Livits to Serve on B’nai B’rith Girls Board

Atlanta’s Jewish community is celebrating a major milestone as local teen Zara Livits has been elected to an international leadership position within BBYO, the world’s leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement.

Livits was elected to serve as International Aym Ha’Chaverot, the International Vice President of Membership for BBG, the girls’ division of BBYO. BBG, which stands for B’nai B’rith Girls, operates alongside its brother organization, AZA, as one half of the BBYO Movement.

Her election took place at BBYO’s International Convention and was decided through a formal democratic vote. Approximately 400 teen delegates from regions across the United States and around the world participated. Each delegate represents thousands of members in their home region, making the role one of significant responsibility and trust.

“One of the defining characteristics of BBYO is that it is truly teen-led,” Livits explained. “Leaders at every level are elected by their peers rather than appointed by adults.”

As International Aym Ha’Chaverot, Livits is responsible for one of the Movement’s highest priorities: growth. She oversees and supports more than 50 regional membership leaders worldwide, providing training, strategic guidance, and resources to strengthen recruitment and retention systems. Her work focuses on ensuring that new members feel welcomed and that existing members remain engaged.

A key component of her portfolio includes strengthening BBYO’s recruitment framework, known as MRIHA, which guides regions in identifying prospective members, building meaningful relationships, and helping them become active participants. She also collaborates closely with AZA’s International Moreh to align growth strategies across both divisions of the Movement.

In addition, Livits helps support BBYO’s Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC), coordinating four, 12-day summer sessions where teens learn how to lead chapters, plan programming, and build sustainable communities.

Founded in 1924, BBYO connects Jewish teens in more than 60 countries through leadership development, shared values, and global community. Teens plan events, manage budgets, run elections, and serve on boards at every level, while adults act as mentors. The structure gives young people real responsibility and real impact.

For Livits, the role represents a full-circle moment.

“I joined BBYO in eighth grade looking for somewhere to belong,” she said. “Over time, I found mentors who believed in me and peers who pushed me outside my comfort zone. BBYO gave me a space where my voice mattered.”

Now, as an international leader, she hopes to ensure that thousands of teens worldwide experience that same sense of belonging.

“Membership is the foundation of everything we do,” Livits said. “Without strong membership, there is no programming, no leadership pipeline, and no long-term sustainability.”

Her election not only highlights her personal dedication but also underscores the strength and impact of Atlanta’s Jewish teen community on the global stage.