Malka (Maxine) Tkach has been named the new North Shore NCSY/JSU Assistant Director – and she can’t wait to give back.

Malka, 24, a graduate of Stevenson High School, was active in NCSY throughout her high school career, serving as regional president in her senior year. She is also an alumnus of Jewish Family Experience (JFE), Midwest NCSY’s Hebrew School on the North Shore.

“I’m really looking forward to giving back and creating the amazing programs I experienced as a teen for the next generation of NCSYers,” Malka says.

After high school, Malka attended Meorot Yerushalayim and Touro College. She then served as the Women’s Engagement and Education Coordinator for the Russian American Jewish Experience in Brooklyn.

Last December Malka (nee Kalika) married Yirmiyohu Tkach, and the couple moved to Israel where Yirmiyohu learned in yeshiva. They recently returned to Chicago, where Yirmiyohu is completing his law degree.

In her new role, Malka will work alongside North Shore Director Rabbi Jeremy Schaechter to help grow the local network of JSU clubs, expand Juniors programming, and offer more and varied JSU off-campus programs.

“In high school, [NCSY] was my favorite place to be, the place I felt most comfortable, welcomed, and loved,” Malka says. “I can’t wait to help create that same kind of space for others.”