Julie Jacobs
Miami, Florida
How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?
As the cantor of Beth David Congregation, Julie was the driving force behind the creation of the Tikvah Center, the only autism-specific program within a Jewish Day School in Florida. She continues to generate awareness of autism both locally and nationally by spearheading the Miami Autism Speaks' Walk Now for Autism, partnering with University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), performing in concerts to raise funds, bringing in guest speakers, educating families and mentoring teachers. Her passion is contagious â her dream becomes everyone's dream. She is the quintessential modern woman and visionary leader.
How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?
As the cantor of Beth David Congregation and a parent of two children, one of whom on the autism spectrum, Julie balanced her personal responsibilities with her professional responsibilities, meeting the needs of her family and her congregational family, serving on the Executive Board of the Miami Chapter of Autism Speaks, tirelessly working to grow and expand the Tikvah Center, a Jewish school for children on the autism spectrum, all while pregnant with twins. In the one year since the Tikvah Center opened, the Center grew from 2 to 10 students; a 500% increase. The Tikvah Center now has a waiting list!