Ollie BennExecutive Director
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Ollie joined San Francisco Hillel's professional staff in June 2014 after previously serving on its Board of Directors as governance chair. Since assuming the role of Executive Director, Ollie has spearheaded Hillel's efforts to create vibrant Jewish life at USF, UC Hastings and UCSF, while maintaining our traditionally strong base at SF State. Ollie is very active in the Bay Area Jewish community, where he recently sat on the Jewish Community Federation's Board of Directors as a board observer, served in the Federation's Fed Fellows program, and served on the Jewish Community Relations Council's metropolitan council. Professionally, Ollie worked for many years as a lawyer (primarily at the international law firm Duane Morris) representing corporate and technology clients, before founding and running a medical device company. In his free time he loves soccer, yoga and skiing. 
Sasha PresleyStudent Experience Architect
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Sasha Presley's experience as a student and leader at San Francisco State University inspired her drive for creating inclusive Jewish spaces. As a part of Hillel International's Springboard Fellowship, Sasha is ready to learn and apply design thinking methodology to her mentorship of SF Hillel's graduate campuses at UC Hastings and UCSF. If you're looking to learn more about Hillel's resources in our graduate communities, Sasha is the best person to help. When she isn't with students, you can find her taking West Coast Swing dance classes, frantically applying for the daily Hamilton lottery, or enjoying a mint chocolate latte with friends at Home Cafe. |
Sasha OrtizOffice Manager
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Sasha, a Bay Area native and local San Franciscan for the past 22 years, brings experience from a variety of non-profits to her role as the Office Manager at SF Hillel. When she's not at Hillel, she can be found teaching aqua-fit at a nearby gym, doing karaoke, or watching Star Wars with her friends and feline children Maggie and Munki. She would choose Han Solo over Luke Skywalker, any day. 
Rachel Nilson RalstonAssociate Executive Director
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Rachel Nilson Ralston first became connected with SF Hillel as a curious undergrad at SF State, where she was a passionate student leader for social justice issues. Rachel was drawn in by the opportunities at Hillel to pursue dialogue around Israel-Palestine and build welcoming campus communities for Jews from interfaith families/relationships. Rachel loved SF Hillel so much she never left, transitioning from student to staff in 2011. As the Associate Executive Director, she’s focused on empowering students and Hillel’s professional team to create fun, experimental and inclusive Jewish experiences together. When she’s not at Hillel, you can likely find Rachel hiking the California coast, wine tasting, or eating burritos with Ricky (her husband and adventure buddy.) |
Emily SimonsDirector of Student Experience
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As soon as you meet Emily it becomes clear she loves adventure, social justice, and making new friends. She brings all of these passions into her role as a student mentor, working with SF Hillel's students so they can engage our broader campus community and connect their friends to exciting local, national, and international travel and learning opportunities! Emily is your local San Francisco connection to your Birthright-Israel experience, and will ensure you find the right trip for you. In her free time, you’ll find Emily hiking San Francisco’s hills, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, or trying as many different sushi restaurants as she can. 
Naomi ZipurskyDirector of Student Experience
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Naomi joined SF Hillel's team in July 2017 through Hillel International's Springboard Fellowship, bringing design thinking methodology and innovation to our communities at USF, UC Hastings, and UCSF. Now, as Director of Student Experience, Naomi is focused at USF, providing mentorship and support to students as they build the Jewish experiences and connections they want and need. When she's not hopping between schools, you'll find Naomi petting all the dogs of San Francisco, blasting the latest Maluma hit, and in search of the best views and food this city has to offer. |
Jason StecklerStudent Experience Architect
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Jason combines his prior experiences as a student activist at SF State and his current involvement with dialogue and peace-building efforts to empower students to build meaningful, transformative and fun experiences related to Israel. Jason believes in bringing a variety of perspectives to the students he mentors so they can articulate their own unique relationship to Israel's complex and diverse peoples. In his spare time, you’ll find Jason at community events, hanging out at Dolores Park, and trying new cuisines across the city. |