Rachel Glazer, University of North Georgia
Rachel Glazer, a junior at the University of North Georgia, has worked tirelessly both on campus and in the community to promote candid discussions and creative solutions to a wide range of social issues. As a first-year student, she founded the University’s Interfaith Alliance to encourage open discussion and dialogue, the first steps to appreciating differences. She has since hosted a number of talks with the multicultural students’ office. She also works with Rape Response as an advocate for victims. Rachel has applied her training from Rape Response to educate fellow students about consent, Title IX, and safe sex. Rachel is currently abroad at Hebrew University as one of only 21 students selected to be a Naschon Fellow, a program that assists young Jewish adults strengthen their skills as educators, advocates, and leaders. Rachel’s infectious humor, deep compassion, and undeniable charisma all contribute to her amazing ability to inspire and lead. Above all, Rachel is committed to finding long-term solutions to social problems through dialogue and discussion.
-Bonita Jacobs, President
Of the many Jewish teachings I try to instill in my summer campers, the one of paramount significance is tikkun olam, repairing the world. I must take the skills and opportunities I have been afforded and use them to help and empower others. My freshman year, I manifested this effort in the establishment of the Interfaith Alliance, a group aiming to unite religious minority students in order to create mutual understanding, host multicultural events and prompt open discussions on campus. My passion for women’s rights led me to serve on the Women’s History Month committee and host UNG’s first Who Needs Feminism booth, opening up conversations about the importance of gender equality. The following year I directed The Vagina Monologues, raising $1,500 for No One Alone, a local domestic violence shelter, and the international V-Day organization. After seeing the powerful influence TVM had on my campus community, I trained as a volunteer for Rape Response, Inc., advocating for sexual assault victims and educating other college students about consent, Title IX, and positive body image. I hope to continue applying the leadership lessons I have learned in a way that will establish a legacy of positive change in my community.
-Rachel Glazer
