Reichman University Alumnus Spotlight Jacob Taurel

Originally from Venezuela, Jacob Taurel began his academic journey at Reichman University in 2010, studying Business Administration at the Arison School of Business. His first year was transformative - both socially and academically -opening the door to friendships that have lasted to this day and to an education that continues to shape his professional journey.

At Reichman University, Jacob stood out for his academic achievements, making the Dean’s List, and being one of only four students selected for the prestigious Student Exchange Program at The Wharton School in 2012.  Reflecting on his time at the Raphael Recanati International School, Jacob shares:

"The friendships, the network, and the values I gained at Reichman University have become essential pillars of both my personal and professional life. We are incredibly fortunate to have Israel as part of our story — and even more so to have had the opportunity to learn in English at a place like Reichman University, right in the heart of Israel."

Coming from Venezuela, Jacob was deeply impressed by Israeli society—its innovation, resilience, and remarkable achievements. His experiences in Israel helped shape a global perspective that continues to guide him today.

After graduating in 2013, Jacob moved to Miami, where he remains an active and proud member of our Alumni network, carrying the Reichman spirit with him around the world.

Meet Reichman University MBA Student Maya Hanan

Hello! My name is Maya Hanan and I am a second-year master's student in the Global MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at the Arison School of Business.

I'm 28 years old, originally from New Jersey, and I've been living in Tel Aviv for the past four years since I made Aliyah.

I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Maryland. I began my professional journey in Human Resources through internships – first at Radware, an Israeli cybersecurity company, and later at Lacoste in New York.

I then joined NBCUniversal in New York, where I worked in the HR department, supporting the finance and technology teams. After making Aliyah, I joined Bluevine, where I supported the local team and helped open our offices in India – and even had the opportunity to visit the site myself.

While I complete my MBA, I am interning at Vertex Ventures as part of the Value Creation Team.

Outside of work and studies, I love hiking in nature, traveling abroad, and painting.

I chose to study at Reichman University because of its strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as the amazing networking opportunities it offers. The variety of courses really stood out to me – they’re practical, relevant, and taught by people with real-world experience. I was also drawn to the vibrant campus life and the connections Reichman has both in Israel and internationally. It felt like the right place for both personal and professional growth.

I chose to study in Israel because I see my future here and want to grow personally and professionally. Studying in Israel allows me the opportunity to expand my network, gain exposure to the local business world, and learn firsthand from the successes of Israeli entrepreneurs and innovation leaders. The energy of the local ecosystem is truly unique, and I wanted to be a meaningful part of it.

I made Aliyah on my own, and my close family still lives in the United States.

I grew up in a home grounded in strong Jewish values and a deep love for Israel – especially thanks to my Jewish-American mother and Israeli father.

This connection to Israel and the feeling of being part of the Jewish people has always accompanied me and inspired me to take the step of moving here. It was the right choice – personally and spiritually – to be part of something greater.

Outside of my studies, I took part in ProWoman through the university chapter – an organization dedicated to promoting women into senior leadership roles, a cause that’s very close to my heart.

I'm also part of the MBA mentoring program, where I was paired with an incredible mentor who supports me in monthly meetings and provides valuable professional insights.

Additionally, as part of the MBA program, I had the opportunity to take part in a study tour in New York – our schedule was packed with visits to leading innovative companies, meetings with industry leaders and inspiring individuals, and hands-on learning experiences in the field.

My advice to fellow students:

My time at Reichman has been incredibly meaningful, and I’ll always remember it with deep appreciation. I hope each and every one of you takes advantage of the opportunities, people, and resources that this university has to offer – it’s truly a privilege to be here.

And to students currently serving in the army – I want to say thank you.

Your courage, dedication, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed.

Thank you for putting your lives on hold to protect ours.

We are deeply grateful and owe you a great debt of thanks.

Wishing everyone strength, success, and better, more peaceful days ahead.

RiseApp: Uniting and empowering the global Jewish community at Reichman University

In response to the unprecedented challenges faced by the Jewish community following October 7th, 2023, Reichman University has developed an innovative solution to combat rising antisemitism and digital isolation. RiseApp, born from necessity and made possible with the support of the Asper Foundation, aims to strengthen Jewish resilience worldwide by providing reliable information, reducing digital noise, and fostering meaningful connections both online and offline.

Read the full article here.