By Elexa Sherry | Contributor

Nikki Nissan, or otherwise known around the community as “New York Nikki”, is a third-year longhorn who is currently studying abroad this semester in Singapore.

As a McCombs supply management chain major and minoring in entrepreneurship, Nissan is not only living out her life as a business student but is an active member of the Texas Hillel and Jewish community.

“Being from out of state, it was really important for me to find a strong, tight-knit community here on campus,” Nissan said. “Luckily, I was able to get involved with Texas Hillel immediately with all of the programming that’s been available to me.”

Nissan said she came into college with a strong Jewish identity and has only continued to grow her connection while being involved with Hillel.  She has served as a Campus Engagement Intern which she said allowed her to expand her horizons, meet new people, and help to plan “really awesome” events for the Jewish community.

Nissan has involved herself with several curriculars throughout her time at the university.  She is a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi, where she served as a board member for two consecutive years including her role as a Panhellenic delegate to help improve relations with other sororities at the university. She is also a member of the Longhorn Entrepreneurship Agency, where she’s involved in investment competitions, start-up pitches, and forming relationships with the entrepreneurial community in Austin.

Nissan also participates in other business organizations including the co-ed professional business fraternity, Phi Chi Theta, as well as helped to bring the Tamid Group back to campus which allows students to get involved in the ideals of investing and consulting, which includes opportunities in Israel.

An event through Hillel that Nissan especially relishes is the Israel Block Party, where she served as Co-Chair for the celebratory festivities. She said this leadership experience allowed her to take action in working with other people to make an event like this possible for the Jewish community on campus.

“What I love the most about the Israel Block Party is that it’s student-led and you get to see a project really come to life and get to celebrate all of the incredible aspects of Israel,” Nissan said. She said, “it was one of the most incredible experiences of her life”.

Nissan also partook in the Summer 2019 Hillel Birthright Trip where she said she continued to strengthen her Jewish connection with and passion for Israel.

While continuing to flourish in her academic career and exceptional involvement both with Hillel and her curriculars, Nissan will excel wherever life takes her and the world is her oyster. The Texas Hillel community is honored to have such a strong woman like Nikki representing the Jewish community on campus and beyond.

“I really love getting involved with Hillel and working with students and staff members to make the experience at Hillel and outside of Hillel incredible,” Nissan said. “The most important thing I’ve gained is community and people who share the same views and want the same experience as I do.”