Advisor Spotlight: Ari Sernik

Dec 30

Each month, we’ll be highlighting 1-2 different Nyah Project advisors with a short Q&A.

Advisors are crucial members of the Nyah Project family, supporting the organization and our Fellows in different ways: as coaches, mentors, and facilitators, and/or ambassadors.

This month, we also get to meet Ari Sernik!

Ari, can you briefly introduce who you are, what you do, and how you got here?

My name is Ari Sernik. I am originally from Colombia and moved to Miami with my mom, dad, and 2 younger sisters in 1999 when I was 11 years old. After graduating high school I moved to Israel. I studied Hebrew in Tel Aviv University for one year and then joined the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) where served for three years in an elite unit called Palsar Nahal. After the army, I came back to Miami and I currently work as the Senior Director of Major Gifts at United Way Miami.

What did you study in school?

International Business for my Bachelors degree and Global Affairs with a concentration in Corporate Social Responsibility for my Masters from FIU.

In addition to getting involved with Nyah Project, how do you serve?

I am always looking for opportunities to give back to my community and to others. Most recently, my wife (also a Nyah advisory board member) and I volunteered with cleanup efforts from Hurricane Ian disaster relief at Fort Myers Beach. We helped clean up houses that were destroyed at a 500 home community.

How has travel changed your life?

Travel has definitely opened my mind. It has allowed me to see the world different, to meet incredible people, to learn about different cultures, eat exotic foods, and enjoy beautiful sceneries. I had the opportunity to backpack South East Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia) by myself for 4 months. This experience definitely changed my life and has definitely awakened a leader within me.

What are the top three (3) traits you value in a leader?