Back in the 80s there used to be these commercials for Hair Club for Men, where at the end the CEO would come on and say, “By the way, I’m not just the president – I’m also a client.” Thankfully I still have my hair, but today I can relate:

I was a law student 14 years ago when I realized that Jewish grad students like myself had no organization to call their own. So some friends and I started this thing called the Jewish Grad Initiative and we ran it part time for a while. But after seeing our project flourish with so much potential for more, I knew that for JGSI to be successful I had to let go of my own personal dreams and drop out of law school. So with my wife’s support (and over my mom’s complaints) I did – and the rest is history. JGSI is now on 121 grad campuses around North America and we have built an amazing organization. But in the back of my mind, there was a nagging feeling that ironically I had missed the very opportunity that the thousands of grad students we serve get to experience.

So when COVID hit, I seized the moment and went back to grad school. Quietly I made it my personal goal to obtain an MBA before I turn 40 this August, realizing that a business degree would best help me take JGSI to the next level. I set my sights on The Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business which luckily went remote during the pandemic, allowing me to stay in Los Angeles and continue my busy work schedule without skipping a beat. As per usual for me, I of course got rejected a few times before I guess I eventually wore them down and they finally accepted me. Built on rejection! :)

My job for the last 11 years has been to inspire grad students and alumni to preserve their Jewish connection and community as they set out on their own paths post-graduation. But while trying to inspire others, I myself became inspired by the tens of thousands of students I’ve met, who put so much work and passion into their education and goals.

A little over two weeks ago, I finally graduated. It feels awesome to know that I can now advocate for Jewish grads that much better, because I’ve been there myself. I’m not just the CEO – I’m also a client!

Huge thanks and love to my partner in everything Aliza, our girls who put up with more schtick than usual from me, and the countless friends and mentors who supported me along the way! Mazal tov!