Nominated and written by Alyssa Ryan Wexler, NCSYer

Nili is the advisor for the Buffalo Grove NCSY chapter, and as I got more involved in the movement, Nili became more important a role model for me. First off, Nili constantly encourages everyone in the chapter to meet and get to know one another, as well as branch out and bring new friends to our weekly meetings. She creates a friendly, fun, and accepting environment everyone wants to be a part of. Her beautiful smile lights up the Starbucks we meet in as a chapter for Latte N’ Learning each week. Nili is such a positive person, a great advisor, a wonderful friend, and an incredible individual.

Over the past year, I have become more religious, and Nili has helped me through every step of the way. Whether it was helping me make my decision to go to seminary or telling me where to buy skirts and shells, Nili has been incredibly supportive and helpful. She believes in the power of the neshuma of everyone around her, and helps me and my fellow chapter members grow as Jews and as people. Nili once shared her story with me dealing with her religiosity and how she fits into her family. As I find myself currently in a very similar situation to Nili, she offered to help me find a religious home to stay in for every single Shabbos of the year. She was willing to make connections for me and help me develop my Jewish identity through the opportunity to keep Shabbos. Nili goes above and beyond to make sure everyone in our chapter and everyone around her feels welcome and has the opportunity to develop his or her own Jewish identity and individuality.
I am so inspired by this advisor for her positivity, supportive nature, and generosity. I would not be who I am today if Nili hadn’t been with me every step of the way. I aspire to be as great as Nili, because she is an incredible role model to the Jewish and non-Jewish world alike.