Elli Krandel

For Elli Krandel, Judaism and community service go hand in hand. As a Senior Institutional Advancement Officer at JCFS Chicago, Elli works to improve the lives of people in need through grant writing and special projects aimed at expanding JCFS Chicago's profile and visibility. Elli designed the "Champions" program to educate her fellow JCFS program directors and staff on how to approach donor opportunities.

She is also a fundraising consultant for Tight Lipped, a grassroots advocacy organization for women as well as transgender and non-binary people dealing with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain. Elli is co-captain of the Economic Justice Team at Mishkan Chicago and an alumnus of Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps. 

Outside of her professional life, Elli brings Judaism into her life through social gatherings, Shabbat and Hanukkah celebrations, and various Jewish communities in Chicago.

AGE:
33

PRONOUNS:
She, Her, Hers

PRIMARY GIG:
Senior Institutional Advancement Officer at JCFS Chicago.

ON THE SIDE:
I provide Fundraising Consultation support for Tight Lipped.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Community-driven queer Jew raising money and baking sweet treats.

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
While I’m often the loudest person in my friend group, I’m actually the quietest person in my family!

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My parents inspire me! They created a vibrant, Jewish home for me in a community with very few Jews. They showed by example that Judaism can provide a framework for our lives, providing values that inspire the ways we connect with those around us. And they did it all while having fun and being creative - our Passover theme this past year was The Sound of Music!

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
You don’t need permission to make your vision a reality. Dream big and go for it!