Kayla recently stepped into a major role as International Vice President of BBYO that will have her traveling to Jewish communities across the globe during a gap year before college. But her leadership journey really started through 4Front Baltimore’s teen programming.

3. Her dream major? Political science.

She’s passionate about leadership, community and understanding the world—so studying political science feels like a natural fit.

4. Her leadership journey started with 4Front.

Kayla first got involved during her sophomore year through the Peer Leader Fellowship, where she worked with other teens to build connections within the local Jewish community.

7. She built real friendships with Israeli teens.

Two Israeli girls from Ashkelon stayed with Kayla and her family for over a week during the program, a highlight she still talks about today.

8. She discovered there’s no one way to be Jewish.

Through her experiences, Kayla says she learned that “there’s no right way to Judaism.” Seeing how people from different backgrounds express their Jewish identity helped her understand her own. That diversity is part of what makes Jewish life so meaningful.

9. She’s a creative leader.

For one retreat, Kayla helped design a program where teens had to piece together a Torah portion using pictures as clues, like a Jewish storytelling puzzle.

12. Her leadership style is simple: listen first.

One of Kayla’s priorities is helping other leaders achieve their own goals. “It’s very much about doing everything for them. Being the best resource for them to achieve what they want to build in their communities.”

13. She believes Jewish identity matters more than ever.

With rising antisemitism online and in schools, Kayla believes connection is key. “If someone feels more connected to the Jewish community, they’ll feel more confident standing up for it.”

14. She also says community helps teens feel less alone.

Being connected means having people to turn to when things get hard.

15. Kayla is already thinking about Jewish life in college.

Wherever she ends up, she plans to get involved with Hillel or Chabad and maybe even join a Jewish sorority.

16. Her hobbies are seriously creative.

When she’s not leading programs or doing homework, Kayla loves painting, drawing and making crafts.

17. Her music taste spans generations.

Current favorites include Fleetwood Mac, Noah Kahan and Hozier.

18. She’s hoping to visit Israel for the first time soon.

After learning so much about the country and forming friendships with Israelis, Kayla is excited to finally experience it in person. She says she imagines stepping off the plane and feeling “a real sense of connection, even though it will be my first time there.”