Danielle BotvinIsrael Experience Architect
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Danielle comes to us from sunny Southern California and is our newest SF Hillel team member. As a student at California State University, Long Beach, Danielle quickly joined Beach Hillel, serving as a student leader on campus, and the pro-Israel world of Los Angeles County. She is excited to deepen her connection with Hillel through her role as Israel Experience Architect, where she will focus on building connections and providing education on all things Israel, from culture to current events. Danielle is also your go-to person to learn more about our immersive experiences in Israel, including Birthright-Israel and our Perspectives Tour. When she's not at Hillel, Danielle spends her time playing fetch with her pup, Roxxie, cooking for her friends, and playing board games. She is also always looking for new shows to stream so send over your recommendations! 
Sasha PresleyGraduate 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. 
Emily SimonsDevelopment Associate
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Emily joined the SF Hillel team in July of 2016, after graduating from Temple University with a bachelors in social work. The past 4 years Emily has worked on our student life team, connecting people to experiences, rituals, and community. In her new role, as the Development Associate, she will continue engaging our alumni community, while working to advance SF Hillel's fundraising efforts. Emily is currently a Federation Fellow, serving on the board of Jewish LearningWorks. When she's not working, she is taking her doggo, Pumpkin, to the local dog park or exploring the latest gram-worthy spot in San Francisco. |
Sophie CaseDirector of Operations
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Sophie is an enthusiastic development and operations professional who has broad experience with both the programmatic and administrative sides of non-profit organizations. Sophie's involvement with Hillel began as an undergraduate student at the University of Vermont where she was a participant and leader on the student board. Sophie is excited to continue and deepen her involvement with Hillel through her role as Director of Operations at San Francisco Hillel. As Director of Operations she plans to streamline organization processes which will allow staff to achieve their goals and broaden the impact of the organization. Sophie is an avid reader, life-long learner, and environmental advocate who can be found gardening, hiking, or cooking in her free time. 
Rachel Nilson RalstonExecutive Director
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Rachel Nilson Ralston first became connected with San Francisco Hillel as a curious student at San Francisco State University, where she received her bachelor's degree in history and Jewish studies. She loved it so much that she never left, transitioning from undergraduate student to staff member in 2011. Since then, she has worn many hats in the organization and was named Executive Director in 2020. Rachel appreciates the professional lessons provided by her unique Hillel journey and is particularly proud of SF Hillel's recent growth and achievements. In the past four years, SF Hillel underwent an organizational redesign utilizing Design Thinking, expanded from SF Hillel's strong base at SF State to launch programs at University of San Francisco, University of California Hastings College of the Law and University of California San Francisco, and received recognition with Hillel International's Best Place to Work Award in 2017. When she's not at Hillel, Rachel also serves the broader community in alignment with her passion for inclusion and justice. She serves as a Federation Fellow with the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, on the board of Congregation Sha'ar Zahav and as a representative on the Jewish Community Relations Assembly. She resides just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge in Mill Valley, where she loves to hike and eat burritos with Ricky (her husband and adventure buddy.) 
Naomi ZipurskyDirector of Campuses
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Naomi joined SF Hillel's team in July 2017, after graduating from Emory University, through Hillel International's Springboard Fellowship, bringing design thinking methodology and innovation to our multiple campus communities. Now, as Director of Campuses, Naomi helps direct engagement and educational strategies across all of our campuses, providing mentorship and support to students as they build the Jewish experiences and connections they want and need. When she's not working, 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. |
