeles. He dedicates his efforts to working in solidarity with workers, immigrants, and the myriad communities that make up the rich fabric of the city, striving to create a more just and equitable future for all.
Stephen Levine
Stephen’s personal experience of being adopted and later reuniting with his birth family instilled in him an early understanding of bridging cultural divides and identifying common ground, even amidst apparent differences. This foundation shaped his adaptability and leadership across various roles in production, ritual, education, and organizing.
His diverse experience includes leading video teams through complex LED installations, managing AV and livestreams for Jewish religious services, and curating immersive cultural programs through his DJ and creative ventures. During the initial stages of the pandemic, he contributed to The Righteous Conversations Project, supporting Holocaust survivors by facilitating virtual connections and coordinating intergenerational storytelling initiatives.
Most recently, at Jewtina y Co., Stephen served as the Community Engagement & Organizing Manager. In this role, he played a key part in developing and leading a significant retreat for Jews of Color, cultivating partnerships to elevate Latin Jewish voices, and utilizing storytelling as a method for identity-based organizing. His leadership style was deeply relational, emphasizing joy, trust, and belonging as integral to both justice and Jewish communal work.
Whether managing logistical complexities, fostering community connections, or designing transformative environments, Stephen consistently brings warmth, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of purpose to his endeavors. He is eager to further develop his organizing capabilities through the JOIN fellowship, contribute to intergenerational progress, and empower others to feel more understood. His vision for the future involves the convergence of culture, care, and community empowerment, where justice work is enriched by creativity, joy, and profound understanding.
Adriana Gordon
Adriana, a proud Chicana hailing from a close-knit California coastal farming community, embodies the spirit of multifaceted creativity. Her artistic endeavors are a rich tapestry woven from creative writing that explores the nuances of identity and place, comedic stage performances that offer both laughter and social commentary, musical expressions that resonate with cultural heritage, and thoughtful film curation that amplifies diverse voices. Adriana operates under the conviction that the power of storytelling is a potent catalyst for both individual growth and broader social and political change, firmly rooted in the understanding that each person’s narrative holds the authentic truth of their lived reality. A dedicated bridge-builder, Adriana actively seeks opportunities to connect with others, particularly through extended, values-oriented dialogues with individuals holding contrasting worldviews, exemplified by her dedicated deep canvassing work engaging with registered Republican voters in Orange County.
Driven by a strong foundation of faith, unwavering integrity, and a profound sense of civic duty, Adriana naturally embodies the qualities of a coach, teacher, and relationship builder. She channels her innate ability to listen actively and facilitate goal setting into her work helping men navigate the complexities of their dating lives. This same clarity of thought and empathetic approach informs her efforts in teaching fundamental computer skills to low-income senior citizens, empowering them in an increasingly digital world. Whether meticulously curating a film selection that sparks dialogue and understanding or adeptly simplifying intricate issues to foster comprehension, Adriana consistently leads with an inquisitive mind, a disarming sense of humor, and an unwavering faith in humanity’s inherent capacity to forge meaningful connections across perceived divides.
Maytal Orevi
Maytal exemplifies the diverse cultural landscapes of the United States and Israel through her intricate and multifaceted identity. Her self-perception, formed by multicultural experiences, surpasses simplistic ethnic or national designations such as Israeli, American, or Palestinian, which are merely constituents of her holistic identity. Her life narrative includes successive instances of mandated assimilation, commencing in Persia, proceeding through Palestine and Israel, and culminating in America, where she has confronted feelings of marginalization and neurodivergence within prevailing social conventions. She deliberately eschews conformity, opting instead to embrace the intricacies of individual identity.
In her professional capacity, Maytal has supervised students from varied backgrounds, including those with disabilities. She has engaged in initiatives to ensure accessibility for colleagues with mobility impairments and has addressed ADA compliance, targeting systemic impediments to physical accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Her organizational endeavors are grounded in this comprehension of intricate and intersectional identity. Maytal possesses experience in supporting students with disabilities, notably those experiencing life-threatening health conditions. She developed a program designed to augment their collegiate experience, encompassing collaboration with culinary professionals to create individualized dietary plans. She underscores the significance of cultivating student agency and autonomy in the management of their health. Maytal has observed the constructive influence of her endeavors on community development and advocacy within her academic institution and the broader community. She expresses a keen interest in affiliating with an organization that is already effectively driving impactful change.
Shonda Islom-Walkovitz
Shonda Isom-Walkovitz is a community organizer and educator dedicated to building unity and understanding, especially between the Black and Jewish communities. Inspired by her 20+ years as a Jewish educator and her daughter’s experience navigating a dual Black and Jewish identity, Walkovitz has spearheaded numerous initiatives. These include organizing a Mimouna celebration, participating in the Bring Them Home movement, co-founding Challah and Soul, developing an “Affinity Group” program, speaking at various events, and hosting a multicultural family picnic. She is also an advocate for Black Jewish Zionists and supporter of Israel through her involvement with BJZ Squad and Zioness.
Walkovitz has established a strong partnership with Reverend Zedar Brodaus, a former NAACP president who now actively supports the Jewish community. Her path was further influenced by Jewish educators and activists like April Powers & Kiyomi Kowalski of Jewbian Princess and Elisheva Rishon. Drawing on her extensive background in Jewish education, where she observed the diverse future of the Jewish people, Walkovitz spent approximately ten years creating comprehensive children’s programming for synagogues. This included an innovative preschool curriculum blending science, music, and gardening, which has been in use for twenty years.
Driven by her daughter’s feelings of exclusion as a Black and Jewish individual, Walkovitz sought to create an inclusive environment for Jews of Color in Los Angeles, inviting them to her synagogue for prayer and events. She is currently working on a project stemming from her collaboration with Dr. Shari Rogers and the non-profit Spill The Honey on the documentary “Shared Legacies,” which examines the historical relationship between the Black and Jewish communities during the civil rights movement.
Courtney Yarbrog
Courtney Yarbrough, a solutions-oriented professional, is dedicated to personal growth and social justice. With nearly a decade of experience in education, Courtney has developed strong empathy, communication, and creative problem-solving skills.
Courtney expanded her professional horizons with a brief pivot into UX design in the tech world. This experience honed her ability to identify and respond to human needs, crafting creative solutions that effectively serve individuals and drive strategic organizational outcomes. During this time, she actively supported DEI initiatives and engaged in research.
Courtney is committed to using her voice to spread positivity and purpose. She is excited to contribute to and grow within the dynamic Jews of Color community, with tikkun olam as an ultimate goal.
A resident of Berkeley, CA, for the past three years, Courtney earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, music, and exploring the beautiful scenery along the West Coast.
Liza Mamedov-Turchinsky
Liza Mamedov-Turchinsky is a movement organizer committed to building power with immigrants, disabled people, seniors, and working-class communities. As Education and Partnerships Manager at Senior and Disability Action, Liza develops community education programs that transform individual struggles into collective action and builds campaigns that win real improvements in the daily lives of working people.
Growing up helping their family navigate immigration and social services sparked Liza’s understanding of how systems fail vulnerable communities—and how organized community education can provide critical survival tools. Coming from a mixed Azerbaijani and Ashkenazi Jewish family, Liza is particularly drawn to building community with others keeping their cultures alive. They focus on creating structures that sustain and empower immigrant elders to survive and thrive in systems not built for them.
Liza’s 9-year organizing experience includes housing organizing and winning democratic tenant control in affordable housing projects, worker organizing and union drives, immigration justice campaigns, police accountability work, healthcare access expansion, and disability and senior liberation movements.
As a JOCOF Fellow, Liza is excited to explore connections between Jewish values of justice and organizing practice alongside other Jews of Color working for systemic change.
Cynthia Katz
Cynthia Katz embarked on a professional trajectory that was anything but linear, beginning with an aspiration to immerse herself in the rich tapestry of cultures within New York City. Her academic pursuits initially led her to the study of Latin American Studies, fostering an interest in international affairs that prompted her to contemplate a career in the Foreign Service. However, a pivotal experience in a law class ignited a new intellectual curiosity, ultimately guiding her towards the legal profession. This newfound interest culminated in the acquisition of degrees in both law and international law, laying the foundation for a career she could not have initially envisioned.
Following her academic endeavors, Cynthia began her legal career in the realm of corporate law. While this provided valuable experience and insight into the intricacies of the legal system, she eventually recognized that her true passion lay in the dynamic and deeply human field of immigration law. She was particularly drawn to the intellectual challenges inherent in navigating the complexities of immigration regulations and the profound opportunity to engage with individuals from a myriad of backgrounds and experiences.
Driven by this burgeoning interest, Cynthia dedicated her efforts to working within various legal organizations, each providing unique perspectives and opportunities within the immigration law landscape. This period of growth and exploration ultimately led her to HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society), a globally recognized organization with a long and distinguished history of supporting refugees and asylum seekers. At HIAS, Cynthia’s focus lies squarely on humanitarian immigration, a specialization that allows her to directly assist some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Cynthia’s commitment to her work is deeply rooted in her Jewish faith and the guiding principle of tikkun olam, the Hebrew concept of repairing the world. This ethos serves as a powerful motivator in her daily endeavors, driving her to strive for positive change in the lives of her clients. Through her work, she endeavors not only to navigate the legal complexities of their situations but also to provide them with a sense of dignity and respect during often challenging and uncertain times. Her journey, marked by a willingness to explore diverse paths and a deep-seated commitment to justice, has led her to a fulfilling career where she can leverage her legal expertise to make a tangible difference in the lives of those seeking refuge and a new beginning.
Julia Tortorello-Allen
Julia Tortorello-Allen is the President and Co-Founder of Survivors to Superheroes (S2S), an organization committed to supporting young survivors of sexual violence and their families. The organization’s mission is to empower survivors by disseminating educational resources and content regarding sexual violence, and by providing platforms for survivors to share their narratives, facilitating their transformation from victims to survivors.
Survivors to Superheroes is currently engaged in multiple initiatives, including a fellowship program for high school students, the creation and publication of articles and online content, and the development of workshops for college students on consent, sexual violence, and post-traumatic recovery. The organization is also launching the inaugural edition of Songs of Survival, a literary journal designed as a secure space for survivors and their loved ones to share their experiences through written expression.
Julia was previously employed with the New York Public Interest Research Group, where she monitored New York State legislative sessions and budget hearings. She contributed to the drafting of memoranda, reports, social media toolkits, and other essential documents, focusing on areas such as public health, animal rights, and consumer protection policies. Subsequently, she served as Policy and Program Coordinator at the New York Jewish Agenda from June 2021 to May 2022, where she was responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of advocacy, educational, and policy initiatives. Her responsibilities included project and event coordination, oversight of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and support for donor outreach and fundraising efforts. Prior to this role, she held positions as a Policy Associate and Legislative Intern with the New York Public Interest Research Group, where her duties encompassed tracking legislative proceedings, preparing written materials, and specializing in public health, animal rights, and consumer protection policies.
Julia instructs children in Hebrew and Torah at Temple Beth Am of Northern Westchester in Yorktown Heights, NY, and is dedicated to fostering a better world for her children, her students, and other young Jews of Color.
Talia Shechet
Talia, a first-generation American and daughter of an immigrant, felt a deep connection to the plight of immigrants and refugees seeking to build new lives in the United States. Her personal experiences fueled a lifelong passion for organizing and advocacy, which has grown and evolved over time. During the height of the pandemic, she worked as a paralegal-advocate at Shalom Task Force, providing essential legal and social services to survivors of domestic violence, many of whom faced additional challenges due to language barriers.
Driven by a vision of a society where all life is valued and protected, Talia dedicated her time and energy to working with organizations such as Biden for President and Worker Power PAC, where she focused on voter mobilization and engagement. Her work involved connecting with and mobilizing voters from diverse backgrounds, ensuring their voices were heard in the democratic process.
Talia worked with No Closed Doors in New Haven, CT from September 2017 to December 2019, progressing from Volunteer Shift Leader to Volunteer Co-Director. As Co-Director, she led a labor justice organization with 40 volunteers and 5 board members, oversaw training, meetings, and events, and improved client follow-up and services for formerly incarcerated people.
Talia’s commitment to social justice extends to environmental advocacy. She is a passionate environmental steward with academic credentials and a proven track record of supporting environmental initiatives. Her involvement with organizations like Detroit Jews for Justice, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and Yale’s Office of Sustainability, where she completed her undergraduate studies, demonstrates her dedication to creating a sustainable and just future for all.
Noé Granados
Noé Granados (he/him) is a first-generation social justice advocate from Anaheim, California. Raised in a predominantly low-income, Hispanic community, Noé’s lived experience has profoundly shaped his commitment to advocacy and equity. Witnessing the systemic challenges his neighbors and loved ones faced inspired him to pursue a career amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and fighting for lasting change.
As a Legislative Assistant at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), Noé represented the Reform Jewish community in Washington, D.C., working on a broad portfolio that included environmental justice, voting rights, civil liberties, campaign finance reform, foreign policy, and Indigenous rights. During his tenure, he mobilized and organized Reform congregations nationwide, contributing to two national campaigns and supporting successful state-level organizing efforts in California and Illinois.
Noé has served as a Jewish Ideas Fellow at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, where he developed innovative strategies to strengthen social justice engagement within his local congregation and broader community. He also volunteered with RAC California and Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, advancing grassroots campaigns at the intersection of climate, faith, and justice.
Beyond his organizing work, Noé enjoys building fantasy worlds as a Dungeons & Dragons Game Master, diving into books, and mentoring teens as a volunteer Youth Advisor at a congregation in Orange County, California.
Violeta Stolpen
Violeta is a proud Mexican-American Jewtina immigrant and serves as Jewtina y Co.’s first Director of Operations- NYC. She loves engaging others in her family and community’s diverse, multicultural customs and celebrations.
Dedicated to community and economic development, she has served in the nonprofit and for-profit spaces helping historically marginalized individuals and entrepreneurs access affordable capital and supportive services. Her career has taken her from supporting garment manufacturers and designers with the Council of Fashion Designers of America in New York City to securing funding for community services and affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. She is an active volunteer with Jewish Family Services of Delaware on their Refugee Integration Support Effort, supporting individuals from across the globe, including countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan, Rwanda, and Ukraine.
Violeta holds a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Bucknell University. Violeta has lived in Washington, D.C., New York City, Long Beach, CA, and calls home wherever her partner and two toddlers are.
Edunn Levy
Edunn Levy is a passionate artist and advocate for community building, driven by his belief in the transformative power of creativity and connection. Growing up in a mixed Ashkenazi and Mizrahi Jewish household instilled in him a deep appreciation for the richness and diversity of Jewish identity. This upbringing ignited his passion for exploring the complexities of Jewish heritage, community building, and fostering dialogue among like-minded individuals through community organizing and creative expression.
Edunn’s artistic background has shaped his worldview and his approach to social justice. He believes that art and self-expression are powerful tools for building bridges of understanding and empathy. His commitment to social justice encompasses a wide range of issues, including education, environmental protection, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and gender equality. He strives to ensure that his work aligns with his values and contributes to positive change.
Edunn’s experience working with youth and within education systems has further fueled his dedication to expanding access to quality education and art programs. He recognizes the importance of providing young people with opportunities to develop their creative potential and engage with social issues. His fluency in Hebrew adds to his ability to connect with, and understand diverse communities.
Dalia Woods
Dalia’s life and Jewish identity have been profoundly influenced by the Chinese concept of Guangxi (social connections). As a single mother, she is actively engaged in social justice initiatives, particularly with JCUA and Kol Or.
She has participated in numerous community events and organizations, with a recent focus on housing inequality alongside JCUA, including a Martin Luther King Day event and Juneteenth event, “Freedom as a Verb.” She has voiced concerns regarding the impact of Christian Nationalism on Jewish spaces and advocates for more inclusive language.
Dalia found a sense of purpose in her capacity as an inclusion aide at the Chicago Park District, where she facilitates access for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities. Her promotion to an assistant role in the park underscored her commitment. Dalia further utilizes her Spanish and Chinese language proficiencies for community outreach efforts.
Samiah Fulcher
Samiah Fulcher is an accomplished community strategist, writer, editor, and facilitator based in Chicago, bringing over five years of dedicated experience to her multifaceted roles. Her work is uniquely positioned at the intersection of arts, social justice, and education. In this capacity, she collaborates extensively with a diverse range of partners, including visionary artists, impactful nonprofit organizations, inspiring interfaith leaders, and influential independent publications. A core tenet of her professional philosophy is the unwavering commitment to centering intersectional narratives in storytelling. This approach is not merely about representation, but a strategic effort to foster creative innovation and drive meaningful cultural change within the communities she serves.
Currently, Samiah holds the pivotal role of Service Corps Program Director at Avodah, an organization dedicated to developing and empowering social justice leaders. In this leadership position, she is instrumental in shaping programs that equip individuals with the skills and understanding necessary to effect positive societal transformation. Prior to her tenure at Avodah, Samiah honed her expertise through roles at other notable organizations, including ednhaus, the National Council of Jewish Women, INC, an organization with a rich history of advocating for women, children, and families, and Imanigold. Samiah’s strong educational foundation was laid at Howard University, a historically Black university renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and social justice, from which she is a proud alumna.
Sage Cassell-Rosenberg
Sage is the JOC Program Manager at Keshet, where they build joyful, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ Jews of Color. A non-binary, queer, Black Jew from a Modern Orthodox background, Sage brings lived experience and a global track record in DEIB work focused on belonging and psychological safety. Their work is grounded in a deep commitment to empowering marginalized communities and strengthening allies through empathy, emotional intelligence, and meaningful connection. They are a JOIN for Justice JOC Organizing Fellow and coauthor of Threads of Identity: LGBTQ+ Jews of Color in the Fabric of Jewish Life—Keshet’s groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind report on the experiences of LGBTQ+ Jews of Color in Jewish spaces.
Nia Crossley
Nia Crosley is a 2024 graduate of Northwestern Law (JD and LLM in Taxation) and a Jewish educator. She is an active member of JCUA’s Community Venture Project (CVP) revolving loan fund advisory board. Nia got involved with JCUA within weeks of moving to Chicago through JCUA’s Kol Or Jews of Color Caucus. Nia is originally from Texas: she grew up in Austin and taught eighth-grade U.S. History and English in Houston for six years. She currently teaches third grade religious school at Temple Sholom and plays in the Grateful Klez, Temple Sholom’s klezmer band. Nia attended the University of Pennsylvania for undergrad and Rice University for a master’s in teaching. She has interned with Loevy & Loevy, Cook County’s Domestic Violence Courthouse, Northwestern Law’s Investor Protection Clinic, Cook County Probate Court, and Hillel International General Counsel. Nia is currently completing a fellowship year at Ascend Justice as an Economic Justice Staff Attorney. In this role she assists survivors of domestic violence, including incarcerated survivors, with issues of divorce, identity theft, consumer debt, tax fraud, and implementing Illinois’s Crime Victim Compensation Act.
Lex Dorfman
Growing up in a home where Jewish and Mexican traditions intertwined, Lex experienced firsthand the warmth and support a strong Jewish community can offer, emphasizing the core principles of togetherness, compassion, and giving. This upbringing deeply influenced Lex, motivating her to dedicate her time and skills to fostering positive environments within numerous communities. Her contributions have enriched Augsburg University, Brown RISD Hillel, and the Maayanot Community Mikveh of Minnesota. Furthermore, Lex has pursued in-depth training, becoming a certified Mikveh Guide and Morning Altar Teacher and Trainer, demonstrating her commitment to Jewish ritual and practice. Eager to forge strong connections with others, Lex was enthusiastic about joining SketchPad and contributing her passion and experience to cultivate an even more dynamic and engaged Jewish community.
Beyond her professional and communal endeavors, Lex finds joy and rejuvenation in a variety of personal interests. She is an avid Latin dancer, enjoys the expressive outlet of singing, and finds peace and inspiration in spending time outdoors. Her love for travel has broadened her perspectives and understanding of different cultures, and she deeply values the opportunity to create meaningful and authentic connections with people from all walks of life.
