Hillel International Writers Program announces first cohort

Hillel International announced the six members of the inaugural Writers Program, a five-month opportunity for Jewish undergraduate students interested in journalism.

These talented students, who come from campuses across the nation, will use their storytelling skills to write about Hillel happenings while learning from experienced Jewish journalists and Hillel professionals. Meet our writers: 

Jason Beeferman, Northwestern University

Jason is a sophomore at Northwestern University majoring in journalism and international studies. On campus, he writes for the city and campus desks for The Daily Northwestern. He was also a 2020 summer news intern for The New York Post, where he reported for the Metro Desk. On campus, he is actively engaged in Hillel and Jewish life, where he serves on the executive board of Northwestern Hillel’s Wildcats for Israel. 

Dionna Dash, University of Pittsburgh 

Dionna is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh studying communications and linguistics. She loves writing short stories and poems, and she runs a blog at the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. Dionna also enjoys going on hikes, learning languages and performing stand-up comedy.

Jared Gans, George Washington University 

Jared is a senior at George Washington University majoring in journalism and mass communication and minoring in political science. He is very excited to have an opportunity to combine his passions for journalism and Judaism in this program. Jared has worked as a student journalist for more than five years, serving as a reporter and editor for his high school paper, The Voyager, and his student-run college paper, The GW Hatchet. His interest in journalism stems from an interest in politics, but he has covered a wide range of topics, including scientific studies, race relations and Title IX.

Madison Lotenschtein, University of Iowa

Madison is a senior at the University of Iowa. She studies journalism and anthropology, all while working as one of the arts editors for The Daily Iowan, an independent, student-run newspaper on campus. Madison enjoys writing feature stories and columns on Jewishness, artistic sub-cultures, arts-related events and news happening within the university and the Iowa City community. 

Andrew Rowan, Northwestern University

Andrew Rowan is a rising sophomore at Northwestern University studying journalism, data science and business institutions. Andrew is interested in thinking about how news consumers interact with stories in different mediums and on different platforms. When he’s not writing, producing or tweeting, you’ll find Andrew playing with his dog Max or spending time with friends. 

Monica Sager, Clark University

Monica is a senior at Clark University, where she is pursuing a double major in psychology and self-designed journalism with a minor in English. She wants to become an investigative journalist to combat and highlight humanitarian issues. Monica has previously been published in The Pottstown Mercury, The Week UK, Worcester Telegram and Gazette and The Boston Globe. Read more of Monica’s previous work on her Twitter, @MonicaSager3.



For more information about the Hillel International Writers Program, email [email protected].