Adina Alpert- Chair
she/her
Adina Alpert is the National Training Manager at Bend the Arc, where she spends her time thinking about and working on how to give Jewish activists the tools and analysis they need to dismantle white supremacy and build a world where we can all thrive. Adina is a facilitator with a background in education and an alum of the Avodah Justice Fellowship and Resetting the Table Facilitation Training. Her favorite things include unlocking learning for personal transformation, playing with her niblings, being in and near water, and ice cream
Levi Teitel - Vice-Chair
he/him
Levi Teitel is excited to be joining DJJ’s board as he brings his background in communications and advocacy work, and not to mention sardonic wit. Levi has been involved with electoral and issue campaigns since 2018 coordinating messaging and media outreach, and his work has been published in numerous statewide publications. Outside of politics, he loves spending time in the Michigan outdoors, whether it’s skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, canoeing, or seeing live music on a nice patio.
Susannah Goodman- Treasurer
she/her
Susannah Goodman is a lifelong Detroiter, artist, founding DJJ Leader, and new parent. She served as DJJ's Deputy Director from 2019-2022, working in the nonprofit arts education field before that. Susannah brings to the Board of Trustees a passion for collective decision-making, creative facilitation, and a core belief that we can make real change in our lifetimes. Also a commitment to good snacks.
Solomon Medintz- Secretary
he/they
Solomon Medintz grew up and lives in Brooklyn, but had a critical, life-changing 2.5 year interlude in Detroit, during which he worked at DJJ as a community organizer. Solomon cut his organizing teeth doing climate justice organizing and, through a roundabout political journey, now works for the New York City government. He really wants to understand the world, and loves thinking about and strategizing about if and how the US left can be an international leader in the fight for worldwide social democracy.
Hayley Sakwa
she/her
Hayley Sakwa is a long-time DJJ member and current graduate student in business and public policy. Born in Metro Detroit and living in Ann Arbor, she's passionate about growing the progressive Jewish community across Southeast Michigan. She's also excited to continue to support DJJ's partnerships with economic and environmental justice organizations in Detroit.
Devin Samuels
he/him
Devin Samuels is an educator, organizer, and artist who has worked extensively in non-profit and education spaces over the last 15 years. Devin’s pedagogy utilizes poetics and the radical imagination to grow critical thinking, self-reflection, and empathy as primary drivers of social change. With an intense dedication to equity and justice, Devin is thrilled to leverage his position on the inaugural DJJ board to fight for a more just future.
Caryn Noveck
she/her
Caryn Noveck has been actively involved with Detroit Jews for Justice since 2018. She has served as a chair of the Freedom Team, member of the Campaign Advisory Team, The Political Evaluation team, and most recently she has served as the Secretary of the Inaugural DJJ Board of Trustees. She is dedicated to building inclusive communities at DJJ and supporting DJJ’s political projects.
Syma Echeandia
I am an 82 year old retired social worker who worked as a mental health administrator for most of my career. Born in Brooklyn NY. I have lived and worked in many places in the US and in Israel as well. My children are scattered in Florida, California and Israel. When my husband and I retired I made a decision to remain in the Metro Detroit area, in our home in Shelby Township. We chose to do so in part because Congregation T’chiyah has been a been our sustaining community. Most of our friends were made through the congregation. Its activities have been an invigorating part of our lives. I was delighted to be one of the early supporters of DJJ. Lou & I love to travel and enjoy visiting our kids, grandkids and great grandkids. However, we’re delighted to come home and reconnect with our community of friends.
Rachel Leider
she/her
Rachel Leider has over a decade of experience in community organizing and social movement campaigning. Currently she is a MSW student at UCLA pursuing a license in clinical social work and is working as a leadership and campaign coach for organizations working on a variety of issues from climate change, to student debt to housing. Rachel grew up in Metro Detroit and currently lives in LA. She is grateful to have the opportunity to stay connected to Detroit and Michigan through supporting DJJ.
Shandra Bernath-Plaisted
she/her
Shandra began organizing during her time as an undergraduate and spent a decade in the professional organizing world before returning to school to study architecture. Now working for a small landscape architecture and urban design studio she prioritizes community engagement, public good, and sustainability in her design work. After growing up in mid-Michigan she lived out of state for a number of years before moving to Detroit almost ten years ago. She is grateful for the opportunity to support DJJ and continue to deepen her connections to Detroit and MIchigan based organizing.
