Minna Elias grew up in Hashomer Hatzair and is now a member of its Board of Directors, chairing its Governance Committee.  Ms. Elias took her first trip to Israel at the age of 15 and has since traveled there more than 25 times. An attorney who served as New York Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for over 25 years, Ms. Elias has spent much of her career working on progressive issues.  She oversaw casework for the Congresswoman and advised her on a wide variety of concerns, including trafficking in persons, women's issues, transportation, immigration and community issues. Prior to working for Congresswoman Maloney, Ms. Elias was an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges.