Joseph Shemaria-Rudolph

Joseph embraces all aspects of his identity--as a Jew, as a Mexican, and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community--through volunteering and networking.

As a board member of JUF's Young Leadership Division and participant in the Jewish Engagement Committee, Joseph plans events to keep young Jewish Chicagoans connected. He even welcomes many of these new friends to share Shabbat and holiday dinners with his husband and family.

To gain a variety of Jewish perspectives, he splits his shul time between North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel, and Anshe Emet Synagogue.

Throughout his career in management consulting and corporate strategy, the Kellogg alum mentors LGBTQ+ and Latinx professionals, and he's currently spearheading the launch of a LGBTQ+ employee resource group aiming to cultivate a sense of community and promote allyship at work.

Joseph--who grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico and attended its only Jewish day school--also supports Jerum, a Mexico City-based Jewish organization that ensures the safety and well-being of local Jews. 

AGE:
32

PRONOUNS:
he/him/his

PRIMARY GIG:
Director of Corporate Strategy and Corporate Development at CCC Intelligent Solutions

ON THE SIDE:
Board member, language tutor, husband, coffee enthusiast

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Soul = Jewish, Hips = Mexican, Heart = Gay, Arms = Wide-open

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
Building allyship for the LGBTQ+ community. I firmly believe that the best way to build allyship is to create a safe space where people can ask questions free of judgment and hear personal stories. Since I came out of the closet, I have committed myself to this mission in every area of my life. From organizing “Ask a Gay” dinners during my business school days and participating in workplace panels, to demystifying surrogacy for friends and colleagues. I try to meet people where they are and broaden their perspectives.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My bubbie holds the prestigious title of the go-to kosher baker in Monterrey, Mexico. Her baking journey began out of need about 20 years ago when my zeide fell ill. Now that she is 87 years young, nothing brings her more joy than waking up at 5am to start baking for her community. From K4P cakes and hamantaschen to blintzes and rugelach, she crafts it all. No kiddush, chag, or simcha in Monterrey is complete without my bubbie's special touch.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT YOU:
I'm a big language lover. My first step into the world of foreign languages was with Hebrew when I was just 3 years old. Now, almost 30 years later, I'm still on the journey. Currently, I'm learning my 8th language, and my goal is to speak 10 languages fluently by the time I turn 50.