Who's Who at Hillel Foundation-Milwaukee

Heidi Rattner, Executive Director

hrattner@mkehillel.org

Heidi was employed as a civil rights lawyer and Jewish educator in Milwaukee before beginning her position as Executive Director in August, 2004. She was active in Hillel during her years at Barnard College, and remembers discovering her taste for Chinese food there. (Having grown up in a kosher Sephardi/Ashkenazi home, Heidi already developed her life-long taste for stuffed grape leaves and stuffed cabbage.)

Heidi enjoys spending time with students, professors, alumni, and Hillel supporters (including Hillel's dedicated board of volunteers). She appreciates the important role that each person plays in helping Hillel be a dynamic and joyful place where young adults have pluralistic opportunities to explore Jewish activities and form lasting friendships.

Ilana Wolgel, Director of Jewish Student Life

ilana@mkehillel.org

After working at Purdue University’s Hillel and being involved with Washington University’s Hillel in St. Louis, Ilana is looking forward to getting to know Milwaukee's Jewish students and community.  Studying Psychology, Hebrew, and Art as an undergrad has prepared her for her current role.  When she’s not coming up with creative ways to make Jewish life more meaningful on college campuses, Ilana enjoys sushi, painting, and all kinds of arts and crafts.  She has also completed several half marathons and is thinking about running the Milwaukee marathon as her next race.

 

Debbie Carter Berkson, Program Associate

debbiecb@wi.rr.com

Debbie Carter Berkson has worked as a social worker for many years.  However, she has always been interested in Jewish programming and education.  Debbie also has a very strong commitment to social action.  She enjoys working with others and helping them make connections to the Jewish community.

As the mother of a recent college graduate who is now in graduate school, a college student and a senior in high school, Debbie is sensitive to the ups and downs of college life for students and their families.
 

Rebecca Brodie, Administrator

info@mkehillel.org

Rebecca was a Hillelnik lo these many years ago, and is so happy to be back.  She is a UWM alumna with a degree in French.  When not at Hillel, she loves dancing west coast swing and lindyhop, riding horses, reading and camping.  She makes a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies.