Sydney Ellison

In the Jewish community, Sydney is a jack of all trades--she volunteers in a multitude of ways to make the world around her a better place.

Sydney has a particular passion for BBYO, where she loved being a member as a teen. Today, all grown up, she serves as the advisor of Chai Tov BBG, where she connects weekly with the girls in her chapter and attends conventions. Sydney serves on the board of the Alumni Council and is a past recipient of an Anita M. Perlman Fellowship for leadership and professional development.

Sydney leads in so many ways. She participates in JUF's Young Leadership Division programs such as Gesher, sat on the Community Affairs board twice; mentors through JUF's Professional Women's Mentorship Program; and she is an alum of the Anti-Defamation League's selective Glass Leadership Program.

In the greater Chicago community, she was chosen as a participant in this year's inaugural cohort of the prestigious Governor's Office Academy of Leadership, where she and her peers help to advance public service at the state level. 

AGE:
28

PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers

PRIMARY GIG:
Director of Operations - Illinois Office of the Governor, JB Pritzker

ON THE SIDE:
Wannabe food critic

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Unfortunately, I do not have a celebrity doppelgänger. However, if I had a movie made about me, I would want Beanie Feldstein to play my part.

HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
Tikkun olam has always been my guiding light as a person. Being Jewish to me means making the world a better place one day at a time. Whether it’s having a OneTable event with friends for Shabbat or spending time with my toddler cousins for the holidays, being Jewish is engraved in every part of my life. Without my Judaism, I would not feel the need to be as engaged as I am with my career and the community.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
My proudest accomplishment is working in politics for candidates who believe in the same things I do. It shows my commitment to making a positive impact and sticking to my values. It feels great to be part of a career that allows me to actively contribute to creating a better society based on what I believe in.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My mom, Stacey, is my biggest inspiration. She's an amazing mother who has dedicated her life to ensuring my brother Ben and I have a successful and fulfilled life. When Ben was diagnosed with autism at a young age, my mom sprang into action. She's been there for him every step of the way, helping him lead an independent life. She's the most selfless person I know and truly embodies the concept of tikkun olam.