Sisters Ixchel and Xela Brainin Godinez are living proof of how education, resilience, and community support can transform lives. Together, they proudly represent the first generation in their family to pursue higher education, a milestone made possible in large part by the JVS Scholarship Program and its generous donors.
The Brainin Godinez sisters L) Ixchel and R) Xela
Xela, an Environmental Science student at California State University Channel Islands, describes how being able to attend this university was a turning point in her life. “From the very beginning, I sought meaningful connections and embraced every opportunity to grow, as a student, an activist, and a conservationist,” she shares. Her studies and campus involvement have included social justice work and even presenting before the Board of the Santa Barbara Zoo on behalf of an environmental initiative.
Her sister Ixchel is just beginning her college journey as a first-year student at Tulane University studying Exercise Science. Her goal is to become a Chiropractor with a focus on advancing health equity. “The JVS Scholarship is more than financial support,” says Ixchel. “It’s belief. It’s encouragement. It’s the reason we can continue to dream big and work toward a better future.”
Ixchel and Xela have a multicultural background; Russian-Jewish and Puerto Rican on their father’s side and Guatemalan American on their mother’s side. Their path has not been without hardship for the girls and their mother. The sisters lost their father in a tragic accident when they were young, a loss that reshaped their family emotionally and financially. Their connection to Judaism deepened during this time through Camp JCA Shalom which provided a safe space for growth and healing. Camp JCA Shalom became their outlet to connect more profoundly with their Jewish heritage.
Today, both sisters are thriving thanks to a combination of student aid, scholarships, and learning without the burden of financial stress. As proud members of the Jewish and Latinx communities, they are committed to giving back as future donors and volunteers with JVS SoCal.
“Your generosity is truly life-changing,” said Ixchel and Xela. “We are proud to represent JVS SoCal, not only in pursuing higher education, but in our shared commitment to making a real difference guided by Jewish values. “We are so grateful to be two of the many lives you have changed.”
If you’d like to help other students achieve their goals of a higher education, please consider supporting our Scholarship fund.