Meet our Junior Counselors, Andrew Weisman and Lisa Steinberg! Andrew, a senior at Pikesville High, and Lisa, a senior at Garrison Forest, are both former Diller Fellows and active members of the Jewish Student Union (JSU). Now, as Junior Counselors, they bring their passion and leadership to the next generation of Fellows. Chosen for their reliability, maturity, and strong leadership skills, they play a key role in planning mifgashim, leading icebreakers, and inspiring their peers.
Read on to learn about why they chose to step into the Junior Counselor role, the challenges and rewards of transitioning from Fellow to leader, and their hopes for this year’s cohort.
As we soar through another incredible year with our Diller cohort, we are excited to highlight two exceptional young leaders who are playing a crucial role in guiding our Fellows: Lisa Steinberg and Andrew Weisman, our Junior Counselors (JCs). Both Lisa and Andrew were once Diller Fellows themselves, and their experiences in the program inspired them to step up as mentors for the next generation.
Why They Chose to Become JCs
For Lisa, the decision to apply as a Junior Counselor came from a deep sense of gratitude. After reflecting on how much she had grown through Diller, she felt compelled to give back. “I wanted to help the next cohort experience that same transformation,” she shares. She hopes to create a strong sense of community, offer guidance, and empower others, just as her mentors did for her.
Andrew was particularly impacted by the international experience of Diller. Seeing Jewish teens from around the world connect in one space opened his eyes to the power of global Jewish identity. His experience last year motivated him to step into a leadership role, where he can help foster these connections for a new group of Fellows.
The Shift from Fellow to Leader
Both Lisa and Andrew recognize that being a JC is a unique challenge—it requires balancing authority with approachability. As Lisa explains, “I’ll shift from focusing on my own growth as a Fellow to prioritizing the development and well-being of the cohort.” This means planning activities, mentoring Fellows, and ensuring that every participant feels supported in their leadership journey.
Andrew echoes this sentiment, recognizing that his role will be different from when he was a participant. “As a JC, I have to establish authority while also acting as a peer. This duality is very different from what I had to do as a Fellow,” he notes.
Lessons from Their Own JCs
Lisa and Andrew both credit their former JCs with shaping their leadership approach. Lisa was especially inspired by her JC’s ability to bridge cultural gaps and create meaningful relationships with the Ashkelon cohort. “His ability to build trust and camaraderie left a lasting impact,” she says. She hopes to replicate this by fostering open communication and shared experiences between the Baltimore and Ashkelon Fellows.
For Andrew, one of the most valuable lessons was the importance of building connections with every Fellow—not just those with similar interests. “To truly have a connected cohort, you must be the catalyst of interconnectedness,” he reflects. He hopes to lead by example, ensuring that every Fellow feels included and valued.
Goals for the Fellows
Lisa and Andrew share a vision for the Fellows they will be guiding this year. Lisa hopes that by the end of the program, each participant will walk away with a stronger sense of Jewish identity, meaningful friendships, and a lasting connection to Israel. She wants them to embrace the diversity of the Jewish people and build lifelong bonds.
Andrew adds that leadership is something that is learned through experience. He believes that true leadership is about blazing your own path and inspiring others along the way. His goal is to be a leader that Fellows can rely on, someone they can turn to for support and guidance whenever they need it.
Personal Growth as JCs
Beyond guiding the Fellows, Lisa and Andrew are also looking forward to their own growth as leaders. Lisa hopes to refine her skills in mentorship, conflict resolution, and communication. She wants to strengthen her ability to connect with diverse groups and foster a collaborative environment.
Andrew hopes to become a leader that everyone can connect with—someone who not only inspires but is also approachable and dependable.
Looking Ahead
As Lisa and Andrew take ownership of their roles as JCs, we are confident that their leadership, passion, and commitment will make a lasting impact on our Diller cohort. Their dedication to community-building, mentorship, and leadership development embodies the very spirit of Diller.
It’s amazing to see them in action, shaping the next generation of Jewish teen leaders!
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