Biography

Arya (he/him) is the Senior Director of Programs of the Jews of Color Initiative. He is a first-generation American born to Iranian-Jewish immigrants from Tehran. For nearly 15 years, Arya has cultivated his leadership in Jewish communal service at Hillel on campus, Hillel International, and JQ International. A proud queer Jew who is passionate about empowering diverse Jewish identity, enriching equitable Jewish community, and ensuring inclusive pathways toward Jewish continuity, Arya has also served as a lay leader with other Jewish orgs including JDC Entwine, JPro, AJC, Schusterman’s ROI community, and others.

Arya earned his B.A. in psychology at the University of California San Diego, and an M.A. in organizational behavior at New York University. He is factually and fundamentally obsessed with travel.

Why I Serve on the JPro Board:

I serve on the JPro Board because JPro has served as an invaluable resource to the Jewish communal spaces I have worked within, and to me as a Jewish communal professional as well. From classes, to coaching, networking to convening, I believe in and proudly support the JPro Network’s commitment to educating, connecting, inspiring and empowering our entire sector to our greatest potential.