Samantha Merkin

Samantha's friendly demeanor and commitment to tikkun olam is apparent through her work fighting for those who cannot speak up for themselves. She is usually the first to say yes to volunteering opportunities and consistently puts her needs above others.

After the death of a loved one, Samantha began volunteering as a camp counselor at Experience Camps, free one-week camps for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. She currently sits on the Regional Advisory Committee for the organization.

Samantha-who serves as an Associate Director at the advertising agency FCB Chicago-partnered with JUF to launch a Jewish employee resource group, the Tribe, at her workplace. In 2023, the Tribe won the award for the "Most Inspiring ERG" at FCB's DEI Gala.

"I had seen the impact DEI was starting to make on the agency, and felt it was important for Jewish employees to be included," she wrote. "It brings me tremendous pride when new employees hear that the Tribe exists, and there is a place they can feel their most authentic self at work."

AGE:
28

PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers

PRIMARY GIG:
Associate Director of Influencer at FCB Chicago

ON THE SIDE:
I cherish the memories and time I get to be with my favorite people; I could walk for miles on end exploring the city; and I consult for people who are up and coming influencers. I also am on the Regional Advisory Committee for Experience Camps.

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I'm weirdly good at hula hooping!

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Andy Cohen. He has always been proud of his Jewish heritage on and off camera, and that's something I admire. He sees being Jewish as so much more than a religion, but a culture that is part of his everyday life, and I try to live my life the same way.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Be your own best advocate.