Tag: Diller Teen Fellows

Miami’s Diller Teen Fellows Cohort 8 had a breakthrough moment this past Shabbat. Although they have been participating in the Diller program since September, this past Shabbat was the first time the group was able to gather in person, rather than on Zoom. Teens went through screening protocols, were physically distanced, masked, and outside to create a safe environment for all.

The 8th Cohort of the Miami Diller Teen Fellows (a select leadership development program for 10th and 11th graders) kicked off their year with three workshops and a virtual Shabbat experience. Each teen's contributions to the group were so inspiring!

Though different from our usual setting, the Fellows highlighted their accomplishments, offered blessings and L’Chaims to the group, shared memories of their time together, reflected on the support system Diller cultivated during the pandemic, and identified their plans to develop impact projects that they will be implementing as alumni of the Diller program.

Dr. Sherrie Lewis-Thomas grew up predominantly in Jacksonville, Florida, where she lived in a much smaller Jewish community than South Florida, and even experienced some prejudice among her peers. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Florida. At UF, she was able to have an inclusive experience with a Jewish community that inspired her to become more involved.