Hey Hey! Repair the World Board Member Named to Oy!Chicago’s 36 Under 36 List
by Elana Hubert | July 26, 2012 | 0 comments
We’d like to interrupt this series of posts for an exciting announcement about one of our very own do-gooders!
Repair the World Board member, Amy Witt, was recently named one of Oy!Chicago’s 36 under 36 for her dedication to Chicago’s public school system and youth.
We’re so proud to see Amy recognized among an incredible group of inspirational leaders — humanitarians, educators, social activists, rabbis, and even restaurant owners — all working toward a healthier, more equal and just world.
With a passion for tikkun olam and a slew of accomplishments too long to list, Repair the World wants to give Amy a huge shout out as an outstanding and active member of her community –and of Repair the World’s board!
Why Amy?
Great question! As one of the first staff members of Chicago Run, an organization that promotes health and fitness through creative programming, Amy has helped implement and manage sustainable fitness and health programs in 55 Chicago Public Schools that serve over 13,400 students. (That’s a lot of kids!) And, in her time working with Teach for America (a Repair the World fave) she not only helped her fifth grade class achieve significant gains (over two years of growth!) in their math and English language proficiency scores, she also worked with a team to create a rigorous school-wide reading and writing curriculum that helped increase the school’s overall report card grade from a D- to an A in two years! And if that’s not enough, Amy is now helping Repair the World build its upcoming education initiative in Chicago. (More on this soon…Promise!)
Why Service?
“I believe in the power of service to bring people together by building community, and forging strong bonds between people as they work towards a common goal. I strive to make service a defining part of my daily life,” said Amy.
Amy is an outstanding representative of Repair the World’s mission in action. Not only is she dedicated to service, but she also supports her Jewish community, and sees how her Jewish values guide her work.
And it started early: in junior high school, Amy spent two summers as an American delegate at Seeds of Peace, an organization that allows teenagers from regions of conflict to learn the skills of making peace. After studying at the University of Michigan and completing her two years as a Teach for America corps member, she also participated in the REALITY Israel Experience and REALITY Check Fellowship program, wherein she had time to reflect on the inherent connection between Jewish identity and service – finding inspiration that continues to impact her personal and professional life.
Why now?
“It is critical for young professionals and others to devote more time to volunteering and to finding a cause they are passionate about. There is an unlimited impact one can have when they volunteer — on the lives of others, their community, and personally,” she said.
We kind of agree. Congrats, Amy! You’re an inspiration to us all.
Another props goes to our amazing Development Intern, Elana Hubert, for not only helping write this blog post but also getting Amy nominated! Elana hails from Los Angeles, CA and is currently studying Anthropology and Human Rights at Barnard College. We’ll have more on Elana and her delicious campus ice cream business and service activities soon!
