Mem Global has named Alyssa Craft as the new executive director of Embark, its cohort program that supports interfaith and mixed-heritage couples to explore Jewish life together. Guided by a local rabbi, and alongside a cohort of their peers, Embark couples learn how to bring Jewish learning and traditions into their lives in a way that feels relevant and accessible to them, without any prerequisites or expectations to convert. Craft, an alumna of Moishe House, also run by Mem Global, has over a decade of experience in the Jewish nonprofit landscape and now looks to bring Embark to more communities and couples across the country.

“I want Embark to be a movement as much as a program,” said Alyssa Craft, Executive Director of Embark. “One that reaches mixed-heritage couples and families in every community, is embraced by rabbis and clergy across denominations, and becomes a cornerstone of Jewish belonging nationwide. The stronger the sense of belonging we create for our partners and families, regardless of their religious affiliation, the stronger our Jewish future will be.”

Craft comes to Mem Global with a background in Jewish Nonprofit Management, experiential education, and community engagement. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Maas Center for Jewish Journeys at American Jewish University, where she led strategic initiatives focused on Jewish learning, relationship-building, and meaningful communal experiences. She was a Resident of Moishe House Washington DC – Columbia Heights, as well as an alumna of Moishe House Without Walls and Retreatology.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alyssa back to Mem Global as Embark’s new Executive Director,” said David Cygielman, CEO and Founder of Mem Global. “Alyssa is not only an exceptional alum of many Mem Global programs, but she brings over a decade of experience in the Jewish nonprofit landscape. Throughout her career, Alyssa has worked to create welcoming and vibrant Jewish spaces where rich learning and authentic connections can thrive. Her strategic insights, innovative approach, and extensive experience with the young adult demographic makes her perfectly positioned to bring Embark to the next level. Under her leadership, we will continue to expand this exciting program, enriching the lives of interfaith and multiheritage couples across the country by helping them to explore Judaism in ways that are both powerful and deeply personal.”

Each Embark cohort includes 6-12 couples, who gather for 6 learning sessions and one immersive weekend retreat. Since acquiring Embark in 2024, Mem Global has led 27 cohorts with 388 participants in 12 cities across the US. 

“Embark’s mission is deeply personal to me,” added Craft. “As the child of an interfaith family, I saw firsthand how intentional choices can create a vibrant Jewish home while honoring the richness of multiple traditions. Now, as part of a mixed-heritage marriage myself, I’m honored to lead Embark in supporting couples as they build Jewish homes and lives that feel authentic, meaningful, and uniquely their own.”

Added Rabbi Ari Perten, Vice President of Jewish Learning, “Since Embark joined Mem Global in 2024, it has helped hundreds of mixed-heritage and interfaith couples to explore and embrace Jewish learning and participate in Jewish community, together. Now, through Alyssa’s leadership, we’re poised to expand Embark’s reach even further, connecting even more couples with warm and welcoming spaces that foster a deeper sense of confidence, connection, and belonging within the Jewish community.”