Hi USY,
My name is Jackson Powers, and I am so honored and excited to serve as your ’26-’27 International President! USY has been such an important part of my life, and I cannot wait for the incredible year ahead with all of you.
My USY journey has given me so many opportunities to grow as a leader and as a person. Two years ago, I served as SATO VP for HaNegev, and last year I had the privilege of serving as International Programming VP.
Outside of USY, I enjoy mock trial and debate, watching baseball, and spending time with my two cats, Ethel and Gertie. They are definitely an important part of my life, even if they haven’t officially joined USY yet.
USY has been a place where I have felt welcomed and inspired. It has helped shape who I am, and I hope this year we can continue making USY a place where every teen feels at home and proud to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Please feel free to reach out anytime. I am always happy to talk, listen, or help in any way I can.
With so much excitement,
Jackson Powers
’26-’27 USY International President
My name is Brady Abrams, and I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as your ‘26-’27 International Programming Vice President! USY has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I cannot wait to help create meaningful, fun, and memorable experiences for teens across the country.
Although I officially joined USY in 6th grade, my first experiences with USY started much earlier through HaNegev Disney Days, where I would go with my grandfather, who volunteered for the region. Those experiences made me fall in love with the community and spirit of USY from a young age. Since then, I have held leadership roles in my chapter since 7th grade and had the privilege of serving as my chapter’s President this past year. I have also been a member of the Teen Leadership Council and a student in the Machar Fellowship, both of which helped me grow as a leader and deepen my connection to USY.
Outside of USY, I spend my time competing in track and field and taking part in a fully dual-enrolled curriculum through Florida Atlantic University while completing high school. I also spend two months every summer at Ramah Darom, which is truly my favorite place in the world. Camp, USY, and Judaism have all shaped who I am, and I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up surrounded by such strong Jewish communities and values.
USY has always been a place where I feel welcomed, supported, and able to be myself. I am so excited for the opportunity to help create that same feeling for teens everywhere and to work together to make this an unforgettable year.
I cannot wait to meet and hear from all of you!
Brady Abrams, ‘26-’27 USY International Programming Vice President
Hi! I’m Sydney Shapiro, and I am so excited to serve as your ’26-’27 International Outreach Vice President!! USY is such a huge part of who I am, and I can’t wait for an amazing year with you all!
USY has always been a place where I feel comfortable and open to being myself. This year alone, I have had the opportunity to travel around the world, form new connections, and truly see the impact USY has not only on me, but on everyone involved. Last year, as the Outreach VP for Megalil, I experienced what it means to work with others, create meaningful programs, and help expand our community. Through these experiences, I have grown as both a leader and a person, and I hope to continue giving back to a movement that has given me so much.
Outside of USY, I spend a lot of my time with friends, student teaching at a local elementary school, babysitting, and traveling at least once a month for USY events.
I can’t wait to work with everyone this year! I hope USY can become as important to you as it has to me!
Feel free to reach out anytime!
Sydney Shapiro, ’26-’27 USY International Outreach Vice President
Hey USY! My name is Elijah Klawans and I am so excited to serve as USY’s International Communications Vice President this year! I am a rising Senior at Natick High School and have proudly represented the HaNer Region and Natick Chapter throughout my years in USY in several leadership roles.
I’ve always loved being a part of USY because it’s provided me a space to feel safe, confident, included, and the best sense of community. This is what I hope all teens can experience in our organization and I’m very dedicated to upholding that.
Outside of USY I enjoy running XCTF, playing the Trumpet in my school band, and hanging out with friends. I went to Camp Ramah New England for the past two summers and attend Shabbat Morning services at my Synagogue every week.
I can’t wait to meet everyone through an exciting year of USY and please feel free to reach out with any questions or just to chat!
Thank you all,
Elijah Klawans, ‘26-’27 USY International Communications Vice President
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