OUR STORIES

Your story is part of the rich tapestry that is Hebrew University. Share your experiences, insights, and achievements with the world. Contribute to our vibrant community blog, showcasing the diverse paths taken by our alumni. Together, let's weave a narrative that inspires generations to come.

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Graduation Year: 2021

Faculty/Department: MA in Jewish Studies

Current Job Title: Public Affairs Representative – Interfaith Relations

Company: Embassy of Israel to the United States

Industry: International Affairs / Diplomacy

Catherine Szkop

Catherine Szkop, a Hebrew University alumna with an MA in Jewish Studies, has established herself in international diplomacy, specializing in interfaith relations. Early in her career, she has coordinated major conferences to combat antisemitism, spoken at significant seminars like the “Nostrae Aetate and the Future of Catholic-Jewish Relations at a Time of Rising Antisemitism” at Franciscan University, and appeared on both Israeli and Polish TV channels to discuss the importance of Holocaust memory and the ongoing battle against antisemitism today. Her dedication to advocacy and bridge-building is central to her work.

Catherine also serves as a Board Member for the American Jewish League for Israel (AJLI), a scholarship program for U.S. citizens that helped her financially attend Hebrew University as well as provided a supportive network of present and past scholars.

Despite her time at Hebrew University being impacted by the pandemic, Catherine fondly recalls organizing spontaneous “walking tours” of Jerusalem with her friends, hosting a memorable Thanksgiving dinner with fellow members of her program, and forming deep connections with peers across Hebrew University. She highlights learning from distinguished professors and frequent field visits to significant locations in Jerusalem as uniquely enriching experiences.

Her advice to students and alumni: “Always look to network and make connections” and take advantage of internships, as a former intern at both Yad Vashem and World Jewish Congress while attending Hebrew University, which have been pivotal to her career.

Connect with Catherine on LinkedIn to explore her journey further.

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Graduation Year: 2021

Faculty/Department: MA in MA in Conflict Research, Management and Resolution

Current Job Title: Outbound Sales & Operations Consultant

Company: De Jean Consulting LLC

Industry: SaaS

Scarlett De Jean

Scarlett De Jean, a Hebrew University graduate in Conflict Management, Research, and Resolution, has excelled in entrepreneurship and consulting. After successfully launching and selling her equity in a consumer goods brand, she founded De Jean Consulting LLC, where she now advises SaaS companies on outbound sales and operations strategies.

Scarlett is also passionate about giving back. She partners with Israel-focused nonprofits to secure funding for programs that allow non-Jewish future leaders to visit and experience Israel.

Reflecting on her time at Hebrew University, Scarlett treasures attending such a historic institution and meeting classmates from diverse backgrounds. She urges students and alumni to “connect with as many people as you can and explore as much of Hebrew University as possible” because these experiences often lead to meaningful opportunities.

Connect with Scarlett on LinkedIn to learn more about her career and initiatives.

Menty Bayleyen

Graduation Year: 2022

Faculty/Department: International MBA

Current Job Title: CEO and Founder

Company: NTM Advisors

Industry: Financial Services

Mark Manuylov

Mark Manuylov, an international MBA graduate, has achieved significant success in financial services. As CEO and Founder of NTM Advisors, Mark led his team to achieve over 3x returns on a VC fund portfolio and guided more than ten companies in securing international investments.

Mark’s passion extends beyond finance. He has been instrumental in supporting the Russian Jewish community’s integration into Israeli society. Since the Ukraine war began, Mark has assisted families with Aliyah, arranging housing, schools, and jobs while also raising funds to support those facing hardships during their move.

His philosophy emphasizes honesty, persistence, and cultural collaboration. Mark believes that true success stems from dedication to both professional goals and personal growth.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn to explore his work and impact.

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Graduation Year: 2015

Faculty/Department: MA in Latin America and the Middle East Studies

Current Job Title: Creative Writing Teacher and Journalism Adjunct Professor

Company: Universidad de Palermo

Industry: Media and Communications

Delfina Korn

Delfina Korn, a graduate of Hebrew University with a specialization in Iberian America and the Middle East, has built an exciting career in media and communications. At the Universidad de Palermo she teaches students how to engage audiences through powerful storytelling. Delfina is also a freelance journalist, and her work can be found on Urgente 24 and La Nacion. Additionally, she is a published author of three fiction books, El Yanqui, Aguas Compartidas, and Prefiero Morir de Amor, showcasing her creative talent and passion for narrative.

Reflecting on her time at Hebrew University, Delfina cherishes the people she met, whose influence continues to shape her journey. She encourages students and alumni to “keep studying new things all the time,” emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning.

Connect with Delfina on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and publications.

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Graduation Year: 2022

Faculty/Department: Master’s of Public Health / Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine

Current Job Title: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Helpline Programme Manager

Company: UNFPA

Industry: UN Agency

Joseph Cirilo Deng Majak

Joseph Cirilo Deng Majak is a passionate advocate for sustainable healthcare in conflict-affected regions. A graduate of the Braun School of Public Health, Joseph’s research on South Sudan’s healthcare system sparked his career in global health.

He has held impactful roles, including Project Coordinator for Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) in Nigeria, where he reduced malnutrition in Yobe State, and Medical Coordinator with Doctors of the World in Syria, where he developed rapid response protocols during cholera and COVID-19 outbreaks.
Now managing a GBV Helpline for UNFPB in South Sudan, Joseph ensures survivors of gender-based violence receive essential services like healthcare, legal aid, and counseling.

Joseph recalls Hebrew University as a hub for idea exchange and hands-on learning, shaping his aspirations to strengthen healthcare systems in fragile contexts. His long-term goals include mentoring professionals and advancing public health in South Sudan.

Connect with Joseph on LinkedIn to follow his impactful work

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Rachel Broyde

Graduation Year: 2020

Faculty/Department: MA in Public Policy and Government

Current Job Title: Director of Development

Company: Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Israel

Industry: Non-profit

Rachel made history as the youngest female CEO of a city foundation in Israel in her most recent role as CEO of Efrat Development Foundations, where she lead transformative initiatives in education, mental health, community development, and security. She also previously worked for two cabinet members across different governments, gaining recognition for her leadership in policy and fundraising. Rachel was part of the inaugural "40 Under 40" HUJI cohort , celebrating exceptional young leaders.

Rachel advises aspiring professionals to build strong networks and lean on mentors and peers, which have been instrumental in her career.

Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn to learn more about her leadership journey.

Menty Bayleyen

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Graduation Year: 2010 (Rothberg
International School - Exchange Semester)

Faculty/Department: Rothberg
International School

Current Job Title: Head Editor of Culture

Company: Weekendavisen, The Danish
Weekly

Industry: Journalism

Kathrine Tschemerinsky

Kathrine Tschemerinsky, an exchange alumna from Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School, has built an outstanding career in journalism. As Head Culture Editor at Weekendavisen, Denmark’s leading newspaper, she drives
thoughtful discourse on cultural and global issues.

A Fulbright Scholarship to Columbia University marked a turning point in her journey, enriching her expertise in cultural analysis. Katherine has also delved deeply into Jewish identity, exploring its complexities in her writing, especially in light of recent global events.

Her advice to students: “If you don’t fit the box, go search for another one. Also: don’t take no for an answer.”

Email Katherine at kats@weekendavisen.dk to connect with her and learn more about her work.

Amir Goldman

Amir, born in Israel to American parents, moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a child but kept a strong connection to Israel. During college, he took a transformative year abroad at the Rothberg International School at Hebrew University, where he met his future wife, Stacey. This experience deepened his connection to Israel and Jewish culture.

After college, Amir and Stacey married and moved to Israel, where Amir began working in venture capital. They later returned to the U.S. when Amir was accepted to Harvard Business School. Following graduation, he joined a VC firm focused on helping Israeli tech companies expand in the U.S.

In 2006, Amir founded Susquehanna Growth Equity, specializing in software and fintech investments. He has also taught at Wharton and remains active in his Philadelphia community. Throughout his career, he has held significant roles in VC firms and served on various boards, including B-Stock, HighRadius, and Payoneer.

Jing Song

Jing Song from China, inspired by her aunt, pursued her dream of studying abroad by joining the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) after earning her M.D. From 2007 to 2010, she conducted biochemistry research as a post-doc, focusing on anticancer drugs and metabolic diseases. She then embarked on a Ph.D. in immunology at HU, contributing to the development of a new drug candidate for multiple sclerosis.

Living in Israel expanded Jing's worldview, significantly influencing her personally and professionally. Now a postdoctoral research associate in Seattle at the Benaroya Research Institute, Jing works on rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases, has authored numerous medical publications, and presents her research internationally.

Jing credits her time at HU for her successful career in immunology, highlighting the invaluable research skills and mentorship she received, which paved the way for her contributions to the field.

Dr. James Brief

Dr. James Brief, an alumnus of Hebrew University and Chief Medical Officer of FoodMarble Digestive Health, studied at Hebrew U from August 1999 to January 2000, focusing on Hebrew, Talmud, Jerusalem's history, and Middle Eastern mythology. His experience at Hebrew U, especially witnessing Israel's humanitarian response to Turkey's earthquake, inspired him to volunteer in Haiti after its earthquake in 2010. This act of kindness influenced his career in pediatric gastroenterology.

In 2016, during his fellowship, he co-founded FoodMarble after learning about a project to develop a portable hydrogen breath test device, AIRE, from an Irish engineer, Dr. Aonghus Shortt. AIRE, a pocket-sized breath analyzer, helps users understand how undigested foods cause symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain by measuring fermentation gases. It aims to improve users' understanding of their digestive systems and diet by analyzing breath samples and tracking food intake through an app, providing insights into foods that might cause discomfort.

Menty Bayleyen

Menty Bayleyen, an Israel native, cherished her time at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) from 1999 to 2003, studying International Relations and Sociology-Anthropology. This experience, marked by academic growth, critical thinking development, and lasting friendships, profoundly influenced her. After earning her B.A., Menty taught languages and advised students until 2010. Her passion for academia then led her to the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) for a master's in Higher Education Management, where she also engaged in various leadership and mentorship roles.

In 2013, Menty relocated to New York City to manage admissions and clinical placements for New York University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, a role she held for five years. She returned to Penn as the Associate Director of Admissions at Penn Dental Medicine, focusing on admissions management, student advisement, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Her career path was inspired by her positive experiences at HU, reinforcing her commitment to higher education.