Daniel has been statewide director of Hillel of Colorado since 2016. He arrived in Colorado in 1979 after completing graduate studies at The Ohio State University, and has lived in Colorado ever since – leading, convening, and guiding Jewish communal organizations to achieve their highest goals. Daniel’s first 18 years as a Jewish communal professional in Denver were spent as an educational leader, first as Jewish Studies Director at the Denver Jewish Day School (then called Herzl Day School), and then as director of education at Denver’s two largest synagogues – Temples Sinai and Emanuel – where he spearheaded the development of youth, family, and adult education programs while publishing, lecturing, and leading students and families with passion. In June 2009, Daniel completed a 12‐year position as President and CEO of the Colorado Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE).  Daniel has led numerous Israel group trips for students and adults and was honored to serve Oak Tree Foundation in Denver for nearly a decade as the foundation’s philanthropic advisor. Then, in Daniel’s final engagement as founder of Sea Change Consulting, Inc., a firm he formed in 2009 to work with local and national nonprofits, he convened Hillel of Colorado stakeholders and wrote Hillel’s strategic and business plans in 2015; soon thereafter, Hillel engaged Daniel to lead its turnaround – now complete as Daniel begins his 5th year as Hillel of Colorado’s executive director. Daniel and his wife, Devorah are proud to have two thirty‐something sons, a daughter‐in‐law, a brand-new grandson and a spirited Golden‐Sheltie named Sawyer.

Mariah first experienced Hillel when she was growing up in Boulder and her family attended events at CU Boulder Hillel, and later on as a student at Emerson College in Boston, MA, where Mariah received her Bachelors Degree in Speech Communication and Marketing. As a young adult, Mariah lived on Kibbutz Beit Hashita in Israel (93’/94′), and has returned many times to travel and visit friends and family.

Mariah brings her extensive business, marketing, entrepreneurial and alternative medicine experience to CSU Hillel, having worked in retail pharmacy operations, apothecary ownership, as well as businesses operations and consulting for small business owners and non-profits. Mariah has certifications, taught classes and developed curriculum in aromatic medicine, reflexology, holistic healing, and tarot. She is an ACA Level One trained Chaplain and a founding member of the CSU Presidential Task Force on Jewish Inclusion and the Prevention of Antisemetism.

This past Spring 2020, inspired by her experience living, working and going to school on Kibbutz Beit Hashita, she created the Ram Kibbutz experience at CSU Hillel to support Tikun Olam efforts and Sustainability Education through a Jewish lens.

Mariah’s family has deep roots in both the Denver and Boulder Jewish Communities. Her Mom’s family has been in Colorado since the late 1890’s! She, her husband, two daughters, and two pups love being part of the Fort Collins community where Mariah looks forward to connecting CSU Hillel students with community mentors, interfaith and sustainability partners and nonprofit networks in Northern Colorado.

An alumni of the University of Denver Hillel herself, Lily’s connection to this community goes deep. Her passion for empowering students along their Jewish Journey began when she was a song leader and teacher for her synagogue growing up in Houston, Texas and only grew stronger during her undergraduate studies at DU where her roles as Social Justice intern and Chef empowered her to find what Judaism meant for her after leaving home. 

Lily went on to working as a Behavioral Therapist for kids after graduating from DU in 2019. A year after beginning work, COVID-19 hit, forcing her to find a new way. She worked at EKAR farms cultivating food, community, and teaching youngsters about our Jewish connection to the land until she began her work for Hillel. Half way through the year, Lily stepped in as the DU Interim Director. She is excited to help cultivate her Jewish community and empower students – just as her Hillel Directors helped do for her.

As a third generation Denverite, Sami Hazan continues a family tradition of involvement with the Jewish community. She is thrilled to be part of the Hillel of Colorado team and enjoys working with committed and talented professionals who strive to ensure a strong and enriching Jewish environment for students. When she is not at Hillel, Sami can be found working part time in the BMH‐BJ Gift Shop, spending time with family and friends. Cooking Shabbat and holiday dinner for dozens (on a slow week), mentoring students and sharing anecdotes and modern midrashim – or taking on another home project or two.

Sami’s own passion for Jewish life began when she was a child in the Denver Jewish community, where her mother – through the example she set at her synagogue and at home – instilled in Sami a lifelong love of Jewish values and commitment to Jewish Peoplehood. Sami later staffed the Denver Israel Study Tour, and with her husband, Professor Robert Hazan, has proudly raised two children – one of whom went on to be a student leader and intern at the CSU Hillel in Ft. Collins.