Meet the Fellows
2017-2018 Rising Voices Fellows
Julia Clardy is a junior at Gann Academy in Waltham, MA. She is passionate about creative writing, environmentalism, and social justice. She edits the school literary magazine, plays flute in the chamber orchestra, and participates in Poetry Club, Environment Club, and Feminism Club. This year she hopes to start her own club focusing on intersectionality and race relations in her community. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, bike riding, and reading (preferably feminist literature).
Tamar Cohen is a senior at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, California. When she is not in school or rehearsing with her pre-professional ballet company, she loves reading, creative writing, and drinking tea, and dislikes high heels, overly-sugary coffee, and writing about herself. She enjoys volunteering in her school's Writing Center, as well as participating in social and environmental activism groups. Tamar will gladly rant about feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and the environment if given the opportunity.
Dorrit Corwin is a junior at Marlborough School in Los Angeles, California, where she explores her passions for writing, foreign languages, philanthropy, feminism, and singing. At her temple, she enjoys leading her congregation in prayer as a junior cantor. In her free time she watches sitcoms, eats an abundance of avocados, attends concerts with friends, and takes photographs to commemorate her travels as well as her everyday life.
Sofia Gardenswartz is a senior at Francis Parker School in San Diego, California, where she can often be found on a surfboard in the Pacific. When she's not engaged in her passion of creative writing, she runs Serving Spoons, a nonprofit organization which delivers healthy, home-cooked meals to families in need. Sofia is a company member of ImpACT on Stage, an organization which uses live performance to spark discussions in schools about bullying, inclusion, and social justice issues. She's an ultimate frisbee player, an avid reader of The Atlantic, and a caretaker of a Border Collie named Theo.
Natalie Harder is a senior at Newton South High School in Newton, Massachusetts. When she is not drowning in homework, she enjoys watching cheesy TV shows, procrastinating on BuzzFeed, reading just about anything she can get her hands on, and cuddling with her dog. Outside of school, she is an active member of her temple youth community and has spent many summers at Camp Young Judaea. She is an editor for her school's literary magazine and a founding member of the Film and Best Buddies clubs.
Rachel Harris is a junior at Blind Brook High School in Rye Brook, New York. When she isn't reading, dancing, or watching Netflix, she is an assistant teacher at her local Hebrew School. She is also an active member in many clubs in her school, including Model UN and Peer Tutoring.
Sofia Heller is a junior at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. She is an editor on her school paper, The Chronicle. Sofia is passionate about writing, feminism, and social justice. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and participating in the Jewish community around her. She also loves music, traveling, and reading.
Emma Mair is a junior at Masconomet Regional High School in Topsfield, Massachusetts. At school she is part of the Women and Gender Studies Club and the Gender Sexuality Alliance. Outside of school she is an active member of her temple community, the North Shore Jewish community, and her dance studio. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and taking naps. Emma hopes to become a Rabbi one day.
Josephine Rosman is a sophomore at J. R. Masterman High School in Philadelphia, PA, where she is a leader in the GSA and participates in the Feminism Club. She plays for the Philadelphia Roller Derby Juniors team. Off the track, Josie enjoys reading, writing, learning about history, and spending time with her friends and family.
Daniella Shear is a junior at Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh, PA. She is an active congregant at her synagogue, a leader of book club, and a member of the World Affairs Club at school. She also plays basketball and tennis, and participates in the school's theater and choral programs. Daniella enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, doing arts and crafts projects, and playing mahjong.
Kara Sherman is a senior in Desert Mountain High School's International Baccalaureate Program in Scottsdale, Arizona. She serves as the Religious and Cultural Vice President of her congregation's youth board, a NFTY-SW Racial Justice Ambassador, and the president of four school clubs, including the Gender and Sexualities Alliance and Young Democrats Club. When she is not listening to NPR and keeping up to date on American and international politics, Kara enjoys watching political television shows and reading historical political commentaries. Kara is a volunteer for the Swift Youth Foundation and the proud best friend of two dogs.
Shira Small is a senior at Gann Academy in Waltham, Massachusetts. She is on the executive board of Student Government and Drama Club, writes for the school newspaper, plays softball, acts in the school plays, and manages to watch at least one episode of 30 Rock each night. In addition to her immense devotion to Tina Fey, she loves engaging in civil discourse about feminism, Judaism, and the current American political climate.
Minnah Stein is a senior at Pine View School in Osprey, Florida. She is a passionate activist and feminist who is committed to practicing Tikkun Olam. She founded EMPOWERU to take on issues important to teens. She serves on the advisory board of Stop Sexual Assault in Schools, and the Community Youth Development board. She is a member of her school’s speech and debate team where she competes nationally. She volunteers at Girls Inc. to encourage girls to be strong, smart and bold. Minnah enjoys reading and playing her ukulele and banjo. She is a 2017 recipient of the prestigious Anne Frank Humanitarian Award.