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.