Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy announced the final two panelists for its upcoming spring celebration, “A Night of Mensches & Memories,” on Sunday, March 1.
The event will celebrate alumni, community and the values that shape HBHA students long after graduation, with Purim themes woven into the evening.
Joining the alumni panel are Jacob Katz (Class of 2016) and Dan Cohen (Class of 1999), two HBHA alumni who were chosen by the school because their careers “reflect the creativity, leadership and storytelling skills fostered at HBHA.”
Katz is an award-winning digital artist specializing in video production. With more than 16 years of experience — nine of them professionally — Katz has contributed to projects that have collectively reached tens of millions of views across platforms. His work spans schools, political campaigns, feature films and businesses across the media landscape. Jacob currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Michaela.
Cohen is a strategic communications leader currently serving as head of communications and brand at Chicago Fire FC, Chicago’s Major League Soccer team. Over the course of his career, Cohen has helped shape brands including Doritos, Cheetos, Lay’s, Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. A former Edelman Public Relations professional, Cohen has been recognized by PR Week’s 40 Under 40 and the Holmes Report’s Innovator 25 Americas list. He spends most of his free time with his wife, Michelle, and two sons, Ben (11) and Jack (9).
“HBHA influenced my career path, inspired our decision to send our sons to Jewish day school and deepened our desire to celebrate Jewish holidays and uphold the traditions instilled in me by the HBHA community,” Cohen said. “I will always be grateful for my 13 formative years at HBHA.”
Together with the previously announced panelists, Katz and Cohen will take part in an alumni discussion at the celebration, offering insight into their career journeys and memories of their time at HBHA.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available, but space is limited. Community members are encouraged to secure their place at hbha.edu/support-us/celebration-event.cfm before the event sells out.