Jewish Chicago Magazine
Jordan Spiwak
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Jordan exemplifies Jewish values through his commitment to dignity and kindness.
Through his work at Keshet, he helps foster environments where people of all abilities can participate fully and meaningfully. His work strengthens the idea that a vibrant Jewish community must also be an inclusive one.
“Jordan has a unique ability to make people feel genuinely seen, accepted, and valued in a way that is still unfortunately too uncommon for individuals with disabilities,” shared a Keshet parent. “He creates environments where people can grow in confidence, develop skills, and succeed.”
Jordan’s dedication also fuels his advocacy beyond the workplace. He has participated in JUF Chicago’s Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) Advocacy Day in Springfield, and ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional Ambassador Program in Washington, D.C., working alongside community leaders and advocates to support policies that strengthen services for people of all abilities.
Age: 31
Pronouns: he/him/his
Primary gig: Program Coordinator for Keshet’s GADOL Adult Day Program and Frontline Direct Support Professional across residential and recreation programs, including overnight trips across the country and abroad, creating meaningful and inclusive experiences for individuals with I/DD.
On the side: Building lifelong relationships within the I/DD community that extend far beyond formal programs through mentorship, shared experiences, trusted caregiving, and meaningful community connection.
Describe yourself in 10 words or less: Advocate, mentor, and connector, relentlessly committed to inclusion and community.
Something most people don’t know about you: Before working in disability services, I had a successful career in inside sales for a Fortune 500 company, but I felt burned out and disconnected from any real sense of purpose. A spontaneous Birthright trip to Israel changed everything. While in Jerusalem, I volunteered at SHALVA. That experience completely reshaped my understanding of community, inclusion, and meaningful work, and ultimately changed the direction of my life and career.
Celebrity doppelganger: Somewhere between Adam Brody and Mac Miller.
Your best piece of advice: Just show up.