For University at Buffalo junior Izzy Ehrlich, BBYO is more than an organization, it is a formative part of her own Jewish story and an opportunity to help a new generation of teens write theirs.

Izzy, who studies political science and international trade at UB, grew up in the New York City metropolitan area and spent much of his teenage years immersed in BBYO. The experience gave her something she now hopes to create for Jewish teens in Western New York: a place to belong, grow and discover what leadership can look like.

“BBYO was a definitive part of my youth; it gave me a space to experiment with leadership, take healthy risks, and build a Jewish identity on my own terms,” Izzy said.

Today, Izzy serves as a Chapter Growth Specialist for BBYO chapters in Western New York. Working directly with Buffalo BBYO’s teen leaders, she helps them develop year-round calendars, coordinate logistics and create dynamic programs. But behind the planning is a larger purpose: empowering teens to take ownership of their experiences and their Jewish community.

For Izzy, watching that growth happen is deeply rewarding.

“Seeing young people find their voice, build new connections, and lead their communities is an unparalleled experience, and guiding them through that process is a privilege that is hard to put into words,” she said.

Her motivation for returning to an organization that shaped his own teenage years can be summed up simply: She is “paying it forward.”

Now, as BBYO continues to build its presence in Buffalo, Izzy gets to see that impact from a new perspective—not as the teen discovering her own voice, but as someone helping others discover theirs.

“Seeing BBYO positively impact Jewish teens in Buffalo reminds me why I keep investing in teen leadership development,” Ehrlich said. “BBYO is an amazing resource to the Buffalo Jewish community, and I am so grateful for the Buffalo Jewish Federation’s continued support for Buffalo BBYO!”

For Izzy, that support helps ensure Buffalo teens have a place to build friendships, practice leadership and strengthen their Jewish identities in a close-knit community – just as BBYO once did for her.