Alissa Shams has long been inspired to create supportive and inspirational environments that connect people to others through Jewish communal activities and programming. Alissa was the first Director of Programming at the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue in Manhattan. She has acted as consultant to the Magen David of Manhattan Synagogue and was a Director of ILEAD – a leadership training program for Jewish high school students. Alissa served a three-year term until June 2016 as President of the Ramaz Parents Council and continues to serve lay leadership positions at The Ramaz School, Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, and at Baruch College. In 2016 Alissa and long time friend Randi Eisenstein started a consulting business to advise for profit and not for profit companies and organizations. Together they have served as Co-Executive Directors of PROPEL, an organization that supports and mentors Sephardic women entering the workforce, since March 2018.
