Ecco i campioni EENY 2021

About The Champions

The Emily’s Entourage (EE) Champions campaign recognizes philanthropic leaders helping to make a difference in the mission to speed life-saving breakthroughs and a cure for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). 

Nominated in recognition of their philanthropic spirit and community involvement, the 2021 EENY Champions leveraged their networks to meet a personal fundraising goal of $1,000  by EE’s virtual event, “The Magic Line: Drawing a Future Without CF,” on May 19, 2021.

We are blown away by and grateful beyond measure for the commitment, passion and leadership of our 2021 EENY Champions! Without further ado, we are overjoyed to introduce you to our all-star lineup of 2021 EENY Champs!

Nikki Bernstein        

Nikki works in marketing for Google and lives in NYC (aka “the best city in the world”).

Fatto divertente

“I am a certified scuba diver and can sing the ABCs with my mouth closed.”

Connection to EE

“My sister met Emily on a TEDx main stage. Our families quickly fell in love and they’ve been stuck with us ever since! Emily is one of the most special humans I know—the world needs more Em’s.”

Donate To Nikki’s Campaign

Jake Ciorciari

Jake is a Tulane graduate who currently works as a Director at Majestic Service Company and roots for bad NY sports teams in his free time (Mets, Jets, Rangers).

Fatto divertente

“I can do the worm!”

Connection to EE

“I’ve been involved with EE since 2013. I got involved at Tulane and once I moved to NYC post-grad, I was connected with the amazing group of volunteers that comprise EENY. It’s such an honor to fight alongside these amazing people for such an important cause.”

Donate To Jake’s Campaign

Paul Collins

“I am honored and excited to serve as a Champion this year. Despite being an EENY Committee Chair each year since 2017, this is my first time as an EE Champion.”

Fatto divertente

“I was born, raised, and have only ever lived in New York!”

Connection to EE

“I was introduced to Emily’s Entourage at the very first EENY back in 2016 at that warehouse in Brooklyn, and I am amazed to see how far it has come in the years since. I am continually inspired by Emily and the entire Kramer-Golinkoff family!!”

Donate To Paul’s Campaign

Brandon Faske

Brandon is a lawyer in Washington DC with a deep passion for politics and saving democracy, who also happens to moonlight as an aspiring home-chef.

Fatto divertente

“I have a PADI scuba diving certification.”

Connection to EE

“I got involved with Emily’s Entourage right after hearing Coby speak so beautifully about Emily and the EE mission at a Tulane Hillel event in 2011. I went up to Coby after the event and within days was helping to plan our first EE event at Tulane. Somehow, it is now ten years later and I’m awestruck at what EE has achieved. It is such a privilege and an honor to be connected with this Entourage. I know we’re going to crush CF-because there’s nothing Emily’s Entourage can’t achieve.”

Donate To Brandon’s Campaign

Ilissa Kaye

Ilissa is a marketing professional currently working to expand the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream brand throughout the country!

Fatto divertente

“I love corn, specifically elote, and have an Instagram highlight dedicated to ranking the best around the city.”

Connection to EE

“I met Emily at a dinner in 2017 and was immediately captivated by her story and mission. Since then, I have been on the planning committee for four EENY galas and am so proud of the Entourage!” 

Donate To Ilissa’s Campaign

Lexi Pace

Lexi works in communications, where she supports executives from companies of all types, helping them build their brand narrative and break their news in the media and at industry events. 

Fatto divertente

"My favorite weekend breakfast is a bowl of ice cream."

Connection to EE

“I was so moved by Emily and her whole family’s inspiring strength and spirit-it made me want to take on the fight to cure CF alongside them.”

Donate To Lexi’s Campaign

Jackie Reef

I am passionate about impact and the nonprofit space and I am excited to have the opportunity to support Emily’s Entourage.

Fatto divertente

"I taught skiing in the Canadian Rockies.”

Connection to EE

“I’m inspired by a family that has taken matters into their own hands with unmatched passion, dedication, and strength.” 

Donate To Jackie’s Campaign

Jessica Rotman

Jessica works as a radiologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and is co-chairing EENY 2021.

Fatto divertente 

“Emily and I were sorority sisters at the University of Pennsylvania and became fast friends! After graduating, I lived in Tel Aviv, Israel for four years.”

Connection to EE

“I grew increasingly in awe of EE’s successes from afar, since its founding in 2011. I decided to become more involved last summer, after completion of my residency and fellowship, inspired by Emily’s drive and her Entourage’s unrelenting efforts to find a cure for CF nonsense mutations.”

Donate To Jess’s Campaign

Drew Ruby-Howe

Drew is an artist who creates bold, textural abstract pieces that take on a palpable intensity and life of their own. Drew’s original and custom work has been exhibited in art galleries, commercial venues and editorial print in Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

Fatto divertente

“I have a twin brother! We are 40 minutes apart. I entered the world first (and definitely the more dominant one!).”

Connection to EE

“Emily has been a role model of mine since I was a young, wide-eyed freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. Getting involved with EE is a privilege and provides me even just a small opportunity to express support for Emily and her remarkable family.”

Donate To Drew’s Campaign

Bari Shmerler 

Bari is a University of Pennsylvania graduate and is currently the Vice President of Women’s Sales at Theory.

Fatto divertente

“I have a new puppy named Mabel, a total muppet and an honorary member of the Entourage!”

Connection to EE

“I became super close with Emily while pulling countless all-nighters during sorority rush at the University of Pennsylvania! I was immediately in awe of her passion, kindness, and tenacity, so I of course had to jump at the opportunity to help support Emily and her Entourage!”

Donate To Bari’s Campaign

The Magic Line: Drawing A Future Without CF

Wednesday, May 19

8PM ET | 7PM CT | 5PM PT

 For more information and free registration, visit: emilysentourage.org/eeny