Aliza Gross (She, Her, Hers)

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Aliza follows her passion for early childhood education every day as a preschool teacher and a support professional for students of all abilities. Inside and outside of work, she puts children first and is a kind, caring guiding force for her students.

Outside of work, Aliza has been involved with JUF for 9 years. She gives her time to the Young Women's City Council, where she will serve as the 2021-2022 Outreach Chair and she previously served on the YLD board for two years. Currently, she volunteers at Lurie Children's Hospital and is a Next Generation associate board member at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

She also "gives how she lives" by donating to local organizations that support children. Aliza sponsored a full year of service at JCFS Chicago Virginia Frank Child Development Center, Consultation and Training Institute and has contributed to the Gross Family Endowment, which focuses on infectious disease research in the pandemic and beyond.

AGE:
31

PRIMARY GIG:
Preschool Teacher

ON THE SIDE:
Studio Three, Golf, Travel

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Your life is your responsibility. Seize your power to create the happiness you'd like to see in your life.

HOW HAVE YOU CREATED A SOCIAL IMPACT THIS YEAR:
When the pandemic hit last March, I donated food delivery to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center and the University of Chicago Hospital to feed doctors, nurses and staff on the front lines.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
Four years ago, I had the courage to leave my career in PR and make the switch to preschool and I've never been happier!