Elizabeth Feiertag

What do you like about your job?

Youth development is an important issue to me, not only for empowering individuals but also for creating a more just society. It's an honor to work on getting more people and organizations involved in supporting this great work.

Where did you work before YJC?

I started my career in grassroots political organizing and teaching young people skills to run successful campaigns around issues such as hunger and homelessness, climate change, and student debt. I later decided to hone in on fundraising and worked as the Director of Development at Chiaravalle Montessori School in Evanston for seven years.

What was your first job?

I was a hostess, and eventually a server, at a breakfast restaurant in my hometown. I always smelled like maple syrup.

What did you learn from your first job?

I learned customer service skills, how to multitask, and how to work under pressure. I also learned that jalapeno cheese melted on hash browns is a delicious treat.

Has your career path gone how you expected?

Not quite. I didn't anticipate I would go into nonprofit fundraising, but I always knew I wanted to make the world a better place. The work at YJC is very fulfilling that way.

Fun fact:

I lived in Tokyo for awhile and learned to speak a little Japanese.