Staff: Ziza Israel (she/her)

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Ziza attended Virginia State University and loves crafting – all things craft. She is passionate about uplifting her community, education, providing support to her youth, and being an excellent mother and wife.

Ziza chose to work at Friends because of the quality of service she is able to offer to her youth. By choosing quality over quantity, Friends honors the commitment to be there for our youth no matter what.

As a professional mentor, Ziza loves forming bonds with her kids, supporting them to push outside the limitations they have accepted for themselves, and watching them blossom. She enjoys seeing how pleasantly surprised and satisfied they are with themselves when they realize they are able to do something new and challenging.