This week we are honored to welcome Shelly Ruzicka (she/her/ella) as our special guest at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue. Shelly has been a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights since 2006, serving as the Communications & Finance Director at Arise Chicago. With a passion for narrative strategy and press work, Shelly has helped secure 100-200+ local, national, and international stories each year, with a focus on amplifying the voices of immigrant women in the #MeToo movement and addressing the workplace COVID crisis.
to social change is deeply rooted in her family’s history within working-class Polish and Czech immigrant communities and her experience as the daughter of a public school teacher. Her academic journey includes earning bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Intercultural Studies from Elmhurst College, with studies at Oxford University and Universidad Espíritu Santo in Ecuador. Shelly is also an alumna of the University of Chicago’s Civic Leadership Academy and the ReFrame Strategic Communications Mentorship.Beyond her professional work, Shelly is bilingual in English and Spanish and enjoys participating in film festivals, tap dancing, and creating elaborate culinary dishes.
has been a powerful advocate for workers’ rights, working to create systemic change by supporting workers in sharing their stories and leading campaigns for fair labor practices. The organization’s impact is rooted in the belief that faith communities have a vital role in championing social justice, particularly in the workplace.
Can’t attend in person? No problem! You can join our Shabbat service live through our controlled live stream. Stay connected with our community and click the livestream link!
Soul Spark Shabbat Services
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Soul Spark Shabbat Service
