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Hi Nice to meet you. I am Mia
I want to inspire my generation to think bigger, lead and create meaningful change in their communities
I was born and raised in New Jersey and New York, but Israeli at heart from day one.
Growing up I was always surrounded by entrepreneurship. Watching my mom build companies seeing the struggles as much as the successes taught me early what it means to create something real: resilience, curiosity, and courage.
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I’ve loved cooking for as long as I can remember. When I was nine, after not finding a cooking class that matched my level, my mom suggested I create one. I built a plan, opened a workshop, and what began as an idea became Kids Cook with Mia, a venture that has since taught more than 350 kids across Israel, including many with celiac who came because I cook gluten-free for my sister.
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My journey led me into some of Israel’s top kitchens: Shila, Popina, North Abraxas, Nini Choo and eventually to share my story on Channel 13’s Motti Reif Show.
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In 2024, I won first place in Israel’s National Youth Entrepreneurship & Business Competition (Shavot) and was later selected as the youngest woman on Raanana’s “Most Influential Women” list in the Leadership & Innovation category. Today, I also serve as a Shavot Ambassador and as part of Raanana’s youth diplomacy program, representing my city and country in international initiatives.
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Volunteering is a huge part of my life. I serve as a Young Shal”ach Youth Guide (Mashatzit), leading social activities, group hikes, and heritage programs and I volunteer with Holocaust survivors, children with autism, preschools, special-education programs, and the elderly. For me, leadership always begins with giving back.
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Through everything, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship isn’t just about business it’s about impact. It’s about seeing a problem, imagining what’s possible, and taking the first brave step toward making it real.
My goal now is to inspire kids and teens to do the same: to create, to volunteer, and to lead change in their own communities.
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That’s the message I bring into every lecture, every workshop, and every conversation that one idea, built with purpose, can create real change.
My Journey
Made Aliya
Jul 2019 | Israel | 8 year old
Made Aliya with my mom and two siblings. I didn’t speak Hebrew, and a few months after school started, Covid lockdowns began.
It was hard with no friends, no school routine, and no nearby family.
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My first lecture to high schoolers
Dec 2021 | Israel | 10 year old
My first lecture was in front of 10th graders, sharing how I turned an idea into a business, the fears and challenges I faced, and how I handled them.
I was really nervous, but felt amazing that older kids were inspired by my story.
Cooked at Popina
Apr 2021 | Israel | 12 year old
A few months later I joined a real service at Popina.
I learned from Chef Kimchi so much, felt the pressure of a professional kitchen,
and loved the energy, teamwork
and pace of a service at popina.
Cooked at Nini Choo
Feb 2024 | Israel | 13 year old
Asian food is one of my favorites, so cooking at Nini Choo was a dream.
I learned new techniques from Chef Maya, worked with ingredients I’d never used before, and gained confidence cooking in a busy Asian kitchen.
Entrepreneurship & Business Award
Mar 2024 | Israel | 13 year old
I won first place in Shavot’s Entrepreneurship & Business competition for girls ages 12–18 in Israel.
Standing on that stage where just few years ago I didn't even speak Hebrew, was a moment I would never forget.
High school lecture
Nov 2024 | Israel | 13 year old
I lectured at Katznelson High School in Kfar Saba about why an entrepreneurial mindset matters and shared my journey.
The best part was answering questions about fear, failure, and how to be brave enough to start.
Motti Reif Show at channel 13
Dec 2024 | Israel | 13 year old
I was invited to speak about youth entrepreneurship on Channel 13’s Motti Reif show, “Shee.”
I shared my story and met inspiring women like Titi Aynaw, Shelly Gafni, and Sharon Kidon to talk about women and entrepreneurship.
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Became Youth Shelach Instructor (Mashatz)
July 2025 | Israel | 14 year old
Completed the official Youth Shalach Instructor (Mashatz) training.
Learned leadership, field skills, geography & culture of Israel. Excited to start guiding younger students in trips & outdoor educational activities.
I am here to create a change
Feb 2011 | New York
I grew up in New Jersey and New York, surrounded by amazing food and many cultures.
My favorite thing was going to my mom’s office and then spending the day exploring the city together.
Launched Cooking with Mia
May 2021 | Israel | 10 year old
Started my first venture, a cooking class for kids, after we couldn’t find any that matched my skills and age.
That small idea became “Cooking with Mia,” and by age 11 I’d already taught over 350 kids.
Cooked at Shila
Feb 2023 | Israel | 12 year old
On my 12th birthday, my dream came true, I was invited to watch and cook in real service at Shila.
I learned from Chef Sharon and Chef Gal, including how to make risotto from scratch.
Oct 2023 | Israel | 12 year old
A few weeks after October 7th, my brother was drafted and we felt like we have to contribute, therefore, My mom and I volunteered at Shila, helping cook meals for soldiers.
We met incredible people, worked hard and it gave us hope in a difficult time.
Volunteered during the war at Shila
Cooked at North Abraxas
Feb 2024 | Israel | 13 year old
Cooking at North Abraxas was such an amazing experience. I learned so much from Chef Guy.
My favorite part was learning how to work with fresh new ingredients that I didn't know before.
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Ambassador for Shavot - girls leadsrship
Mar 2024-Today | Israel
I serve as a National Youth Ambassador for Shavot, meeting women leaders in business and public life such the First Lady Michal Herzog, Adi Soffer VP of Meta, Noy Hadas from NoyHasade and more.
We represent young female entrepreneurs, and helping promote leadership and entrepreneurship for girls across Israel.
Student Council President
Nov 2024 | Israel | 13 year old
Chosen as the youngest student council president at my school.
Together with an amazing team we lead projects, solved problems students cared about and create real change inside school & in our community.
Leading woman award at Int'l women's day
Mar 2025 | Israel | 14 year old
I was selected as one of Raanana’s leading women for International Women’s Day in leadership category, the youngest on the list.We were given the title of woman creating change.
Seeing my picture on the city billboards
& bus stations was such an exciting moment.
Ambassador at Ra'anana's Intermational Youth Delegations Program
Oct 2025 | Israel | 14 year old
Started an ambassador roll in Ra’anana’s International Youth Delegations Program.
We represent Ra’anana and Israel, focus on public diplomacy, host teens from twin cities, and join international delegations and youth exchanges throughout the year.
Empowering teens through leadership, creativity, resilience, and community action.