Mentee Spotlight: Mikayla Laufer Stokes

Take a minute to get to know WLI mentee, Mikayla Laufer Stokes by reading the Q&A below!

Please tell us about your project?

I had the opportunity to work with Jewish Free Loan and help the organization collect 70 impact stories for their 70th anniversary in 2020.

Please share a few of your favorite things you have learned in the class sessions?

I gained so much from the experience, but particularly enjoyed the learning we did around Jewish development and the reframing of a financial ask from being a burden to being an opportunity to assist someone in a mitzvah.

How have you stayed involved with WLI since your year ended?

I’m in contact with people from the WLI experience and am working with two current WLI mentees on their projects with ASU Hillel.

What is your occupation and have you been able to apply what you learned in WLI to your job?

I work within the Jewish nonprofit sector and I use the skills I learned with JFL and through WLI on a regular basis!

Please tell us more about yourself, your family and/or your involvement in the Jewish community.

I work for the Hillel Jewish Student Center at ASU as their Director of Engagement and work at Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale as a religious school teacher. I’m currently pursuing a masters in education from The George Washington University in Israel studies to continue to bring deeper content knowledge and a wider toolbox of teaching methods to Israel education in the Phoenix metro area. I’m married to the best guy and we have two cats.

In your spare time what are some hobbies or activities you like to do? (and/or share some fun facts about yourself)

I currently have basically no spare time but really enjoy reading, traveling, and baking!