Tilly Shemer joins Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership as Director of Strategic Communications and Advancement.
Tilly has more than 22 years of experience working with youth and young adults in coaching and consulting, Hillel, supplementary education, advocacy organizations, and learning institutes, including the Shalom Hartman Institute. As Executive Director of University of Michigan Hillel, Tilly launched innovative leadership fellowships, engagement strategies, impactful Israel and Jewish education programming, and national initiatives that impacted the Hillel movement. Tilly is passionate about engagement in and access to Jewish life, talent development, building inclusive communities, pluralism, and women’s advancement.
Spertus Dean and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Keren Fraiman notes that “Tilly is a compassionate and thoughtful leader, network weaver, relationship builder, mentor, thought partner, and engager. We are excited to welcome her to the team and I know that she will make a tremendous contribution to Spertus Institute, helping to bring our mission to life.”
Tilly is a recipient of the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award, a Wexner Field Fellow alum, and a proud board member of Encounter. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs (Carleton University) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies and Political Science (York University). She has also studied at Ben Gurion University and Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies.
When discussing Spertus, Tilly reflected that “So many Jewish professionals I have met are lifelong seekers of growth, looking for spaces that will take their complex challenges and questions seriously. Spertus sees their needs and is responding with ever-evolving cohorts, degrees, and learning experiences for professionals to be stretched, to experiment with their leadership voices, and to feel inspired and prepared to apply their learning to their workplaces and communities. I feel honored and humbled to be joining this exceptional team of talented and dedicated professionals at Spertus and to work alongside them to make these opportunities possible for Jewish professionals of Chicago and across North America.”