Jewish Chicago Magazine

Almost twenty years ago, Samantha’s mom, Jacki, was diagnosed with breast cancer that later metastasized in her liver. Thanks to cutting-edge cancer research and care, Jacki has been in remission for more than 15 years.

Jacki’s journey fueled her family’s interest in cancer research. Samantha joined the Israel Cancer Research Fund’s Visions Young Leadership Board at its inception in 2016. Five years later, she took the helm of the board, where she has led fundraising efforts to support cancer research in Israel. Samantha’s hope is to support the researchers in Israel who are discovering new treatments, so fewer families have to go through what her family went through. “It’s very meaningful for me to support both Israel and cancer research at the same time,” she said.

A Camp Chi lover, Samantha spent most of her childhood and young adult summers as a camper and counselor at her beloved camp. Today, she’s a member of the JCC Camp Chi Alumni Committee, where she helps coordinate efforts to bring Camp Chi alums together, and fundraises to support scholarship funds and the growth of the camp.

Professionally, she works for a communications and public relations firm.

AGE:
36

PRONOUNS:
She/her/hers

PRIMARY GIG:
Vice President, Client Experience at WOI Communications

ON THE SIDE:
Aunt to Gordy and Ruthy, dog mom to Rupert, and the Chair of the Israel Cancer Research Fund’s Visions young leadership board.

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I threw out the opening pitch on Opening Day 2002 for the White Sox when I was 12—and I made it to the plate!

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
Stepping up to lead the ICRF Visions young leadership board and growing the board from 20 to 40 people in my five years as the Chair…and that time I told Beyonce that Blue Ivy dropped her pacifier.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My parents for raising my sisters and me to be proud Jews, Zionists and good, caring people.