September 17, 2026 — Erika Vogel has joined Spertus Institute as the Managing Director of Israel Initiatives and Conflict Education, bringing more than a decade of experience in Israel education to the role.
In this newly created role, she will help advance Spertus’ Conflicts of Interest program, which equips Jewish educators and communal leaders to lead thoughtful, informed conversations about Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She will also help Spertus grow a broader slate of Israel education initiatives.
“Erika’s deep experience in Israel education, strategic planning, and program management will be vital as we take on and grow Conflicts of Interest and broaden our role in Israel education at such a crucial moment,” said Dr. Keren E. Fraiman, Spertus Institute’s Vice President and Chief Academic Officer. “We are delighted and proud to have Erika join the Spertus team.”
Vogel comes to Spertus after 12 years at The iCenter, most recently as program director for its graduate degree partnership in Israel education with George Washington University. She has also worked at the Andrea & Charles Bronfman Philanthropies.
She holds a BA in Middle East and International Studies from Emory University, where she minored in Hebrew, and an MA in International Relations from the University of Chicago. Vogel has lived in Chicago for most of the past 25 years.
In addition to becoming the new home for Conflicts of Interest earlier this year, Spertus has piloted multiple certificate programs focused on Israel education for the Foundation for Jewish Camp, synagogues in the Chicago metropolitan area, and Jewish day schools in Miami.
“Spertus is well-positioned as a leader in Jewish and Israel education,” Vogel said. “It’s exciting to be able to bring my experience in this space and partner with such a talented faculty and committed Spertus network to build on a strong foundation and create impact on the broader field.”
Learn more about the Conflicts of Interest program and how to apply here.
Conflicts of Interest’s next cohort of approximately 30 educators and professionals will gather in Chicago for an in-person seminar this fall, with three additional cohorts planned for the 2027 academic year. You can direct questions to COI@spertus.edu.