ACT: Agents of Change Training

Danielle Cohen, a New York native and UF graduate, co-founded the Atlanta Initiative Against Antisemitism and The Sandwich Project. She is active with JWFA, JNF, and JFGA, and was honored with AJC’s Advocacy Award. Danielle lives in Atlanta with her husband, two children, and dog, and enjoys travel and creative projects.

Danna Cook, born in Israel, has dedicated her career to Jewish nonprofit work and recently joined Hillels of Georgia’s leadership team after moving from Charleston. She lives in Sandy Springs with her husband, Sam, and their two sons, Ari and Teddy, and enjoys beach days, Israeli music, and sushi.

Andrea Cushing, an Atlanta native, spent 30 years as a Fulton County Schools teacher, principal, and administrator. Now retired, she mentors aspiring educators at the University of North Georgia. She enjoys Broadway, tennis, hiking, travel, and family time with her son and stepchildren.

Michelle Epstein, a Georgia native, studied at Colby College and began her career in nonprofit development before becoming a librarian at The Epstein School and later returning to development at JF&CS. She is mom to a college sophomore and enjoys walking her dog, hiking, gardening, and reading.

Sue Feig has lived in Atlanta for nearly 40 years and is Director of Learning Support at The Galloway School, where she has advocated for students with diverse learning needs for 14 years. She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Emory University. Sue and her husband have two grown children and a Morkie named Charlie.

Mia Kurgan, originally from South Africa, owns her own interior design studio, serving residential clients and senior living facilities nationwide. A past president of ASID’s Atlanta chapter, she has also held leadership roles in the Jewish community. She lives in Sandy Springs with her husband and two children.

Hillary Levy moved to Atlanta in 1999 after growing up in Dallas and graduating from the University of Georgia. She worked in commercial insurance for 20 years before shifting to volunteer roles with schools, JF&CS, One Good Deed, and Café Europa. She lives in Dunwoody with her husband and daughter; her older daughter is at Florida State.

Andrea Lipman, born in Tennessee and raised in Florida, earned two degrees from Emory before a 20-year career at the CDC. Now retired, she volunteers widely, especially with Jewish Home Life. She lives in Sandy Springs, enjoys tennis, and cherishes time with her family.

Liat Oren born in Tel Aviv and raised partly in Paris, has a background in law, diplomacy, and community building. She co-founded Building Community Thru Conversation and SHIELD, dedicated to fighting antisemitism and fostering interfaith connection. Liat lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children.

Wendy Rudd, raised in Atlanta with formative years in Israel, earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education and worked as a teacher before becoming a certified professional coach. Now a Parent Coach at JF&CS, she draws inspiration from her own parenting journey and enjoys time with her twin daughters, family, and friends.

Julie Schulman, born in Dallas, studied at the University of Texas and built a career as a design director for TV stations in Little Rock, Chicago, Detroit, and Atlanta. With her children now grown, she is looking forward to her next chapter.

Kerry Seir, a New York native, built a first career in TV production before launching her own online retail businesses. Now based in Georgia, she balances entrepreneurship with creative pursuits, teaching, and time with her two children.

Anna Serviansky is Director of Camp Ramah Darom and previously served as Associate Dean of List College at JTS. A graduate of Brown, Georgetown Law, and JTS, she lives in Sandy Springs with her husband and two sons and enjoys theater, dance, exercise, and volunteering.

Michele Shapiro has grown up in Atlanta, Ga since she was three years old. She graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. For 18 years, she taught third and fifth grade at The Davis Academy. Her passion for educating young minds continues as she transitioned out of the classroom and into an experienced tutor.

Ellen Softness, originally from Philadelphia, studied at Penn and Columbia and worked as a Wall Street investment banker before moving to Atlanta in 1992. She owned Gymboree franchises for 30 years and now owns Strippaggio Olive Oils. Ellen enjoys tennis, mentoring, and visiting her three daughters across the country.

Rabbi Lara Tessler is the Assistant Rabbi at The Temple, working with B’nai Mitzvah, Confirmation, and the 20s & 30s community. A Florida native, she earned her B.A. from Florida State University and was ordained at HUC-JIR in 2024 with a concentration in Israel Education. She loves Jewish summer camp, the outdoors, and exploring Atlanta’s ice cream spots.

Melanie Yonks, an Atlanta native, has worked in communications, production, and nonprofit program development, and recently joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. A longtime community volunteer, she has served on more than 20 boards. She lives in Roswell with her husband, dog, and nearby daughters.