2025 Hillel Student Board
The Hillel Student Board’s mission is to create opportunities for Brandeis undergraduate students to engage in all aspects of Jewish life, learning, and Israel.
Vivian Hamui ‘25 , President, (she/her)
Vivian is a double major in Psychology and Studio Art. As a Mexican Syrian Jew raised in Brooklyn, New York, she has always been deeply connected to her Jewish heritage. Brandeis Hillel has been a place where she feels safe and supported, and she’s excited to continue being involved in programming that fosters community. Vivian previously served as Vice President and President of the Brandeis Organization of Sephardic Students (BOSS) and is currently working with Selah BK, where she focuses on creative community initiatives. Selah is a spiritual community for people in recovery and those who love them, grounded in Jewish tradition. Outside of Hillel, she’s also a freelance photographer, blending her love of art with personal storytelling. Feel free to reach out to talk about Jewish life, art, mental health, or photography!
TBD, Vice President,
Special Elections happening now! Stay Tuned!
Samuel Shmidman ‘27, Treasurer, (he/him)
Hailing from Riverdale, New York, Samuel Shmidman is majoring in Computer Science with minors in History and Math. He is passionate about ensuring a smooth and efficient process for handling anything related to finance in the Hillel community. You can find Samuel in the MakerLab or Engineering Classroom working on 3D printers or in the game room playing ping pong or pool. Feel free to reach out to him to discuss anything related to club finances, 3D printing, or anything else that comes to mind!
Deanna Sokol ‘28, Communications Coordinator, (she/her)
Deanna is from Denver, Colorado and explores interests in Education and Psychology. She is passionate about forming connections with others and embracing Jewish life on campus. Before Brandeis, Deanna spent a year in Israel on the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Hevruta Gap-Year Program, and she recently served as the first-year representative for the Brandeis Orthodox Organization (BOO). In her free time, Deanna enjoys volunteering with Teaching Assistants in Public Schools (TAPS), socializing in Sherman Dining Hall, and watching Shrek. Feel free to reach out to Deanna to talk about all things Jewish at Brandeis, be featured in one of the weekly emails, engage in shtick, or just to chat!
Alon Wigodsky ‘27, Education Coordinator, (he/him)
Alon Wigodsky is from White Plains, New York, and is studying Applied Mathematics, and Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. He is excited to continue to contribute to the wonderful culture of Torah learning at Brandeis. Alon enjoys studying Tanach and Midrash most of all, and is excited about learning even more. (There's just so much!) In his free time, he also enjoys reading short stories(especially Sherlock Holmes), playing chess, watching youTube videos, and watching football. He is also involved with Masorti at Brandeis. Feel free to reach out to him about Torah, Math, or why Cars 2 is the best Cars movie!
Coco Trentalancia ‘27, Social Engagement Coordinator (she/her)
Hi! I am Coco and I am a sophomore majoring in Education and minoring in Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies. I am from New York City and I enjoy listening to Taylor Swift, going for runs and meeting new people! I am always looking for new shows, so please give recs! I also love staying active playing tennis with friends and family and I love expressing creativity through singing. I am looking forward to bringing my creativity to the board!
Ollie Small ‘28, Tikkun Olam Coordinator, (they/them)
Ollie is an intended double major in English and Education, also pursuing minors in Hispanic Studies and Creativity, the Arts, and Social Transformation. Coming from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, they are passionate about making meaningful connections within the Jewish community here at Brandeis. They are an active member of BaRuCh (Brandeis Reform Chavurah) and are on the boards of Brandeis J Street (within Hillel) and Brandeis Democrats. Feel free to reach out to Ollie for discussions about social justice, exploring Jewish spaces on campus, books, and what the #1 Taylor Swift album truly is!
Matthew Pfeffer ‘27, Israel Programs Coordinator, (he/him)
Matthew, hailing from Woodbury, New York, studies Economics and Art History with a minor in Judaic Studies. Interested in preserving the importance of Israel on campus, Matthew would like to create meaningful dialogues within the Hillel community. When not doing schoolwork or Hillel, Matthew likes to play Pickleball, listen to the Grateful Dead or the band Goose, and play board games. Feel free to reachout to Matthew regarding anything to do with discussing Israel!
Julia Slavin ‘28, Religious and Cultural Engagment, (she/her)
Julia is a Psychology and NEJS double major from New York City. She is passionate about making inclusive and meaningful programming at Hillel. A Hartman teen fellow and member of her own synagogue's student board, Julia has experience learning and working with people across a wide range of Jewish backgrounds. When not writing endless papers for class, you can find Julia playing SimCity in the Hillel Lounge or listening to her Spotify DJ. Feel free to reach out for a coffee (or tea!) chat to talk about anything you want to see in religious/cultural life and more!