We are pleased to announce the well-deserved promotions of four outstanding members of our team at the Jews of Color Initiative. These dedicated team members have demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment to our mission, and eagerness to grow their leadership. We’re excited to see them take on growing roles within our organization as they continue to advance racial equity in the Jewish community as part of the JoCI family.
Mazal tov to our promoted team members, Jordan Daniels, Rishona Thrasher, Emma González-Lesser, and Jade Groobman!
Jordan Daniels, Assistant Director of Programs
Since joining JoCI’s Grants Team in August 2022 as a Junior Program Officer, Jordan has brought care, thoughtfulness, and deep commitment to his work. Promoted to Program Officer in March 2024, he continued to empower grantees in bringing their visions to life with JoCI’s support. In addition to his grantmaking role, Jordan has become a core part of our Los Angeles programming, regularly attending and supporting our LA Professional Network events and playing a key role in facilitating the region’s grant cycle—both funded by JCFLA. We’re excited to see Jordan’s leadership and passion for community thrive in his new role as Assistant Director of Programs.
“While it’s bittersweet to move on from the Grants Team, I am excited to expand my leadership in the field by helping develop and lead our programs on a national scale! Coming from Grants, I believe I’ll be able to facilitate deeper connections between our grantees and our programs. Given the moment we’re experiencing in our country, I look forward to facilitating a thriving network for Jews of Color to learn and lead together.”
Rishona Thrasher, Assistant Director of Operations and Finance
Rishona Thrasher joined the Jews of Color Initiative in April 2023 as our Operations Manager, bringing a keen understanding of systems and a deep commitment to organizational excellence. Her operational fluency was instrumental in supporting JoCI’s success during our transition into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and continues to strengthen our team’s effectiveness and day-to-day impact. We’re proud to witness Rishona’s leadership grow and excited to see her continue to thrive in her new role as Assistant Director of Operations and Finance.
“It is with much gratitude and excitement that I step into the role of Assistant Director of Operations and Finance for the Jews of Color Initiative,” said Rishona. “In the past two years since I’ve joined the organization, it has been a great honor to support so many dedicated and talented people who work diligently to advocate, educate and be of service—not only to Jews of Color, but to the Jewish community as a whole. These leaders make every day of my work meaningful and impactful and I share in their success. It is truly an incredible opportunity to be able to advance together with the Jews of Color Initiative and apply my skills towards our mission.”
Emma González-Lesser, Assistant Director of Communications
Emma González-Lesser joined the Jews of Color Initiative in August 2020 as our Communications Associate and quickly stepped into the role of Communications Manager. Over the years, Emma has been central to shaping JoCI’s public voice—ensuring that our thought leadership, programming, grantees, and broader impact are represented with authenticity and care across all communications platforms. We’re proud to celebrate nearly five years of Emma’s leadership and growth at JoCI, and look forward to all they’ll bring to their new role as Assistant Director of Communications.
“It’s truly such a blessing to be part of this organization and to have the opportunity to grow alongside many influential leaders over the past several years,” Emma said. “I am so proud of all we accomplish as a team, and know my personal capacity to grow in my leadership is inherently tied to the support I receive from my colleagues. I am honored to be trusted in telling JoCI’s story and the stories of our incredible grantees, and looking forward to continuing the work in my new role.”
Jade Groobman, Program Coordinator
Jade Groobman joined the Jews of Color Initiative in August 2022 as our Program Associate. In her time with JoCI, she has supported key programmatic efforts that strengthen the fabric of JoC community life. From coordinating gatherings through the NY Pro Network to playing an integral role in planning JoCI’s 2023 Leaders Convening, Jade’s efforts have helped make some of our most meaningful leadership empowerment offerings possible. We’re thrilled to recognize her contributions and continued growth as she steps into the role of Program Coordinator.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow into my leadership at JoCI,” Jade said. “I’m looking forward to what lies ahead in this new role and, as always, excited to help cultivate intentional and meaningful community during this pivotal time.”
“As CEO, I feel genuinely lucky and deeply privileged—blessed, even in a divine-intervention kind of way—that we get to align such amazing humans with the challenging and incredible work we do,” Ilana Kaufman said. “Emma, Jordan, Rishona, and Jade continue to choose this work every day, to grow in it, and to take on more responsibility in service of our mission. The fact that they are investing their professional growth in the JoCI is truly remarkable. That we get to grow together, and that the organization is able to receive and reflect that growth through new roles with more responsibility, influence, and authority, is entirely wonderful.”
As JoCI grows and deepens its impact, we’re thrilled to celebrate the leadership of Jordan, Rishona, Emma, and Jade. Their dedication and vision continue to shape the future of our work. We look forward to sharing more updates and reflections as our team moves forward in advancing equity across the Jewish community.
In the same vein, we offer a hearty mazal tov and kol ha’kavod to soon-to-be Rabbi Evan Traylor. Evan has served as a valued member of our Board of Directors for the past year, and we are excited to see him complete his rabbinic education, joining the growing ranks of JoC clergy. Evan will be ordained on May 4, 2025 by HUC-JIR, and in July, he will be starting as Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, NY.