Nash Levitt joins ADL’s Mountain States Region as the newest Assistant Regional Director. Born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Nash traded cacti fields for the Rockies to earn his undergraduate degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Nash has worked in public relations and marketing, elevating clients across nonprofit, real estate and tech sectors through media relations and innovative storytelling. Whether he’s schmoozing with diverse partners, strategizing messaging or presenting on social and cultural perspectives, Nash leads with enthusiasm and curiosity.
When Nash isn’t crafting narratives or kvetching with friends, he’s likely hosting themed parties, spiking volleyballs or nose-deep in a Stephen King book.
What led you to want to work at ADL? Is there something in particular about ADL’s work or mission that speaks to you?
My interest in working at ADL was fueled by my experience serving on the DEI committee at my previous company. I found much greater fulfillment when facilitating meaningful dialogue around multicultural topics like Jewish identity and empathetic conflict management than just pitching journalists about the latest AI software.
As a Jew who wants to celebrate my heritage and empower others in our community to do the same, I knew that championing ADL’s mission to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all was the perfect fit for me.
Who are some of the people that have served as role models for you, both in the area of social justice and generally?
My parents have been huge role models for me throughout my life. My dad instilled in me the importance of education and critical thinking, complemented by an irreverent sense of humor and a large repository of eye-roll-inducing jokes. My mom is an unrelenting force of compassion and positivity who showed me how to care for others and throw a damn good party.
My favorite social justice role model is undoubtedly Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because of his steadfast and inspirational commitment to change through nonviolent resistance. It’s so easy for people who have been hurt and oppressed to lash out and continue the cycle of hate, but I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. King’s belief that “darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
From all three of my role models, I’ve learned that the fight against antisemitism and bigotry requires dedication to fostering unity, curiosity and the willingness to bring people along in our journey.
What is your advice for people committed to positive change?
Every little bit counts! With so many daunting issues facing our world today, I think it’s easy for people to feel discouraged—that they can’t make a difference. I firmly believe that every step in the right direction is meaningful, no matter how small, whether you trade perspectives with someone on the other side of the political aisle or merely offer a warm smile to strangers on the street. All of the positive energy and kindness that we share with others cascade into a world where people feel more connected and accepted. Never give up on your commitment to positive change, no matter how hopeless things may seem.