Staff

Ilya Bratman

llya Bratman holds the position of the Executive Director at the Hillel at Baruch College since November 2013.

In 1992, Ilya immigrated from Moscow, Russia to the US.  He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1999. Upon his graduation, Mr. Bratman enlisted in the United States Armed Forces.  He served honorably for over four active years and four reserve, including deployments to Korea, Germany and Iraq. After returning from his tour in Iraq in 2004, Ilya Bratman received a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics and Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006.  

In 2006 Ilya ‘immigrated’ to New York.  He worked as a Real Estate agent and in 2008, he began to work in the Jewish community including as an instructor at the Sinai Academy in Brooklyn, Director of Jewish Programs at the Kings Bay Y in Brooklyn, and as the Project Manager of Limmud FSU USA, before becoming the Executive Director at the Hillel at Baruch College.

In his spare time, Ilya enjoys long-distance running, playing soccer and other sports, writing, playing guitar and watching the Steelers. Ilya speaks Russian fluently and is proficient in Hebrew and German. Ilya lives with his wife, Sonya, son, Gabriel and daughters, Miriam and Sima, in New Jersey.

Ryan Siegel

Originally a Staten Island native, Ryan is excited and committed to promoting Jewish life at Baruch, John Jay, City College, Forham, Pace, FIT, SVA and The New School campuses as the Director of Engagement. Having started staffing Birthright trips to Israel in college, and working previously as an engagement professional at Rutgers University Hillel, he cannot wait to help more students share in these amazing trips and develop those same connections. Ryan attended CUNY Brooklyn College for his undergraduate degree and studied both Political Science and Philosophy. He also recently obtained his Masters' degree from Reichman University in Israel, where he studied Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution with a focus in Contemporary Middle East Politics.

Ryan loves going to the gym, learning languages and is an avid traveler taking as many trips as he can. To date, he has staffed 17 trips to Israel and Europe for Jewish highschool and University students and can't wait to complete more. 

Maya Homa

Maya was born and raised in Livingston, New Jersey, and recently graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. During Maya’s time at Binghamton University, she fell in love with her Jewish identity and now wants to help other students connect with theirs in a way that's meaningful to them. As a student, Maya was on the Chabad general board as a member of the social committee and was an active member of the OU-JLIC on campus. In the future Maya hopes to get a masters in public health and pursue her passion for mental health education and advocacy. Outside of Hillel, you'll often find Maya babysitting her nephews and niece, dancing, listening to music, going to the gym, playing soccer, and finding new activities to do with friends. 

Talia Salamatbad

Talia hails from Great Neck, New York, with a major in Law and Society and a minor in Speech and Media from John Jay College. Throughout her college years, Talia has been dedicated to the Hillel community, participating in trips, shabbatons, speakers, and so on. Talia actively engages in creating an inclusive environment for students. Her genuine desire to help others experience Judaism in their own unique way is a driving force behind her commitment. Talia is excited to create new memories with our students and faculty, fostering an environment where Jewish experiences thrive.

Outside of Hillel, you'll often find Talia in the kitchen, exploring her culinary skills. She is mainly known for her challah recipe or her Persian recipes. When she's not in the kitchen, Talia can be found at the gym, or on a plane to different corners of the world.

Sasha Rovnaya

Sasha was born and raised in Ukraine. At the age of 19 she made aliyah to Israel, where she has lived for eight wonderful years. During her time in Israel, she completed her undergraduate degree in photography at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, worked as an Education Mentor in "Garin Tzabar" with lone soldiers, and worked as a chef in "Sushiya" (she loves to eat sushi just as much as she loves to make it!) Sasha loves to work with groups of different ages and to improve her skills. She recently completed the Leading Informal Education Course at the Jewish Agency for Israel. Sasha is very happy to share her story and Jewish identity with the students at Baruch, City, John Jay, Pace, SVA, Fordham, FIT, and New School.

Oscar Mikhaylov

Oscar was born and raised in Moscow, Russia, and is proud of his Gorsky Jewish heritage. He recently graduated from Baruch College with a degree in Business Administration in Finance and a minor in Business Law. During his years at Baruch, Oscar was an active part of Hillel, joining countless events, trips, and shabbatons. Some of his best college memories came from building friendships, celebrating Jewish life, and helping create a space where everyone felt at home. Now, he’s excited to help new students have those same meaningful experiences—and hopefully even better ones!

Outside of Hillel, you can probably find Oscar on a soccer pitch, catching a game, or planning his next adventure abroad. He also loves spending time with friends, whether it’s discovering a new restaurant, sharing laughs over coffee, or exploring a new city together.

Ellie Avner

Ellie grew up in Denver, Colorado, and recently graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During her time at Binghamton, Ellie was deeply involved in Jewish life on campus, participating in both Chabad and OU-JLIC. Through these experiences, she developed a strong connection to her Jewish identity and now hopes to inspire others to explore and strengthen their own. Outside of Hillel, you’ll often find Ellie skiing, running, baking, or talking about her dog.

Rafael Wirtschafter

Rafael Wirtschafter is an Engagement Associate at Hillel at Baruch College and a fellow with the Rabbi Sacks Learning Fellowship. Originally from Berkeley, California, he holds a B.A. in History from The City College of New York and has studied classical Jewish texts at Shapell’s/Darché Noam yeshiva in Jerusalem. Before Hillel, he worked as a teacher and tour guide. Driven by his passion for Judaism, community, and civic engagement, he also serves on his synagogue board, where he runs events, builds relationships with local authorities, and oversees logistics.

Julia Simon

Julia is a proud graduate of Parsons School of Design, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Integrated Design and Museum Studies. Over the past two years, she’s combined her passion for art and activism to amplify Jewish voices on campus and advocate for the return of the hostages. During her time as a student, Julia was active with groups like Hillel and the Israel Policy Forum, and took her artwork on the road - touring synagogues, Jewish organizations, and college campuses to share her personal journey and spark conversation. These experiences taught her that every Jew deserves a strong, welcoming community - and now, as part of the Hillel team, she’s excited to help build that kind of community for students across New York. When she’s not working, you’ll probably find Julia practicing yoga, reading a book, painting. Speaking of, make sure to ask her about her spice village!

Taylor Kallman

Taylor was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Marlboro, New Jersey. Having dual citizenship in Israel and being brought up with Jewish morals and values she is super passionate about her love for Israel and being Jewish. Taylor graduated New York University in 2021 where she majored in Media, Culture, and Communication. She is back at NYU pursuing her master’s degree in social work. With her degree she hopes to become a therapist. Taylor is super excited to be a part of the Hillel team and provide support to students at Baruch, John Jay, Pace, Fordham, FIT, and New School. Outside of Hillel you can find Taylor reading a book, being with family and friends, or traveling somewhere warm.

Sasha Kinsler

Sasha is the Career Development Coordinator for the CUNY Career Connect program and has been a part of the team for 2 years. Originally from Rochester, NY, Sasha graduated from Binghamton University with her Master of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies and English. Sasha has always had a passion for Jewish life, and for helping students to succeed. She worked in The Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development at Binghamton University, and at Hillel at Binghamton for several years and is excited to combine her experiences to meet with CUNY Hillel students to help them achieve their professional and academic goals.

When she’s not working with students, Sasha loves to read and keeps a list of every book she's ever read (currently she has read 421 books!). She also can be found baking something sweet, piecing together a puzzle, or venturing out to catch the quirkiest theater productions New York City has to offer.