As the Diller Teen Fellows program celebrates 20 years in Baltimore, its impact is best told through the voices of alumni who continue to carry its lessons forward. We invited fellows from cohorts five, ten, fifteen, and twenty years out to reflect on how Diller shaped their leadership, Jewish identity, and sense of responsibility, both then and now.
Across different stages of life, one truth rings clear: Diller doesn’t end when the program does.
Twenty Years Later: Leadership Grounded in Empathy
Josh Finifter, Diller Teen Fellow 2005–2006
Now living in Baltimore with his wife and two young daughters, Josh reflects on how deeply Diller shaped his sense of purpose and leadership.
“Diller played a major role in shaping my Jewish identity and personal value set,” he shares. “It taught me that true leadership is grounded in empathy, reflection, and service to others. The program gave me a foundation for how I lead and engage with community to this day.”
Nearly two decades later, Josh still vividly remembers the immersive nature of the program. “The retreats, the leadership development, and the Baltimore/Ashkelon trips created a deep sense of connection and helped me understand the strength and diversity of the global Jewish community.”
Those lessons continue to guide his life today. “Diller influenced the way I think about purpose and community in every part of my life,” Josh says. “It instilled a strong sense of responsibility to contribute, to stay connected, and to align my choices with the values that matter most.”
When asked what he’d tell his teenage self, his advice is simple and timeless: “Take every opportunity to listen, learn, and connect—the lessons and relationships you build here will continue to shape your outlook and values long after the program ends.”
Fifteen Years Later: Relationships That Shape a Lifetime
Lauren Luger, Diller Teen Fellow 2010–2011
For Lauren, now a Jewish education professional with Hadar’s Pedagogy of Partnership and parent of two, Diller remains a defining chapter both personally and professionally.
Looking back, she remembers the hands-on learning and immersive experiences, but the home hospitality exchange stands out most. “It was such a special experience that didn’t just impact us as teens—it enabled our entire families to engage in this truly transformational cross-cultural exchange.”
That relationship with her Israeli match, Gal, continues to this day. “I had no idea how much one relationship would shape my future,” Lauren reflects. “She became a lifelong friend, and our connection is now deeply woven into how I relate to Israel and the global Jewish community.”
Diller also reshaped how Lauren understands leadership. “The Diller program fundamentally changed how I view leadership,” she explains. “As a young person, I was challenged to look beyond the spotlight and realize that leading doesn’t always mean standing at the front of the room. True leadership demands deep knowledge of and empathy for the community you serve. It requires a strong sense of social responsibility and the humility to respect diverse perspectives.”
Those lessons directly influenced her path into Jewish professional leadership, her advanced degrees, and her ongoing commitment to relational learning. “I carry those lessons with me in my personal life, in my work, and as a parent.”
Ten Years Later: Expanding Identity and Community
Naomi Hoch, Diller Teen Fellow 2015–2016
Now a newly married dental school graduate beginning her residency, Naomi reflects on Diller as a pivotal moment in expanding her sense of Jewish identity and community.
“The friendships I formed remain what I am most grateful for,” Naomi shares. “I’m happy to report that I am still in touch with many people from the program.”
Diller introduced Naomi to Jewish communities beyond her own, broadening her worldview and strengthening her sense of Jewish pride. “This experience greatly expanded my worldview and gave me a broader, deeper sense of Jewish identity,” she says.
Living with her Israeli host family was especially meaningful, offering “a more personal, intimate side of Israeli life.” For Naomi, Diller’s impact extended beyond her own experience; it became a family legacy. “It’s a family affair,” she notes, sharing that her sister also participated and held a leadership role. “We both value the community and lasting friendships we made through the program.”
Five Years Later: Choosing Community and Action
Evan Malinow, Diller Teen Fellow 2020–2021
As a member of the COVID-era cohort, Evan’s Diller experience looked different, but its impact was no less powerful. Now a senior at Emory University studying finance and sports management, Evan reflects on the moments that brought his cohort together during a time of uncertainty.
“Our retreat to Pearlstone along with our campfire at the JCC were memories that I will always remember,” he shares. “It bonded so many of us, and it gave me moments to be present and introspective as a young adult—moments that are so important in our lives but often overlooked.”
Diller helped Evan better understand himself and his leadership style. “The program gave me prompts, games, and experiences that allowed me to further understand my identity,” he says.
That deepened sense of Jewish identity shaped how Evan engaged in Jewish life beyond the program. “It made me want to surround myself with more Jewish people and be involved more in my community,” Evan shares. “I went on the following year to do a year-long program with StandWithUs, learning more about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ways to combat antisemitism—two skills that are especially necessary in the aftermath of October 7th.”
Even without international travel, the moments of connection mattered deeply. “Our retreat to Pearlstone and our campfire at the JCC were memories I’ll always remember,” he says. “They gave me moments to be present and introspective at a time when that felt especially rare.”
For Evan, Diller reshaped how he defines success. “The relationships and the community we build are what generate happiness—not the college you get into, accomplishments you have, or a job.”
Looking ahead, Evan finds inspiration in today’s teens. “They bring their full selves, Jewish identity included, into everything they do,” he says. “I can’t wait to see them succeed.”
One Program, Many Paths—A Shared Legacy
From early career professionals to parents, graduate students to community leaders, these four alumni represent different chapters of life—but a shared foundation. Across 20 years, Diller has consistently nurtured thoughtful, values-driven leaders grounded in empathy, curiosity, and responsibility to the Jewish people.
As we celebrate two decades of Diller in Baltimore, we honor not only where our alumni are today, but the ripple effects of who they continue to become, for a stronger tomorrow.
