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Alex Rif
Founder and CEO at One Million Lobby
Professional Background
Alex Rif is a distinguished social entrepreneur, passionate activist, and skilled community organizer hailing from Israel. Her professional journey is marked by a profound commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, particularly immigrants from former Soviet countries. Starting her journey as a young immigrant herself, Alex immigrated to Israel from Ukraine in 1991 at the tender age of five. This formative experience has inspired her lifelong mission to advocate for social diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that various voices are heard and celebrated within Israeli society.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Alex was named one of the 20 most influential female activists in Israel by Globes Business newspaper in 2018, and she earned the distinction of being one of Israel’s 50 social heroes from the Yediot Ahronoth media group. Her expertise lies in the intersection of public policy and community engagement, utilizing storytelling and social-hacking strategies to create impactful programs that bridge cultural divides.
In her role as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Economy, Alex displayed exceptional leadership in spearheading employment initiatives for marginalized populations. She coordinated significant government programs across various ministries, advocating for an inclusive workplace and enhanced economic opportunities for those often overlooked.
To focus her efforts on the Russian-speaking community, Alex founded The Cultural Brigade—a pioneering platform for cultural-hacking projects that reshaped Israeli perceptions of Russian culture. Under her leadership, The Cultural Brigade executed ten impactful projects nationwide, including Israeli Novy-God, Operation Veteran, and Immigrant Poetry Nights, which not only rebranded Russian culture but also seamlessly integrated this demographic into mainstream Israeli society. Her work significantly improved the social and cultural landscape for over one million Russian-speaking Israelis, helping them to feel more at home.
Currently, Alex serves as the CEO of One Million Lobby, the first public lobby in Israel dedicated to advocating for the rich cultural and social rights of the 1.2 million Russian-speaking Israelis. This role marks a pivotal point in her career as she influences public policy to improve the livelihood of minority communities.
Throughout her career, Alex has been a prominent voice in the media, frequently lecturing and contributing her insights on topics such as social entrepreneurship, multiculturalism, and the cultural experiences of Russian speakers in Israel. Her dynamic storytelling ability enables her to engage effectively with diverse audiences, making her a sought-after speaker and thought leader.
Education and Achievements
Alex's educational background is deeply connected to her professional endeavors. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Government from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, equipping her with the analytical and strategic thinking skills necessary for effective leadership in public service. Additionally, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Political Science through the prestigious Civil Service Cadet Program at the same university. This unique program provided her with practical experience and a profound understanding of the mechanisms of government and policy-making.
Beyond her formal education, Alex pursued screenwriting at the renowned Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, enhancing her storytelling capabilities. This combination of education has allowed her to bridge the gap between artistic expression and social impact, using storytelling as a powerful tool for change.
In recognition of her literary talents, Alex authored the crowd-funded poetry book, 'Silly Girl of the Regime.' The work received significant acclaim, winning the Matanel Award for Promising Young Jewish Poet and the Bourgeoning Poets Award from the Ministry of Culture. This achievement not only showcases her poetic prowess but also underscores her commitment to exploring complex identities through art.
Achievements
Alex Rif has accomplished a remarkable array of achievements throughout her career, significantly impacting society by advocating for the rights of underrepresented communities. Her initiatives have redefined the narrative surrounding Russian-speaking Israelis, showcasing their contributions and enriching the cultural fabric of the nation.
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Cultural Brigade Founding: As the founder of The Cultural Brigade, Alex launched and led ten country-wide projects that transformed societal views on Russian culture in Israel, making it more accepted and celebrated.
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Employment Program Leadership: Her strategic leadership at the Ministry of Economy allowed her to implement effective employment programs for marginalized populations, focusing on real-world solutions that uplift communities.
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One Million Lobby Leadership: Currently, as the CEO of One Million Lobby, Alex is at the forefront of advocacy for social rights and better living conditions for the Russian-speaking population, working to influence public policy positively.
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Literary Contributions: Through her poetry, Alex has brought attention to the nuances of immigrant experiences, winning prestigious awards that further validate the importance of her voice within the literary landscape.
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Media Engagement: Alex is a well-respected contributor and speaker in Israeli media, often sharing her insights on social entrepreneurship, diversity, and community building. Her public engagements help foster dialogue and understanding around critical issues facing Israeli society.
tags':['social entrepreneur','community organizer','activist','Israeli culture','Russian-speaking immigrants','public policy','cultural-hacking','employment initiatives','multiculturalism','public advocacy','literature','poetry','storytelling','Hebrew University of Jerusalem'],
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