The San Diego Jewish Teen Initiative was founded in 2016 for the purpose of engaging San Diego’s Jewish Teens to Jewish opportunities. SDJTI is committed to building the capacities of our community’s Jewish Professionals, seeding innovation, and amplifying the Jewish teen experience. Through our community partnerships, mental health and wellness initiatives, and belief in the power of Jewish immersive experiences we have built an organization that day in and day out, supports the betterment, resilience, and engagement of Jewish teens in San Diego.
In June of 2020, Allie transitioned from her role as Associate Director to Executive Director of the San Diego Jewish Teen Initiative. Allie’s professional background is in Jewish education, teen engagement, Jewish residential camping, and Israel Studies. She received both her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the American Jewish University in Judaic Studies and Education. Outside of work Allie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and laughing at her own jokes. Allie serves as San Diego’s Jewish National Fund Alexander Muss High School Board Chair and JNFuture President. She is an avid sunset watcher, F45 workout junkie, french fry connoisseur, self-declared baby whisperer, and proud resident of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Kayla has worked for San Diego Jewish Teen Initiative for nearly three years and in July of 2020 transitioned from her original role as the Teen Initiative’s Middle School Manager to Project Manager. Kayla’s portfolio at SDJTI includes but is not limited to, teen leadership and engagement, mental health and wellness for parents and educators of teens, and immersive travel. Kayla earned her Master of Science degree in Instructional Design and Technology from California State University, Fullerton in the Summer of 2020. Outside of work, her passions are serving as Vice President on San Diego’s Jewish National Fund JNFuture Board, puppies, chocolate, and rewatching episodes of The Office.