Miriam Starkman - Executive Director
Miriam is the long-time Executive Director of HMD. For over 30 years she has seen students come and go, and sometimes come back again. As an informal Jewish educator, she welcomes the opportunity to help students as they develop both Jewishly and personally. There are few questions or comments from students that would surprise/shock her, but she encourages any student to try!
Margo Lazar - Development Director
A native Detroiter, Margo has been involved in the non-profit world for some time with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, Planned Parenthood, Bookstock, ORT and Hadassah, as well as her children’s school PTOs. She is excited to be at Hillel of Metro Detroit and help make a difference in the lives of Jewish young adults in our community. She enjoys spending time with her husband Mike and her two daughters, Shaina and Brooke. She loves meeting new students so if you are in the area, stop by and say hello.
Illana Greenberg - Director of Advancement
Illana joined the HMD staff in August, 2015. She is managing HMD’s endowment campaign and marketing to enable new and creative programming and solidify HMD’s future in Metro Detroit.
Illana has worked for 25+ years in marketing and communications and in non-profit campaign, event and program management. She has held many community volunteer positions and currently serves on the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Women’s Philanthropy Board. Illana lives in Franklin with her husband, Danny, and her (really pretty) cat, Shayna.
Tsiporah Blair - Assistant Director
Tsiporah Blair grew up in Metro-Detroit and got a BA from Albion College, where she served as Hillel President for 3 years. Having spent her life moving between different religious and secular communities, Tsiporah is passionate about fostering environments where all Jews can feel at home. She loves hearing about every unique person’s journey within Judaism and finding out what their Jewish identity means to them. Tsiporah loves anything to do with Jewish education, engagement, and community building. She, as well as her husband and two young daughters, are members of Adat Shalom Synagogue where Tsiporah also teaches Hebrew School. If you’re in the office or would like to get together for coffee and a chat, please reach out!
Leah Fershtman - Senior Program Associate
Leah F. graduated from Michigan State University in 2021 with a B.A. in elementary education. Once COVID-19 hit her junior year of undergrad, Leah realized elementary education was not her true passion. Instead, her true passion involves helping others connect to their roots and being a resource to all. Leah loves to be as active as possible. She enjoys camping, downhill skiing, hiking, and traveling. Leah would love to take you out for coffee and talk about camping/ski trips, travelling, and Jewish life.
Matthew Hollander - Israel Program Associate
Jeremy Rosenberg - Jewish Engagement Associate
Jeremy Rosenberg is a leader and community builder with a background in marketing and community outreach. In his role as co-founder and executive director of Mezuzah, he is working to grow and sustain Jewish life in the City of Detroit, with the ultimate goal of creating a central, walkable Jewish neighborhood within city limits.
Passionate about all things related to Jewish community building, and deeply excited to serve as Hillel of Metro Detroit’s Jewish Engagement Associate, Jeremy lives in Detroit with his wife, Chella, and their 1-year-old son, Alec.
Louis Eisenberg - Program Associate
Louis Eisenberg was born and raised in Metro Detroit and spent 13 years in sunny San Diego before moving back to Michigan. He earned his B.A. in Communications from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, and has always had a passion for non-profit work. In his free time, Louis enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with friends and family. He looks forward to meeting everyone!
Kyle Smith - Office Manager
Kyle is the gatekeeper of HMD. Her background includes a dedicated involvement with Detroit non-profit community-based organizations. Kyle has coordinated and been director of programs and initiatives which addressed the quality of life and neighborhoods for citizens of Detroit. In her free time, Kyle loves music, reading, independent films and stimulating conversations.