Schechter Parent, Heather Aranyi on Leadership, Innovation & Making an Impact
How one alum is using her voice to change lives—around the world and back home.
When Schechter parent, Heather Aranyi,stood at the podium as the keynote speaker at the Women Majlis event—sponsored by Fortune Magazine and the U.S. and German Embassies—she brought with her not just years of professional expertise, but a sense of purpose rooted in her earliest experiences of community, learning, and identity.
“I was deeply honored to speak,” Heather shared. “It was such a beautiful acknowledgement of the work I’ve poured myself into for so long.”
At the event, Heather led a workshop on leadership and personal branding, speaking to how individuals can elevate their impact and step into the highest levels of leadership. The room was full of trailblazers—and it was clear they were learning from one of their own. Afterward, Fortune Magazine interviewed Heather about her career and her coaching work, which has helped countless people break through personal and professional barriers.
But this moment, as significant as it was, is just one part of Heather’s powerful and multifaceted journey.
A Global Force for Change
As a U.S. Speaker, Heather works in partnership with American embassies and consulates around the world, focusing on areas that are strategically important to the United States—entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership development. Her impact is so strong that she currently holds the State Department record for the most participants and highest feedback scores in workshop history.
Through her coaching and consulting firm, she supports individuals and organizations in exceeding their goals. Her areas of focus include personal branding, innovation strategy, and values-driven entrepreneurship—tools she uses to help others clarify their purpose and take bold steps forward.
Her approach is grounded in results—but it’s also deeply personal.
“I’m laser-focused on what will move people to the next level,” Heather says. “The success of my clients and students is what brought me to the global stage.”
And that success has not gone unnoticed. Heather has been named the “Most Impactful Professor” by students at Northwestern University, honored as a “Global Healer” by Yale Divinity School, and appointed as an Ambassador and Advisor for the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs.
Honoring the Roots of Innovation
In every space she enters, Heather brings her whole self: a strategic thinker, a creative spirit, and a person grounded in Jewish values. A Cantor by training, Heather is always looking for ways to bring light into the world, whether through music, coaching, or teaching.
“My goal is always impact,” she shared. “Where can I be most helpful? Where can I spark something in someone else? That’s where I want to be.”
Her message is clear: “What makes you different makes you special.” It’s a belief she not only teaches, but lives by—and one that echoes the lessons she learned early on at Schechter.
A Voice That Leads with Heart
Heather still draws inspiration from schools and programs that are pushing boundaries and sparking curiosity in creative ways—including those in her own backyard.
“Start! Schechter’s Big Ideas Project is a fantastic example of innovation in action,” she said. “I work with entrepreneurs and innovators of all ages, and I’m always excited to see schools empowering kids to think big and be bold.”
That spirit of empowerment is something Heather models in her own life every day—by creating platforms for others, speaking truth to power, and helping individuals tap into their potential and lead with purpose.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
At Schechter, we talk often about the values that shape who we are: masa (journey), dugma (being a role model), and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Heather Aranyi embodies all of them. Her career is a testament to the power of voice, vision, and values-driven leadership—and to what’s possible when you stay curious, stay grounded, and stay true to who you are.
Mazal tov, Heather—we’re proud to have you as a part of the Schechter family!
