Dor L’Dor: the Jewish Women Who Inspire Today’s Jewish Student Leaders
March is Women’s History Month, a dedicated time to recognize and celebrate the vital role women have played and continue to play in American history and society. To celebrate, we asked three female-identifying Jewish student leaders to share their thoughts about the Jewish women who inspire them, and to offer some words of wisdom for incoming college students, many of whom are getting ready to make their college decisions now.
What is one thing you wish you knew before going to college or advice you want to give incoming college students?
Maya Harpaz (she/her), University of Pennsylvania, 2025:
“One thing I wish I knew before going to college is that your experience won’t look anything like your application essay — and that’s a good thing! When I applied, I had a pretty narrow idea of what my college life would be like: the activities I’d join, the classes I’d take, and the path I’d follow. But once I got to Penn, I quickly realized there was so much more out there than what I had read online or heard from older students.”
“I threw myself into anything that sparked my curiosity — joining clubs, attending events, and enrolling in classes that seemed even remotely interesting. Through that process of exploration, I discovered where I truly belonged and where I could thrive. My freshman-year self would have never imagined I’d become president of Penn Hillel, but stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on leadership roles in the Jewish community has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my college journey. So, my advice to incoming students: Be open to the unexpected, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. College is about growth, and sometimes that means allowing your path to evolve in ways you never anticipated.”
Sammi Weiss, Lewis & Clark College, 2027:
“College is the best time for the moments where you will discover new things about yourself and go on adventures! My advice is to embrace any and all opportunities that come your way, whether that’s going to a concert with your friends or taking on a leadership role within your community. Try new things: foods, adventures, classes – you name it! You never know what part of yourself will be discovered until you take that leap! For Jewish students, don’t be afraid to show your Jewish identity. Now more than ever, we need to embrace our culture, our people, and our traditions! We cannot let antisemitism define us. Find your community of people who will celebrate you for who you are.”
Zara Nybo (she/her), University of British Columbia, 2026:
“My advice to any new college student is that your voice matters and your opinions matter. There will be classrooms, professors, and other students who will make you feel as if you should stay quiet to keep the peace… But if you do that, you let them win. You have every right to voice your opinion and display your Zionism proudly. Please stay true to YOU, because YOU are your own superpower. Be kind, but never back down from your values and what you know to be true.“
Who is a Jewish woman who inspires you?
Maya: “[Congresswoman] Nita Lowey, who passed away early this year, has been a powerful source of inspiration for me ever since I discovered how my passion for politics and my Jewish identity could intersect. As a U.S. congresswoman, Lowey represented my hometown in New York from 1989 to 2021. She broke barriers as the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee and consistently championed issues that mattered deeply to her, including being a steadfast supporter of Israel within the Democratic Party.”
“What truly inspires me about Rep. Lowey is how unapologetically proud she was of both her Jewish identity and her identity as a woman — and how she used her platform to advocate for both groups. Her commitment to serving her community with integrity and courage set a powerful example of leadership.”
“In 2019, I had the opportunity to meet with her office during a trip with my synagogue. Her staff’s encouragement and genuine interest in empowering me to speak up on issues I care about made a lasting impression. Their guidance helped me find the confidence to engage with lawmakers and advocate for meaningful change. Seeing how Rep. Lowey turned her passion and principles into impactful action continues to inspire me as I pursue my own career.”
Sammi: “Laura Jeser is one of my Jewish inspirations! [Laura] works at the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, and when I was an eager freshman looking for connections in the broader community, she welcomed me in. [Over] the past two years, she’s invited me to her home for Jewish holidays and been a role model that I aspire to be like! She inspires me because she excels in her job and seems to be really happy with the work she does. She always has a contagious smile that stretches beyond her career and seeps into the people she is around, in the best ways! Her journey through her career in Jewish nonprofits has inspired me to want to pursue a similar path for myself. I am inspired by the ways she connects Jewish values to her everyday work and her personal life! Seeing how Laura was motivated to give back to the community that shaped her in so many ways, I am excited and empowered to do the same for myself.”
Zara: “A Jewish woman who inspires me, besides my incredible mother-in-law Galit, would be [British barrister, international law expert, and speaker] Natasha Hausdorff. The way Natasha is able to articulate the legal case for Israel’s right to defend itself, and the case in general for Israeli sovereignty, is a talent I admire. Natasha has an amazing ability to debate, which she has honed over the years, and I believe this is a skill every student who wants to defend Israel will have to learn in some form. Learning from Natasha and the way she holds herself in the difficult conversation she partakes in to defend Israel inspires me every day.”