Hailey Stern
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The world needs to learn the facts about Israel-and Hailey has made it her mission to teach them.
Long before October 7, Hailey-High School Regional Manager in the Midwest of StandWithUs, an international Israel education nonprofit-was working with schools and communities across the Midwest to inform and empower students and adults alike about Judaism and Israel. And since the war, she has stepped it up, spending up to 80 hours a week educating others-more than 3,000 people and counting-in nine states.
Through her work, Hailey is bringing much-needed Israel education to schools, helping students navigate challenging conversations with teachers and peers, responding to the deluge of antisemitic acts in high schools, and mentoring high school students on their own journeys to become ambassadors in this space.
Hailey isn't only a teacher-but a lifelong student of Judaism. With her knowledge and expertise, she bridges the gaps that exist among our people, finding common Jewish ground-like a shared love for Shabbat, Jewish culture, and Jewish food.
AGE:
25
PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers
PRIMARY GIG:
StandWithUs High School Regional Manager in the Midwest
ON THE SIDE:
I train Brazilian jiujitsu, read, and spend as much time outside hiking and birding as I can.
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I joined a youth circus when I was a kid and had the opportunity to perform all over Chicago. I even got to train with Cirque Du Soleil for a day when I was in elementary school. Luckily for my parents, I was a horrible juggler and decided to stay in school instead of running away to join the circus.
CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Keri Russell (when her hair is curly)
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
When I was 18, I was given the opportunity to join a month-long volunteer trip to Southeast Asia, in which I traveled to remote villages in Thailand and Laos…The people I met and the communities I worked with forever changed the way I see the world.
YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Strive to leave every situation better than you found it.
