Jewish Chicago Magazine

When there was a chance for the Nova Exhibit to come to Chicago, Ila stepped up.
 
A member of the Tribe of Nova Chicago Committee, she was a force behind the effort along with her husband, Daniel, of raising awareness and mobilizing support for the Tribe of Nova Foundation. Last November, Ila organized a Havdalah evening for Nova survivors and bereaved families, which was a moving space for healing and connection.
 
Ila is dedicated to helping share others’ stories. She interviewed actor Liev Schreiber at JUF Women’s Philanthropy Spring Event in 2025, and moderated several panels with Chabad, featuring influencer Chris Caresnone (known as “the Babka King”), and former hostage Yosef Chaim Ohana.
 
As a friend shared, Ila’s impact is “felt across every space she touches.” As Chair of JUF Women’s Philanthropy Young Women’s City Council (YWC), and previously as Campaign Chair, she is leading efforts to deepen both engagement and philanthropic support. A Northbrook native, she has served on YWC since 2019, and participated in the 2025-2026 Chicago Civic Leadership Development Program.
 
 

Age: 33
 
Primary gig: Head of Growth at Benji and Managing Director at New Colossus Ventures
 
Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about you? I’ve been married to my husband Danny, for five years and am a mom to two boys, Max (3) and Sam (1.5).
 
How do you give back? Supporting the Jewish community and raising my boys with strong Jewish values are my top priorities. I give back with my time and resources to Jewish causes. I have always been a proud Jew and involved in Jewish organizations, but after October 7, my activism only increased. I strongly believe we have no other choice.
 
Something most people don’t know about you: I’m learning Spanish. I live in a bilingual household, and my boys are fluent in Spanish.
 
Describe yourself in 10 words or less: Mother, wife, connector, builder, pro-Israel supporter, and community-focused problem solver.