The Team

Hannah is the Director of National Programs, managing programmatic content and outreach across the organization including a variety of field building and climate-related initiatives including JOFEE gatherings, the Hazon Seal of Sustainability, and ongoing efforts to catalyze our community-centered response to a global climate crisis. Hannah has more than 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector and has previously held positions in fundraising, event management, and community organizing. Additionally, Hannah has worked as an outdoor educator, wilderness guide, and experiential youth educator across the United States. She earned her Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Jewish Studies at Gratz College as a Legacy Heritage Fellow and holds a Bachelors’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and Religious Studies from North Carolina State University. Hannah is a certified yoga teacher, avid outdoors-woman and proudly shares her home – a self-built tiny house on wheels – with her husband, dog, and cat.

Rachel is Hazon’s National Programs Associate, overseeing the administrative and creative elements of Hazon’s programming work alongside the National Programs Team. Bringing her passion for design and her unique problem solving abilities to life, Rachel is the driving force behind many of the graphic and logistical elements of Hazon’s programs. Before joining the team, Rachel worked as a menswear clothing designer emphasizing the role technology and innovation could play in performance wear; she also spent several years providing direct care and service in hospital and civil-service settings. Rachel holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies with a concentration in Apparel Product Design from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and in her downtime enjoys crafting of all sorts, live musical theater and playing video games. Rachel currently resides in Tennessee with her husband and their two dogs.

Hannah engages the Detroit and Metro Detroit community in conversation, education, action, and advocacy as it relates to climate justice. She previously worked in environmental consulting and has lived and worked on organic farms across North and South America. A transplant to Detroit from the metropolitan area, Hannah has fallen in love with the city’s deep sense of community, especially as it relates to food and environmental justice. Hannah attended Wayne State University where she earned a B.S. in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology. When not getting her hands dirty she can be found exploring, cooking, or planning her next trip.

Sue Salinger creates the direction of and manages Hazon’s program in Denver. She leads Ekar Farm and brings Hazon’s strength in Jewish Outdoor, Food, Farming, and Environmental Education to Ekar’s goal of addressing the root causes of hunger through sustainable ag-based initiatives. She partners to build capacity within existing Jewish institutions in JOFEE, and creates new programs and experiences that bring people together across difference around health and sustainability. Sue was most recently Managing Director for the startup of Hazon in Detroit. Sue was the Director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Emanu-El in Oak Park, Michigan, and Director of Education at Congregation Nevei Kodesh in Boulder, Colorado. She graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing and Poetics at Naropa University, an MA in Communications and Philosophy at the European Graduate School in Switzerland. While at Naropa, Sue was a teaching assistant to Rabbi Zalman Shachter-Shalomi, zt”l. She’s a Master Gardener.

Liana Rothman is the National Programs Coordinator for Hazon. Her role focuses on the Hazon Seal of Sustainability program and JOFEE (Jewish Outdoor, Food, Farming, and Environmental Education) field-building initiatives. Previously, Liana was an Adamah Fellow, Teva Educator, and JOFEE Fellow, bringing rich experience which positions her well to support Hazon Seal sites on their sustainability journey, as well as to strengthen the JOFEE network nationwide. Liana lives and works at Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, loves to go on hikes, spend long hours on porches with friends, and is committed to building a more just and loving society.

Libba Cooper is the National Programs Coordinator providing support for the Hazon Seal of Sustainability program and logistical support for events. She has a background in event planning and management and has worked for a variety of nonprofits within the community action network, higher education, and museum industry. Libba graduated from Roanoke College with a BA in music for vocal performance and still resides in Roanoke, VA. She’s a maker, loves podcasts and yoga, and enjoys being outside as much as possible, either hiking, camping, biking, or hammocking.

Karen Lewis is an Associate Director, National Programs, working with the team to elevate Hazon’s initiatives and create opportunities that build partnerships with other Jewish organizations. Her passion for environmental stewardship has strengthened her connection to Judaism which then uplifts her sustainability work; a feedback loop driving faith-based action toward mitigating climate change and increasing engagement in Jewish life. For over twenty years, Karen has been engaged in nonprofit program management, partnership development and community engagement, primarily in environmental and faith-based sectors. Karen lives in Chicago, balances her passion for protecting nature with her love of books, theatre, and cooking, and can frequently be found walking with friends, family or her dog, Hobbes.

Becky O’Brien is Hazon’s Director of Food & Climate. In this role, Becky helps leaders and institutions in the Jewish community understand the connection between their food choices and climate change, and support them in taking action to reduce their negative impact. Prior to her current role, Becky was a regional director for Hazon in Colorado for 9 years. In that time she worked with synagogues (of all denominations), Hillels, JCCs, Moishe Houses, day schools, summer camps, and more to support them in their greening work. Becky co-created the first ever Jewish Food Festival (which has since been replicated around the country) and the Brit Hazon (a behavior change program for individuals), and has written numerous resources and guides to support environmental learning and activism. She has worked in the Jewish nonprofit sector for more than 20 years. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies from the University of South Florida and a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado. And, Becky really loves mountains and trees.

Eliana is deeply passionate about the nexus of community, intergenerational learning, Judaism, and food justice. She is so glad to be a part of Ekar Farm as the Program and Outreach Coordinator, creating authentic relationships and change with all 13 (and counting!) Colorado Seal of Sustainability Sites. Having previously worked with children and families at food (and) justice organizations across Colorado and in Canada, she is always eager to continue to grow her understanding of Jewish values around sustainability, land, food sovereignty, and social justice.

The Team

Hannah Henza

Rachel Miller

Hannah Fine

Sue Salinger

Liana Rothman

Libba Cooper

Karen Lewis

Becky O'Brien

Eliana Rusk