BIOS

Leah Jones
Leah has been an active member of the Chicago Jewish community since 2005 and is a founding member of Sharsheret’s Illinois Community Advisory Committee. Leah has served as the President of Emanuel Congregation twice, and has planned fundraisers, organized special events and engaged in strategic planning on behalf of the Edgewater-based Reform synagogue and is a proud convert to Judaism. She is a co-founder of TBD Minyan, joined the ROI Community in 2007, and is a Wexner Heritage Fellow in the Chicago 17 cohort. She is the Head of Marketing Operations at Mesirow and host of the podcast Finding Favorites. Leah was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and immediately called Sharsheret to pause volunteering and seek support as a patient. Leah has shared her breast cancer story online and in person, and advocates for genetic testing in our community.

 

Rachel and Richard Silverman

Rachel and Richard Silverman live in Chicago, Illinois and are the proud parents of Talya, Avigayil, Dovi and Orli Silverman. Rachel, a native Chicagoan, is an active mother and community volunteer. Rachel is currently serving as co-chair of NILI (the women’s learning division of the YU Torah Mitzion Kollel) and is deeply involved with her children’s school (Arie Crown Hebrew Day School).  She has also previously volunteered with United Bikur Cholim and the Midwest Refuah Health Center. Richard is a partner at Sidley Austin LLP, and is actively involved as a lay leader in numerous community organizations, including Congregation KINS, Arie Crown Hebrew Day School, Associated Talmud Torahs, and the YU Torah Mitzion Kollel.  Rachel and Richard enjoy spending time together with family and friends, especially when it involves visiting Israel!  

Rachel was diagnosed with breast cancer in the Fall of 2022 following her first mammogram at age 40, and was fortunate to receive tremendous support during her journey from her family, countless friends, Sharsheret, and other community organizations. She looks forward to sharing the impact this journey has had on her life and the importance of taking an active role in protecting one’s health. 

 

Dennis Watkins

Dennis Watkins is a third-generation magician, actor and entertainer with awards and honors from the Joseph Jefferson Committee, the Society of American Magicians, the Desert Magic Seminar and the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
His is critically acclaimed, award-winning show, The Magic Parlour, has been running in the heart of downtown Chicago since 2009.
His performances have been seen on CBS, FOX, WGN, ABC, the A&E network, and he was recently featured on The CW’s Penn & Teller Fool Us.

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To learn more about becoming a sponsor or for any other questions, contact Sharon Levine at [email protected] or click here or call: 312 767 2045.