NJP (Nice Jewish Person) Jillian Levine

Each month, The Well highlights an amazing (and eligible!) individual.
This month, we have a conversation with NJP Jillian Levine!

TW: How did you decide to make Metro Detroit your home after college?

JL: After graduating from Michigan State (Go Green!) I realized that not only were there some amazing opportunities for me in the advertising industry here in Detroit, but it was also where most of my family was and I wanted to be able to stay close to them.

TW: You spend your days doing advertising - specifically on projects for Ford. Would you call yourself a car lover? What are your plans for Dream Cruise?

JL: Although I do appreciate looking at old cars I would not consider myself a car enthusiast - it's more of a job than a hobby for me. Living off of Woodward, I get away from the neighborhood for Dream Cruise! Traffic and I are not the best of friends...

TW: You're a licensed Zumba Instructor! How did you get into that? Have you always loved spandex and Latin music?

JL: I’ve always been into dance, so I guess I’ve always been a lover of Spandex. Over the past few years I decided to try Zumba, and really liked the classes and Latin music and so I finally decided to become an instructor. It’s a great way to work out and shake what my momma gave me!

TW: Apparently you're an amazing cook (your reputation precedes you!). What's your signature dish and why?

JL: I wouldn’t say I have one signature dish, but my specialties are salsa and mashed potatoes (not together of course). I love trying new restaurants and cooking new or different dishes or recipes. Just don’t ask me to make a challah - I still haven’t managed to perfect that!

TW: It's game night with friends. What's your go-to game?

JL: Are puzzles allowed to be part of game night? I’m a big puzzle lover. A typical game night at the Levine household would include Heads Up or Pictionary, and if we are trying to relive our college years there’s always waterfall or beer pong.

TW: What are your 3 favorite leisure activities and why?

JL: I don’t know if everyone would consider it a leisure activity but I love to workout, especially barre or tibata classes, and of course Zumba. I also love to read - I’ve read 37 books so far this year! I also like watching 22 Jump Street -- I’ve probably watched it 5 times… this week!

TW: Where would you most like to travel to that you haven't visited?

JL: It’s hard to choose just one place I’d want to visit, but I have always wanted to go to South Africa and Australia.

TW: What's your favorite Jewish holiday and why?

JL: Either Sukkot because you eat under the stars or Rosh Hashanah cause it’s the New Year and new beginnings!

TW: If you could add an 11th commandment what would it be?

JL: Thou shalt not drive and Pokeman!

TW: Who is the coolest Jew?

JL: My Papa Fred... he really is an awesome dude!

TW: How about a fun fact?

JL: Did you know penguins have knees? Also - I was a BBYO youth advisor for 3 years!

TW: Finish the sentence: When I go to The Well...

JL: ... it's because I know my friends will be waiting for me there!