USC Hillel Professional Staff
Dave Cohn
Allen & Ruth Ziegler Executive Director
CEO Jewish Alumni Association
Dave@uschillel.org
(213) 973-1203
​
What is your role and why are you an integral part of the USC Hillel Team?
As Executive Director, I ensure our students, professionals, campus and community partners, volunteer leaders, and supporters are empowered to create thriving Jewish life at USC.
Who is Dave Cohn?
Dave Cohn has served as Executive Director of USC Hillel since 2019, after earlier Hillel stints at Emory and at UCLA. A member of the Trojan Family (MPA '17), and an alum of the dual degree program in Jewish Nonprofit Management at HUC-JIR in Los Angeles, Dave is proud to champion Hillel's mission and catalyze our team effort to realize exceptional, inclusive, and visionary Jewish community. A Chicagoan by birth and a Californian by marriage, Dave and his wife, Sarah Ruben are proud parents to their daughter, Selah.
What can students ask you about?
Leadership on campus at USC, across Los Angeles, and in the Hillel movement - and how to make a positive difference in a way that is a match for you.
If you could make everyone read one book, or watch one movie what would it be?
Almost Famous
Liora Petel
Operations Director
Liora@uschillel.org
(213) 973-1205
​
Liora Petel is the Operations Director at USC Hillel. Originally from Detroit, Liora has lived all over the US devoting herself to working in the nonprofit Jewish sector. Liora has worked at the American Jewish University’s Elderhostel program, at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta in Special Events and the most amazing five years at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center, wearing many different hats. Liora received her BA in Business from the American Jewish University and her MBA from the University of New Orleans with a concentration in Human Resources. Management.
Liora and her husband Eli have three children, and she actively volunteers for her children’s school, sports teams and their synagogue. She is a diehard lover of chocolate, travel and adventure and always has a wild and crazy story to tell.
Rabbi Jocee Hudson
Campus Rabbi and Senior Jewish Educator
rabbijocee@uschillel.org
(213) 973-1202
​
What is your role and why you are an integral part of the USC Hillel Team?
As USC’s Campus Rabbi, I am living my best life learning, praying, drinking coffee, creating community, and hanging out with as many members of the Trojan Family as possible.
Who is Rabbi Hudson?
Rabbi Hudson graduated from Brandeis University with high honors. She received rabbinic ordination and a Masters in Jewish Education from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where she now serves as a visiting instructor. During her course of studies at HUC-JIR, Jocee received academic awards in Bible, Liturgy, and Jewish Education. Rabbi Jocee holds a certificate in Multifaith Spiritual Direction from the Chaplaincy Institute, was named T’ruah’s 2019 Human Rights Hero, and is a contributor to the Women’s Torah Commentary. Prior to joining USC Hillel, Rabbi Jocee served as the Rabbi-in-Residence and Director of Programs at LA Voice, a multifaith community organization, and as a Rabbi and Educator at Temple Israel of Hollywood and Temple Beth Sholom of Orange County.
What can students ask you about?
As a rabbi, it is my greatest honor to sit with people and listen. You can talk to me about whatever's on your mind, nothing's too big or too small. Curious about how to start praying? Want to talk about Jewish spiritual life and learning, how to navigate relationships, or inner conflicts? Ask me—I'm here for you!
If you could make everyone read one book or see one movie what would it be?
At the start of every fall semester and in this time of our Jewish year, I encourage everyone to read Rabbi Alan Lew’s This is Real and You are Completely Unprepared (available now in our Hillel Library). I come back to it every year before the High Holy Days and it never disappoints.
Rachael Cohen
Managing Director
Rachael@uschillel.org
(213) 973-1204
​
What is your role and why are you an integral part of the USC Hillel Team?
As Managing Director, I support our professional student-facing team and student leaders with the resources and training to achieve our shared vision of a thriving, inclusive Jewish community.
Who is Rachael Cohen?
Rachael joined the USC Hillel team in 2021 fueled by the desire to build pluralistic, welcoming, and innovative spaces for Jewish young people. She holds a Masters in Public Administration from USC and a Masters of Jewish Nonprofit Management from HUC-JIR. Her commitment to the Hillel movement started as a student leader at Chapman University and continued as a Springboard Fellow at the University of Miami Hillel. Rachael is grateful to call USC Hillel her professional and Jewish home.
What can students ask you about?
Making your vision for Jewish life become a reality through student leadership, whether your desired role already exists or we create it together
If you could make everyone read one book, or watch one movie what would it be?
That Thing You Do!
Ben Cutter
Director of Advancement
Ben@uschillel.org
(213) 973-1202
What is your role and why you are an integral part of the USC Hillel Team?
In my role as Director of Advancement, my responsibilities include fundraising, parent and community communications, and engaging with our donors and lay leaders whose investment in our students and in Jewish life at USC allows us to do all the incredible things we do.
Who is Ben Cutter?
Ben Cutter has been in his current role with Hillel since 2022, and has been working in, for, and with the Jewish Community for the past 20+ years. A native Angeleno and a life-long Trojans fan, Ben has previously worked at (among other places) the Karsh Family Social Service Center, Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, Center for Jewish History, the Jewish Federation Valley Alliance, and the Brandeis-Bardin Institute.
Ben is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. He is married to Rabbi Sari Laufer (a native New Yorker) and is the proud dad to Jacob and Orli.
What can students ask you about?
Students can ask me about anything, but I’m always especially happy to talk about non-profit organizational life and fundraising, always especially hot topics with our students. Also film, sports, music older than they are, and, mostly, everything else except hard science.
If you could make everyone read one book, or watch one movie what would it be?
One?? Impossible! But One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
​
Olivia Einbund Gushansky, LMFT
Therapist
Olivia@uschillel.org
(213) 973-1201
​
What is your role and why you are an integral part of the USC Hillel Team?
I am a licensed therapist and clinical supervisor here at Hillel. Providing therapy and mental health resources to USC students is a true passion of mine, and it is a privilege to be a part of Hillel's strong mental health support team. We are honored to support students' mental health from freshman year to graduation.
​
Who is Olivia Einbund Gushansky?
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Olivia received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. From attending Jewish elementary school, middle school, and high school to becoming president of her Jewish sorority, Olivia’s involvement in Jewish life has been constant. Outside of Hillel, Olivia has a private practice in which she specializes in working with young adults. Olivia spends her free time at the beach, doing hot yoga, or playing fetch with her golden doodle.
​
What can students ask you about?
Students can come to me to discuss any mental health related inquiry, and it is all kept confidential! This includes if they are in need some resources on or off campus, or they are worried about a friend.
If you could make everyone read one book, or watch one movie what would it be?
I would have every college student read the book "The Defining Decade". Your 20's can be such a complicated time in life, and this book really provides a lot of helpful insight into how to get through it.
Brandon Kaufman
IACT Director of Engagement
Brandon@uschillel.org
(213) 973-1199
​​
What is your role and why you are an integral part of the USC Hillel Team?
As the IACT Director of Engagement, I am in charge of our immersive experiences (FreshFest, Birthright, Alternative Spring Break) as well as the Persian Community of Hillel. Brandon is also leading the Engagement team.
Who is Brandon Kaufman?
Brandon Kaufman is a proud alum of USC (BA ’21). Before Hillel, Brandon worked at Deloitte Digital and BBYO. Brandon is particularly excited to return to USC and bring his skillset back to the Trojan Family. When not at Hillel, Brandon can be found watching TV, playing golf or eating fast food.
What can students ask you about?
Immersive Experiences (FreshFest, Birthright, Alternative Spring Break), Persian Community of Hillel and how to get involved at Hillel.
If you could make everyone read one book or see one movie what would it be?
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
Cameron Sobelman
Springboard Innovation Fellow
Cameron@uschillel.org
(213) 973-1199
​
What is your role and why you are an integral part of the USC Hillel Team?
The Springboard Innovation Fellow is responsible for student engagement, cultivating culture, and being a bridge between our students and our professional staff. ​Cameron has also taken special interest in our marketing and social media presence.
Who is Cameron Sobelman?
Growing up in the San Fernando Valley Cameron engaged in Jewish life both as a participant and a leader. He graduated Cum Laude from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies. Some of these organizations include but are not limited to; NFTY, Habonim Dror, Alpha Epsilon Pi, the JNF, and of course Hillel.
What can students ask you about?
Students can ask Cameron about what programs are offered. Why it is important to build up your Jewish community. And any program ideas you may have!
If you could make everyone read one book or see one movie what would it be?
Ushpizin (2004). It is a stressful movie about a Jewish couple during Sukkot. The story teaches us about what it truly means to care for each other, and how to own our past mistakes.
Rosie Einbund
Advancement Associate
Rosie@uschillel.org
(213) 973-1202
​
What is your role and why are you an integral part of the USC Hillel Team?
As Advancement Associate, I have the opportunity to build connections with alumni, parents, and friends of USC Hillel. By supporting fundraising and engagement, I help create the foundation that allows Jewish student life at USC to grow and thrive!
Who is Rosie Einbund?
Rosie Einbund joined USC Hillel as Advancement Associate in 2025. A San Fernando Valley native, she studied Sociology and Political Science at the University of Oregon before spending three years living in France, where she deepened her love for travel and new experiences. Now back in her hometown of Los Angeles, Rosie is excited to bring her passions and perspective to the Trojan Family. She is proud to support USC Hillel’s mission and help create an incredible experience for Jewish students on campus.
What can students ask you about?
Students can ask me about connecting with alumni! Or for Euro travel tips and good restaurants or coffee shops in LA.
If you could make everyone read one book, or watch one movie what would it be?
The Little Prince
Elli Rao
Wellness Director
Elli@uschillel.org
(213) 973-1199
​
What is your role and why you are an integral part of the USC Hillel Team?
As Wellness Director, my role is to guide students on their journey to wellbeing by offering wellness-related programming, providing connections to therapy and other resources, and collaborating with our on-campus wellness partners.
What is your role and why you are an integral part of the USC Hillel Team?
Elli joined the USC Hillel team last year, after working for several years at Jewish Family Service Los Angeles. She earned her Masters in Social Work at USC and her Master of Arts in Jewish Nonprofit Management from Hebrew Union College. Elli lives with her husband and cat, Stella, and in her free time, she enjoys exploring restaurants across LA, spending time at the beach, and reading a good novel.
What can students ask you about?
Wellness, Therapy at Hillel, Tzedek (social justice), Adamah (environmental justice), Challah for Hunger, grad student programming
If you could make everyone read one book, or watch one movie what would it be?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
