Youth Director Melanie Edwards
I am excited to step into the role of Youth Director here at Congregation B’nai Israel. Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of working in the nonprofit sector, with six of those years dedicated to the Jewish community.
After graduating from the University of Kansas, I had the incredible opportunity to move to Israel and work with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) for a year. My professional journey also includes four years supporting college students at Hillel, where I worked at KU Hillel, my alma mater, and Long Beach Hillel. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Cal State Long Beach with the goal of becoming a therapist. I am passionate about creating supportive spaces where youth and young adults can grow emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
I am excited to work alongside the teens to create programs that are both meaningful and enriching. Thank you for welcoming me into this vibrant community.