Vaughan Meyer is a long-time supporter of JQ and mother of one of our teens in our Teen JQSA program, an activist, avid reader, cook, and tennis player. Vaughan has been a member of the Board of Jewish World Watch since 2012 and currently chairs JWW’s Advocacy and Development committees. With a B.A. in Economics from UC Berkeley and a professional background in budgeting, Vaughan has been instrumental in developing JQ’s long-term strategic and financial growth. Her passion for JQ lies in her desire to make the most inclusive Jewish community possible to ensure her son is embraced as an LGBTQ+ Jew.

Neil Spears serves as Executive Director of the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center after eight years as Regional and Executive Director at Power MyLearning, a nonprofit technology education service focused on serving lower income families. A longtime JQ community member, Neil has a BA from University of California San Diego and a Master of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Deborah Engel Kollin is an educator and parent of a teen in JQ’s Teen JQSA program. Her passion for JQ lies in her desire to make the most inclusive Jewish community possible to ensure her child is embraced as an LGBTQ+ Jew. Her dedication to JQ’s mission comes both from her family and from her own desire to empower teens through education and safe space. Deb was the Admissions and Outreach Coordinator at Westside Waldorf School and was the Director of Operations of the Rabbi Jacob Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am for 12 years.

Lisa Hofheimer is Executive Director of the Lee Liberman Foundation and a parent of a transgender teen participant in JQ’s Teen JQSA program. Lisa holds an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a BA from the University of Missouri. Lisa serves on the Board of Trustees of Temple Israel of Hollywood and as Co-Chair of the California Advisory Committee for Sharsharet.