Aya is a dedicated leader in the Israeli-American community with over 15 years of active involvement. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community engagement to her role after being the Executive Director of Dor Chadash, the Israeli Center Director at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades and holding several position at IAC in previous years.

Aya's academic journey began with a dual background in science and law, before transitioning into her role as a Jewish non-profit professional. Additionally, Aya is a past Nahum Goldman Fellow, and holds an Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies.

Having held various professional and lay leadership roles, such as a board member at Friends of Israeli Scouts, Aya is passionate about community building and believes in the importance of informal education.

Aya is married to Israeli-American Jonathan Shechter and mother to Mylee, Liv, Levi, and Liam