Tessa Veksler: A Rising Voice in Advocacy, Leadership, and Public Relations
Tessa Veksler is an emerging leader, public speaker, content creator, and advocate whose journey from a Bay Area high school activist to a national voice for Jewish advocacy has captured wide attention. Known for her outspoken stance on antisemitism, her dedication to student leadership, and her commitment to bridging communities, Veksler has built a reputation as one of the youngest yet most impactful figures in advocacy and public relations today. With her work extending across university leadership, national fellowships, and professional public relations, she embodies resilience, purpose, and the ability to inspire others in times of adversity.
Early Life and Education
Roots and Background
Born in 2002 and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Tessa Veksler grew up in a household deeply shaped by her family’s immigrant experience. Her parents emigrated from Odesa, Ukraine, during the Soviet era, where practicing Judaism was heavily suppressed. Arriving in California in 1990, they provided Tessa with a foundation that combined cultural pride with resilience. Their journey informed her passion for advocacy and gave her a strong sense of identity, which she has carried into every leadership role.
High School Years
While attending Northgate High School, Veksler displayed an early dedication to activism and leadership. She served as President of her school’s Jewish Student Union, participated in choir and athletics, and eventually founded Hands Against Antisemitism, a nationwide campaign launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through virtual events, interactive campaigns, and national outreach, she created a space where Jewish teens could unite against hate. This initiative became her first large-scale step into advocacy, setting the stage for her future roles.
University Path
In 2020, Veksler enrolled at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Her educational path was unique; she spent her freshman year abroad at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, studying Judaics while completing required coursework for UCSB. During this year, she lived through Operation Guardian of the Walls, an experience that strengthened her dedication to Israel advocacy. Returning to California, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication, graduating in 2024.
Student Leadership at UCSB
Early Involvement
From her first years at UCSB, Veksler immersed herself in student government and campus activism. She served as Co-Commissioner of Mental Health, later becoming Chair of the Basic Needs Committee, where she prioritized food accessibility, mental health resources, and student welfare.
Collegiate Senator
In May 2022, she was elected as a Letters and Science Collegiate Senator, representing more than 3,000 students. She authored legislation, participated on multiple committees, and launched a Slavic Student Group to provide community support during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. She also organized UCSB’s annual Mental Health Town Hall, demonstrating her ability to connect campus leadership with critical student needs.
UCSB Student Body President
In May 2023, Veksler made history by being elected Associated Students President, becoming the chief executive officer for over 24,000 students. In this role, she managed a budget of more than $15 million, collaborated directly with UCSB administration, and advocated for student voices at university, local, and state levels. Her presidency emphasized transparency, collaboration, and resource accessibility.
Facing Adversity
The Recall Attempt
Her term as A.S. President was not without challenges. In early 2024, a petition to recall her surfaced, citing allegations of division and controversy surrounding her public pro-Israel stance following the October 7 attacks. The petition gathered over 800 signatures, yet when presented to the A.S. Senate, it failed to secure the necessary two-thirds vote. The recall election never took place, allowing her to finish her term.
Strength Through Challenges
During this period, Veksler endured targeted harassment and verbal attacks. Despite the adversity, she maintained her leadership and used the experience to amplify conversations about antisemitism on U.S. campuses. Her ability to withstand pressure and remain steadfast in her advocacy elevated her national profile.
Fellowships and National Advocacy
ICC and the Geller Fellowship
Veksler has been deeply involved with the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC), serving in multiple fellowships and roles. Most notably, she was named a Geller International Senior Fellow, part of an elite group of 40 students across the United States. This fellowship provided advanced learning on U.S.-Israel relations and culminated in a 10-day trip to Israel and the United Arab Emirates, where fellows studied security, economics, climate, and civil rights.
Students Supporting Israel
Her commitment also extended to Students Supporting Israel (SSI) at UCSB, where she first served as Campus Liaison and later became Co-President. She worked with a team of student leaders to bring speakers, host events, and engage her campus community in dialogue.
National and International Recognition
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. She received UCSB’s University Service Award, the Jeremy Johansen Outstanding Achievement Award, the WIZO Leadership Award, and the Myerson-Balfour Israel Activism Award. She was invited to the White House Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration in 2023 and later to the United Nations in October 2023, where her voice represented a new generation of Jewish leadership.
Career in Public Relations and Advocacy
Hiltzik Strategies
In August 2024, after graduating UCSB, Veksler began her professional career at Hiltzik Strategies in New York City, working in the Office of the CEO as a Junior Associate. Her role allows her to blend her communication expertise with her passion for advocacy, advising clients while also continuing her own speaking engagements.
National Council of Jewish Women
In 2025, she added another milestone by serving as a United Nations Representative for the National Council of Jewish Women, expanding her influence to international policy and advocacy.
Public Speaker and Content Creator
Beyond her professional career, Veksler is an active public speaker and content creator. With more than 32,000 followers on Instagram and millions of combined video views, she leverages social media to raise awareness about antisemitism, Israel advocacy, and the importance of standing against hate. She travels across the United States to share her story, inspiring audiences to act with courage and conviction.
Personal Life and Identity
Age and Family
As of 2025, Tessa Veksler is 23 years old. Her parents, immigrants from Odesa, Ukraine, built a new life in California after leaving the Soviet Union, instilling in her a strong connection to her Jewish identity. She has an older brother and often acknowledges the sacrifices her family made to allow her to live openly as a proud Jew.
Husband and Marital Status
There is no public information suggesting that Veksler is married or has a husband. Her focus has consistently been on her career, advocacy, and public service.
Legacy and Impact
Advocacy Against Antisemitism
Veksler’s most significant contribution lies in her fearless commitment to addressing antisemitism, both on campus and beyond. She openly shares her experiences of harassment and discrimination, using her platform to encourage others to stand strong against hate.
Role Model for Young Leaders
Her journey reflects the power of youth leadership, showing that even as a university student, one can shape national conversations. By balancing academics, leadership, and advocacy, she set a strong example for other students aspiring to make a difference.
Expanding Horizons
Now positioned in New York’s professional and advocacy circles, she continues to grow her influence globally. Her role as a UN Representative ensures her voice will contribute to critical international discussions, while her career in public relations positions her to shape narratives for a wide range of causes.
Conclusion
Tessa Veksler’s story is one of resilience, determination, and leadership. From founding high school campaigns to leading a university of 24,000 students, from withstanding a recall attempt to addressing audiences at the White House and United Nations, she has carved out a remarkable path. Today, as a young professional, public speaker, and advocate, she stands as a beacon of courage for those fighting against antisemitism and working toward stronger communities.
At only 23 years old, Veksler represents the next generation of Jewish leadership in America—proud, articulate, and unafraid to take a stand. Her journey is far from over, and her influence is poised to grow on both the national and international stage.
