Ellie Spitz
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You can't help but smile when you meet Ellie Spitz -- her positive energy is contagious. A social worker by training, Ellie has transferred her skills to the Jewish professional world as director of programs for Mishkan Chicago where she helps build community, inspire volunteer leadership and plan immersive experiences. She also offers one-of-a-kind Jewish communal programming as the architect of
Maggie's Place,
Mishkan's center for holistic wellness. In 2017, she received JUF's Samuel A. Goldsmith Young Professional Award for her work.
Ellie visits Mishkan community members who are sick or in need of support, making it difficult to tell when she's off the clock. Her "non-work Jewish activities" include attending events through Base Hillel, YLD Pride and No Shame on U. And if you haven't watched
Ellie do a Jewish thing,
you're missing out.
AGE:
30
PRIMARY GIG:
Director of Programs, Mishkan Chicago
ON THE SIDE:
You’ll find me mentoring for Moishe House’s peer-led retreats, playing djembe, being an aunt to five, trying to enjoy Chicago summertime, and cycling.
RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Single
HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK:
Caring for people one-on-one is really important to me, and arguably is what led me to my current career. I spend a lot of my free time supporting my surrounding communities by doing things like bringing meals to folks who are sick, pet and house sitting, attending events with people who are anxious to make new friendships and organizing regular group get-togethers to try to create meaningful community.
CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
I think my physical doppelganger is Michael Cera... If I'm being truly honest though, I think I'm a mix of Ellen and Kramer put together"
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I biked across America with the Illini4000 in 2011 to raise money for cancer research, patient care, and Camp Kesem.
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