Bill Steinberg
Want to honor this person?
Make a donation to JUF in recognition of this 36 Under 36 honoree. Any donation up to $36 will be matched in full—doubling your impact!
DONATE NOW
At Bill Steinberg's bar mitzvah, the rabbi told him his purpose in life was "to light up people's lives." Since then, Bill has made bringing joy to others his life's mission, from being a familiar face and unofficial "mayor" of Highland Park to wowing his fellow trip participants on Birthright Israel.
Bill doesn't let his autism limit him, rather, he uses it to inspire others. Bill eagerly accepts any chance to speak to others about his experiences and successes. He's spoken at schools all over the state and in Springfield on behalf of Project SEARCH and received the Student of the Year Award at the Illinois Transition Conference, which focuses on transitioning youth with disabilities into adulthood.
Whether he is on the job at Northwestern University, playing checkers with seniors at a nursing home or charming a cashier at the supermarket, Bill lights people up wherever he goes.
AGE:
25
PRIMARY GIG:
Project aide at Northwestern University Office of Alumni Relations and Development; receptionist at the Recreation Center of Highland Park
ON THE SIDE:
Volunteer and participant with Chabad’s The Friendship Circle of Illinois and Best Buddies; some motivational speaking gigs; active runner and 5K participant
RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Single…know any nice Jewish girls?
CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Daniel Radcliffe
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I am proud to help my mom and grandpa around the house with their heavy lifting, lawn-mowing and snow-shoveling. I am a runner and like being healthy and strong. I am also an uncle and am proud of my niece who just had her bat mitzvah.
A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Rabbi Zelik Moscowitz, a dear old friend of my dad’s before my dad passed away. He also runs The Friendship Circle and he and his family have been very helpful and supportive in getting me involved with their program and meeting great friends.
.jpg)
