Originally from Kishinev, Moldova, Liliya immigrated to the US with her parents and sister in 1989.� Some of her fondest childhood memories are from the extended immigration period in Austria and Italy.� She was brought up in NJ and while she was exposed to the Jewish culture and religion within the community, tradition was really the focus in her family. She lived in Boston while working on her PharmD degree and has since built a career in the pharmaceutical industry, though, as it turns out she is much more inspired by the fashion industry!� She and her husband now live in Livingston, NJ with their very awesome three kids, Olivia, Reese and Liev.� She does her best to find a healthy balance, to find positivity and joy in the simple things and looks forward to this upcoming experience with the JPA.

My family came from Togliatti, Russia to the US at the end of 2000; actually, my first day in college was September 11, 2001! After almost 20 years in Brooklyn, we made a big move and have been happily living in New Jersey ever since. I am excited to learn more about my Jewish heritage so that I can pass on these traditions to my two teenage boys. I am equally excited to be part of JPA and meet Russian-speaking Jewish parents. I have 17+ years of experience working for the financial service companies, taking care of their federal and state income tax compliance and reporting requirements as well as defending their tax positions on audit. My family is a huge fan of Lifetime gym. We also enjoy spending time with family and friends, whether it�s traveling, walking, hiking, biking, or just watching a movie.

Alla emigrated with her family from Khmelnitsky, Ukraine to the US in 1990. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York, graduating Pace University with a degree in Finance in 2002. Alla worked in the financial district and advertising industries as a financial analyst for 12 years, before adding to her studies with a passion for healthy lifestyle, earning a certificate as an Integrative Nutrition coach in 2013.� Alla moved to Livingston, New Jersey with her two boys in 2023 and is excited to join another JPA cohort this year, expanding her knowledge of Zionism, Israel and the Jewish community. In her spare time, Alla loves to spend time with her family and friends, cook, travel, and pursue new interests.

Originally from Minsk, Belarus, Irina moved to New York during her tween years. Following her graduation from Pace University, she dedicated the past two decades to a successful career in portfolio management and business analytics. Currently residing in Livingston with her husband and three children. Irina is eagerly looking forward to joining JPA as an alumna.

My husband, I, and 3 year old son recently moved to the suburbs last year after living in NYC for most of my life. I work in the healthcare industry at a company that improves clinical outcomes for complex conditions and I am a scientist by training. I love traveling, yoga, scuba diving, dancing, and eating delicious food.

Born in Ukraine, Yana immigrated with her parents and younger sister to Germany in the early 90s and became part of the small but growing Russian Jewish community in Berlin. After receiving her law degree from the Free University of Berlin, Yana continued her legal studies at Northwestern University where she received her JD. She currently works for a pharmaceutical company and resides in New Jersey with her husband and two boys, ages 12 and 16. Yana is looking forward to joining the JPA community.

Alla was born in Moldova and immigrated to America in 1990. After a few years in Brooklyn, Alla moved to NJ. She graduated from Rutgers University and then received her J.D. from Widener University. She was a litigator for 10+ years before transitioning her career in-house. She is currently associate general counsel for a financial services company. Alla currently lives in Springfield with her husband and daughter.

Born in Odessa, Ukraine and immigrated to Kansas in 1990 eventually moving to Brooklyn, NY. I received my Nursing Degree from Long Island College Hospital School of nursing and worked in Neuro/Surgery/Stroke unit in Manhasset NY for over 11 years. I now reside in Livingston, NJ with my husband, two kids who are 10 and 14 and work for Aetna/CVS as a Utilization Management Nurse Consultant. I enjoy socializing, traveling and learning new things. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of Judaism and meeting new people within my community.

I came to the U.S. in 1979 when I was 3 years old and lived in New Jersey ever since. I'm married with two daughters, 18 & 13, and I live in Livingston. With the previous JPA cohort, I learned interesting things and met nice like-minded people. I had a great experience and decided to come back for another round. Looking forward to the next one.

Julie was born in Baku and immigrated to the United States as a young child with her family in 1990. She was raised in Brooklyn, NY in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood. Julie attended a Yeshiva and was always a part of the Russian Jewish community, particularly during her college years. This strengthened her connection and love for Judaism, which she values deeply and strives to continuously pass on to her children. Julie moved to New Jersey with her husband and two children in 2019 and is currently working as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She is very excited to participate in the JPA program.

Yelena is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in talent management, leadership development, and career development. Her current professional role is Vice President of Learning & Development at NBC Universal. With a track record spanning global Fortune 500 companies, the entertainment industry, beauty, financial services, technology, management consulting, and the nonprofit sector, she has made a significant impact through global leadership programs and training initiatives. Yelena lives in Livingston with her husband, Gena, and their 14-year-old daughter, Mariella. Over the years, she has been actively involved in the Jewish community, including leading the RSJ Women's Circle in Livingston. She is committed to building a vibrant Jewish community and showcasing the strength and resilience of our people.

Alina Lipkin Makhinson immigrated directly to Deal, New Jersey from Moscow in 1989. She currently resides in Westfield with her husband Mark and 4 year old daughter Stella. Alina teaches speech language pathology to graduate students at Columbia University and also operates a non-profit organization called Super Tooth, which aims to provide support and resources for families and individuals with rare craniofacial disorders. Alina is passionate about Judaism, both exploring Jewish topics academically and raising a family with Jewish values. Her hobbies include pottery, oil painting, cooking, entertaining (and drinking wine) and traveling around the world.

Ilya grew up in Moscow and moved to the US at the age of 17. After graduating from MIT he has worked in technology and financial services industries. Ilya lives in Millburn, NJ with his wife and two children. He enjoys hiking and skiing.

I was born in Lvov, Ukraine and moved to the USA in 1995. I graduated Lincoln High School and later went to Pace University and later transferred to Baruch College. I've been working in the insurance and fin tech industries for many years. I moved to Livingston, NJ with my kids two years ago. I am passionate about our community, our heritage and the current events. I enjoy travel, music, food, my friends and my family!

I came to the USA in 1991, and graduated with BEEE from CCNY and MBA from Baruch. Currently, I reside in NJ.

I�m Nehama Novofastovsky, I live in Livingston. I was born in Israel right after my parents emigrated from the Soviet Union and moved to the US when I was 9. I have 4 children. My husband and I work together at our Law Firm which we started together in 2009.

Roman was born in Azerbaijan and moved to the United States with his family when he was 14 years old. Brooklyn, NY became his second home where he made new friends and learned a lot about Jews from different parts of the world. Roman finished Polytechnic University with a degree in Computer Science, and earned a Masters in Information Systems from Brooklyn College. Roman is proud to be re-joining JPA as an alumni. He is excited to continue learning and help the organization in spreading its mission. Roman currently resides in Livingston, NJ with his daughter and works in the financial technology sector. In his spare time, he loves exploring new music, connecting with friends and family, and traveling.

Yevgeniya Ratskovskaya came to Boston from Ukraine in 1996 at the age of 11. Her undergraduate studies took place at Dartmouth College and Brandeis University. She completed her Masters in Economics and Finance at Brandeis International Business School, class of 2005. She went on to receive her degree of Juris Doctor from New England Law Boston. Yevgeniya is in private practice and owns a boutique law firm Junix Counsel, LLC that focuses on the needs of small and medium size businesses with strong emphasis on start ups. Yevgeniya is a mom to two beautiful children Daniel 5, and Victoria 4. She lives in Livingston, New Jersey.

Alla immigrated to the US from Kazakhstan with her parents and siblings in 1990. While living in Kazakhstan, they celebrated both Jewish and Russian orthodox holidays. It wasn�t until she immigrated to the US and spent one year in yeshiva, she began to understand and appreciate her connection to Judaism. Now, having her own family and raising kids in the current macro backdrop, it is even more important for Alla to stay connected to her Jewish roots. She hopes she will gain deeper knowledge and appreciation for the Jewish history and culture thru this program.

After leaving the USSR in 1991, Anna lived in Israel, Canada, and currently resides in NJ with her husband, two teenagers, and two cats. Professionally, she oversees regulated bioanalysis in a medium size pharmaceutical company.

I was born in Scarsdale, NY, went to Scarsdale High, then Hamilton College, then Washington University Medical School, residency at New York Hospital, and have been in private practice in Cardiology for the last 20 years with Summit Health. My wife Anna and I have a 16 year old son and 13 year old daughter.

Olga was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine and came to the US at the age of 19 in 1999. She received a BBA in Finance from Pace University. Olga lives in East Hanover with her family and enjoys learning about Jewish traditions and culture, traveling and reading. She is looking forward to connecting with similar minded people at JPA.

Irene was born in Kiev, Ukraine and came to the US in 1989 with her family. Irene has been living in Livingston New Jersey for the past 6 years with her husband Alex and two children. Irene's son Benjamin who is 18 years old is attending Georgia Tech University, and daughter Isabelle, who is 15 years old, is attending Livingston High school. Irene currently works in Wells Fargo as a Technology Executive and has worked across the banking and technology sector for the past 20 years. Irene and her family spent 6 years living in Utah where they enjoyed skiing, mountain biking, hiking and exploring the great national parks. In her spare time, Irene loves spending time with family, enjoys the outdoors such as the beach and mountains. Irene is looking forward to participating in JPA and connecting with fellow participants.

I left Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 1989 with my parents, two grandmothers and my older brother. After spending 6 months in Vienna, Austria, we came to Brooklyn, NY in 1990. I grew up in a family where Yiddish was one of the languages spoken and we have always celebrated most major Jewish holidays and traditions. I moved to Livingston, NJ with my husband in 2004 where I felt at home, met my lifelong friends and raised my three children who are currently 18, 15 and 11. I am a retired attorney licensed to practice in the state of NY. For the past ten years, I have worked as a Realtor servicing all local towns around Livingston, currently working with Keller Williams Realty in Summit.

Irina was born in Odessa, Ukraine and came to the US when she was 2 years old. She grew up in Brooklyn, NY and moved to NJ when she got married. While having Russian-speaking Jewish friends in Brooklyn was fairly easy, it was more difficult to meet people with the same background in NJ as an adult. Irina is a pharmacist and lives in Livingston with her husband and daughter, who is 4 years old. Irina wants to ensure her daughter has a strong sense of her Russian Jewish identity. Irina is excited to create meaningful friendships with like-minded parents and learn more about her culture.

I'm originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia, but I was raised in Brooklyn, where I got married and began raising our family. We made the decision to relocate to Livingston, NJ in search of better schools for our children and a more enriching Jewish environment for both them and us. I take great pride in the fact that our community played a significant role in bringing the JPA (Jewish Parent Academy) into our area,� providing local parents with the opportunity to engage with Jewish history and current events. It's been immensely gratifying to share this experience with my family and other members of our community here.

Hannah is a Gorsky Jew born in Baku, Azerbaijan. She immigrated to the US when she was 6 and was raised in Brooklyn. Hannah currently lives in Livingston, NJ with her husband, Jose, and their three children. They lead an inter-faith, multi-cultural family and embrace both heritages for our children. They are members of Temple Beth Shalom and also attend children's courses and clubs with the Chabad of Milburn. Hannah works in Prudential as a Director of Financial Reporting.

I was born in Frunze, Kirgizia, USSR, and immigrated to the US with my family in 1991. My grandparents were from Ukraine and Belarus. I grew up in Queens, NY, and moved to NJ after graduating college. I received a degree in Accounting and worked mostly in Risk Management until my career shifted to Real Estate. I grew up knowing that I was Jewish, but did not have a strong sense of identity until I had my own children. When I became a mother, I started gravitating towards my Jewish culture, traditions and heritage. I wanted to learn more for myself, and to be able to teach my kids about where they came from. My husband and I live in Livingston, NJ, and we are raising six children together.I have joined the JPA community in 2022, when I participated in its first cohort in New Jersey. It was an incredible experience that I would always cherish. Since the start of the war in Israel, I have started doing more advocacy work for Israel and the Jewish people, and fighting anti-semitism with other local activists. I am really looking forward to joining the new cohort as an alumni, to learn more, and to continue building and strengthening our community together. Am Yisrael Chai!