The student leadership fellowship is open to students of all backgrounds to exercise leadership in our community in accordance with the wisdom, cultural riches, and values embodied in the Jewish tradition. This fellowship integrates service to the Colby, Waterville, and statewide community with rigorous Jewish learning and mentorship.
Rafay hails from the deserts of Pakistan, but has found a new love for the snow-covered landscapes of Maine, where he has developed a keen interest in skiing. He enjoys swimming in lakes, climbing on rocks, and playing squash on the courts. Academically, he is a Mathematics and Economics major with a minor in Physics; and hopes to add a minor in History as well.
Asher is a sophomore from Columbia, Maryland, majoring in Biology. In addition to his role as Teen Fellow, he serves as Colby Hillel co-president and loves engaging with the Colby and Maine Jewish communities. Asher’s other interests include running, hiking, refereeing, and watching just about any sport in existence. He is very excited to be a part of the Jewish Youth Connection and hopes to promote a connection with Judaism and a sense of community within the program.
Aishah is a sophomore majoring in Government and minoring in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies on a pre-med track. She is actively involved in her community and dedicated to helping others. On campus, Aishah participates in Colby Cares About Kids, serves as an FLI Mentor, works with the Office of Religious Life, and holds a position on the board of the Colby Muslim Society. Aishah is particularly enthusiastic about her role in the Tzedakah/Zakat fellowship, where the opportunity to unite Jewish and Muslim students and learn from both perspectives inspires her hope for the future of her immediate communities.
Jewel is a sophomore from Louisiana double majoring in Education and Global Studies. In addition to serving as a Yad b’Yad fellow Jewel is a community advisor on campus and involved with SOBLU, WOCA, Multifaith, and Colby African Society. In her free time Jewel loves to explore new areas, eat new food, and meet new people, and hike with her dog. She is excited to provide a safe space for new Mainers!
Mollie is a sophomore from Silver Spring, Maryland. When she’s not working as the Shabbaton fellow, half of the Takeout and Torah board team for Hillel, or co-hosting her weekly radio show “Mid Week Trip,” you can probably find her in Colby’s Arboretum or somewhere pretty outside in the state of Maine.
Liam is a second-year student majoring in Government with a minor in Economics. He is excited to support the Center by helping keep track of expenses and revenues.
Owen is a sophomore from Hastings-on-Hudson, New York and is studying Economics and Global Studies. In addition to serving as a Yad b’Yad Fellow, he is a Community Advisor and a member of the Colby Consulting Group. Owen loves to spend time outside running, cycling, skiing, and exploring the great state of Maine. He is super excited for the Yad b’Yad mentorship program this year and can’t wait to organize a bunch of awesome events!
Becca is a sophomore from Columbus, Ohio.
Jacob is a junior from Los Angeles, California, majoring in History with minors in French and Geology. Jacob is passionate about participating in Jewish life at Colby Hillel and in Waterville at Beth Israel Synagogue. In his free time, he loves cooking, playing the banjo, and exploring the great outdoors! Jacob is especially excited about his role in the Tzedakah/Zakat fellowship, where he works to build bonds of understanding and friendship between Jewish and Muslim students on campus, and support New Mainers in the Waterville area.
Erica is a junior from Wayland, Mass.
Zaynab is a junior from Lahore, Pakistan majoring in Computer Science and Economics with concentrations in Artificial Intelligence and Financial Markets. She started working for the Center in her sophomore year where she fell in love with the community she was a part of and the impact they were making. What excites her about her role at the Center is the opportunity to strengthen bonds between the Muslim and Jewish communities in Maine. This aligns with her broader interest in supporting immigrant families as they establish themselves in Waterville.
Allie is a junior from the Bay Area of California. Allie is a junior from the Bay Area of California. She is majoring in Global Studies. In addition to serving as a Teen fellow and one of the Tzedakah/Zakat fellows, she plays on the Club Women’s Lacrosse Team. In her free time, she likes to hike, surf, and find new restaurants in the area. She is excited to bring together Jewish teens from across Maine and continue partnering with other Jewish and Muslim students on issues of social justice.
