A lifelong Illinois resident, Elli grew up on a farm in Woodstock before attending the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign to study macroeconomics. After moving to Chicago for a year of service with Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps, Elli began honing her craft of creating vibrant, sustainable Jewish communities through her work in fundraising.  Elli has been honored for her work in the community as both an Avodah Partner in Justice and JUF 36 Under 36 award winner. When she’s not extolling the virtues of a well-designed spreadsheet, Elli can be found experimenting in the kitchen, hiking with her partner and friends, or down in New Orleans visiting her two favorite nieces. With an attitude of gratitude and passion for strategic planning, Elli is thrilled to be a part of the SVARA team, supporting a radically inclusive queer Jewish future.