Amanda Marcus
Long Beach, New York
How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?
Amanda Marcus works as the Staff Liason of BBYO's Global Ambassador's Network. She helps teens educate each other about different Jewish communities all around the world. Together we think of ways to raise funds and awareness to sponsor Jewish opportunities for teens in countries such as Bulgaria, Albania, France, Switzerland, Argentina, Serbia and more. Amanda is also the Director of the Nassau-Suffolk Region of BBYO. She supervises the activities of thousands of teens and motivates us to become leaders in our Jewish community on Long Island, as well as the world. BBYO is a community for all Jewish teens to expand their Jewish identities through meaningful programming and experiences. Amanda works long hours while attending meetings, events and weekend-long conventions. She encourages teens to reach their potential and never gives up on an idea or dream that a teen may have. Amanda's passion for Judaism and teen leadership potential is evident when she speaks in front of a large group. She recently spoke in front of a regional leadership training conference for chapter leaders about the only Jewish teen under 18 years of age in Albania. The group of 120 teens was so moved, that $500 was raised to assist his community in under five minutes. Amanda staffed the March of the Living in 2010 and helped her group understand the importance of studying the Holocaust while guiding us through the emotional experience. These are only few examples of ways that Amanda Marcus as made the world a better place.
How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?
When I joined BBYO as an eighth grader, Amanda Marcus instantly inspired me to become a leader that I never imagined I could be. She encouraged be to run for leadership positions on a chapter, and regional level. She also inspired me to attend the most meaningful experiences of my life, Ambassador to Bulgaria in 2009, and the March of the Living in 2010. She accompanied me during both experiences and taught me the importance of having a Jewish identity, participating in community service, and making a difference in the world. Her advice has helped me grow as not only a leader in BBYO, but as a Jewish leader throughout my life.