Executive director

Elyana Funk

Elyana joined CU Boulder Hillel in the summer of 2024, bringing extensive community experience and organizational leadership in the nonprofit sector in Boulder County. Her previous position was the lead senior director of the "I Have A Dream"​ Foundation of Boulder County, where she held various positions for 24 years, beginning with a 12 year journey with a group of “Dreamer Scholars,” from their second grade through their senior year of high school. Working with over 500 young professionals, Elyana brings with her a career in leading teams that foster a strong sense of belonging, cultivating connections with students, and creating meaningful partnerships in the community. She is deeply committed to strengthening the Jewish community, serves on the Board of Directors at Congregation Har HaShem, is a member of the Wexner Heritage Program, and lives in Lafayette with her husband and 3 children.

Pronouns: She, Her, Ella

Contact: EFunk@cuboulderhillel.org

Senior IACT Coordinator for israel engagement

Jacob Wilson

Jacob is a recent graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Psychology and Communications. He enjoys spending his free time snowboarding, hiking, boxing, longboarding. Along with his usual hobbies his passions include traveling the world and meeting new people with a variety of interests and experiences.

Pronouns: He, Him, His

Contact: Jacob@cuboulderhillel.org

Program Manager

Shira Finke

Shira Finke was born and raised in Potomac, Maryland. She attended the College of Charleston, pursuing a major in Psychology and minors in management and Jewish studies. Shira actively participated in campus life by joining various organizations, including the women's health research team, the frisbee team, and, of course, Hillel. Within Hillel, she took the initiative to establish a club called Havurah, providing a platform for students to engage in passionate discussions on various Jewish topics. Her involvement within Hillel progressed to serving as an engagement fellow, FYSH coordinator, and eventually, president.

During the summers, Shira pursued diverse roles, including positions as an interfaith ambassador, innovation intern, and data analyst. Her wide range of interests ultimately led her to work at Hillel, where she could combine her many passions into her dream job. In her leisure time, she is eager to explore Boulder through activities such as hiking, dining, and shopping. Within Hillel, Shira is enthusiastic about re-imagining the possibilities for Jewish campus life. Her goal is to establish meaningful connections, develop exciting programming, and introduce fresh ideas that can shape the future of Jewish engagement on campus.

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Contact: Shira@cuboulderhillel.org

Campus Marketing and Development Manager

Elana Fauth

Elana was born in Chesapeake Virginia, and was raised along the Outer and Inner Banks of North Carolina. She attended College of the Albemarle, graduating with her Associate of Fine Arts, and went on to earn her BA in Communication from North Carolina State University. Elana was on staff at Hillel for Utah in Salt Lake City for five years, serving her last year as as their Managing Director. She has a passion for Jewish work, having previously worked at the United Jewish Federation of Utah, Temple Har Shalom Park City, and At The Well Project. Elana is thrilled to continue on in the Hillel world, supporting CU Boulder Hillel in their fundraising marketing!

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Contact: efauth@hillel.org

 Jewish Agency Israel Fellow

Lachan Werber

Lachan, a lifelong resident of Rehovot, Israel, is an experienced traveler, exploring such places as South America and the U.S. He spent three years in leadership at Camp Livingston in Indiana, building strong connections with staff and campers alike. Since joining Hillel in December 2024, he has led an immersive 10-day trip to Israel for 11 students. Lachan is excited to continue this work in Boulder, Colorado, and meet the new Buffs! 

Pronouns: He, Him, his

Contact: Lachan@cuboulderhillel.org

 WELLNESS DIRECTOR

Leah Friedman

Leah Friedman is an art therapist, professor, and wellness professional. She has been training therapists and helping people utilize creative expression and healing for over 20 years. She finds blending creative and Jewish practice allows for a beautiful synthesis of her most deeply held values. Leah teaches at Naropa University, works with the Jewish Studio Project, creates custom rituals and rites of passage, and is newly working as the Wellness Director for CU Boulder Hillel. She is a voracious reader, a very good listener, and a passionate advocate for equality. She is not at all sporty, allergic to pets, and not particularly good at helping with math. Leah is very good in a crisis, nearly unflappable, and eager to hear a hot take. She’s thrilled to begin her journey in supporting the Jewish Herd!

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Contact: leah@cuboulderhillel.org