Alumni Spotlight: Macie Clawson

Macie Clawson at her new job as a Springboard Innovation Specialist at the Hillel of Buffalo.

Macie Clawson, a recent KU graduate, used her time at KU Hillel to not only grow in her knowledge of Judaism but also in her professional life. Macie (Class of 2020) currently works at the Hillel of Buffalo as a Springboard Innovation Specialist. 

Coming from small-town Nebraska, Macie came to KU wanting to explore her Jewish identity. During her time as an undergrad, Macie was heavily involved in KU Hillel’s programming, including the Beren Leadership Series, DIY Torah classes, and multiple trips to Israel. She also represented KU Hillel through Leadership Tomorrow where she interned with Kansas City Jewish nonprofits, which helped her find her own unique Jewish identity. In addition to her involvement with KU Hillel, Macie’s three separate trips to Israel continued to help her embrace Judaism.

Now, as a Springboard Fellow, Macie is thriving in Buffalo, adopting to both the city culture as well as the new winters. She has used her experiences at KU Hillel as a way to help during the move, too. With her work at the Hillel of Buffalo, Macie is leading a Jewish Leadership Fellowship (JLF) series as well as brainstorming creative virtual programming amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Their virtual programming is called “Herd Community.” Herd Community is a virtual incentive-based system that allows student pods of three to claim prizes by attending Hillel events and discussions together. 

In addition to Herd Community programming and JLF, Macie also expects to launch a new campaign focusing on acts of service, both to help the local community in specific virtual projects but also environmental initiatives. As Macie continues her work in the Hillel movement, we are both thrilled and eager to see what Macie does next! 

—Written by Corey Cohn, KU Hillel Intern