Meet Tanya
West Hollywood
is home.
Known widely as Highlyjewish, Tanya is a first-generation American, nonprofit operator, podcast host, and public advocate rooted in West Hollywood.
First-generation.
West Hollywood roots.
Tanya’s parents fled the Soviet Union as Jewish refugees in 1979 and built a life in Los Angeles. She was born at Hollywood Presbyterian, attended Wise Elementary and Brentwood High School, and grew up in and around West Hollywood.
Russian was Tanya’s first language. She remains fluent in spoken Russian, though she does not read or write it.
She came out at fourteen, founded her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance, and found freedom in the city’s LGBTQ+ community and nightlife.
Tanya later studied in Israel and earned a Master of Science in Organizational Behavior Management through New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering. Her career has moved through Jewish campus life, organizational leadership, technology, nonprofit development, media, and public advocacy.
After being harassed at Dyke Day LA for wearing a Magen David, Tanya spoke publicly for LGBTQ+ Jews who no longer felt welcome in spaces built in the name of inclusion.
The work
Professional leadership.
Public advocacy.
Tanya is Head of Development & Operations at ThinkAgain Nonprofit, Head of Brand at FatCampFilms, and Senior Advisor at Combat Antisemitism Movement. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Behavior Management (MSOB). Her focus is direct: defend Israel, strengthen Jewish civic life, and stand up for democratic and American values.
Her commentary has appeared on Fox LA, Newsmax, OAN, and other national outlets.
Head of Development & Operations
ThinkAgain Nonprofit
Head of Brand
FatCampFilms
Senior Advisor
Combat Antisemitism Movement
Host
Highlyjewish Podcast
Fellow
Merage Social Impact Fellowship with Nas Daily
Master of Science · MSOB
Organizational Behavior Management
Why City Council
Tanya’s municipal focus is direct: public safety, business permits, parking, housing decisions, and a civic culture where disagreement does not cancel belonging.
Biography and current work are grounded in Tanya’s published materials and public record: Highlyjewish, Combat Antisemitism Movement, Merage Social Impact Fellowship, WEHOonline, WeHo Times, and Jewish Journal.