Sammantha Marks (She, Her, Hers)

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Sammantha is always ready to dive head-first into the hard work necessary to keep the Chicago Jewish community thriving.

As the president of ACCESS Chicago, the American Jewish Committee's young professionals' division, she guides members to pro-Jewish and pro-Israel advocacy and works to combat antisemitism in the workplace. Described as a "mover and shaker," she enjoys creating new programs to bring people together, including spearheading an ongoing learning series at Lakeview Moishe House, Old Town Moishe House, and Base when she was a Moishe House resident.

Throughout the pandemic, she stayed active in the Jewish community by studying Talmud with Base, attending virtual AJC events, and continuing her years-long involvement with Maot Chitim's junior board. Through these events, she seeks to bring together different parts of the Jewish community as well as create interfaith partnerships and educate the broader community about Judaism.

AGE:
29

PRIMARY GIG:
Project Manager at Morningstar, Inc.

ON THE SIDE:
MBA Candidate at Johns Hopkins, dog mom to Kona the Labrador retriever, and planning the next adventure with my fiancé Aaron

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Passionate about shattering glass ceilings for everyone and ice cream.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Daniel Meer (z"l) embodied the foundational values of Judaism - kindness, Torah learning, and repairing the world - and I am beyond grateful to have been guided by his intentional community building as a community member of his Moishe House and later, a resident of the house myself.

WHAT IS YOUR NEWFOUND PANDEMIC TALENT OR HOBBY:
I have all of the fixings for a watercolor studio as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. My favorite piece of work I've created was a gift for my friend Anna - a newly minted lawyer - and said "Tzedek, Tzedek, Tirdof" (Justice, Justice, Shall You Pursue), which was a prominent part of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's chambers in D.C.