Alumni

Julia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McGill University, with studies in Education and Behavioural Sciences, before pursuing her Bachelor of Laws at Université de Montréal and completing the École du Barreau du Québec. She also holds a Diploma in International Transactions from the China University of Political Science and Law.

After beginning her legal career in private practice as a civil litigator, Julia spent eight years building her expertise before transitioning in-house to Liberty Mutual Insurance. In her current role, she works in surety law and acts as director for Quebec matters, overseeing major infrastructure projects and stepping in when contractors default or face bankruptcy. Her work also includes speaking on Quebec and Canadian surety law, including an upcoming presentation at the American Bar Association in South Carolina.

Throughout her journey, Julia credits Hebrew Academy with helping shape the values that continue to guide her: Jewish identity, community, charity, perseverance, hard work, education, and advocacy. As an observant Jewish woman, she has also worked to balance a demanding legal career with her commitment to Shabbat and Jewish life, showing that professional success and religious observance can go hand in hand.

In recent years, Julia’s Hebrew Academy story has entered a new chapter. She is the proud parent of two Hebrew Academy students, Nathan and Sophie, and looks forward to remaining involved in the school community as they grow. She also stays connected to HA through lifelong friendships with former classmates and the broader alumni network.

Her advice to current students is to remain focused, perseverant, and humble. She encourages them to believe in themselves, work hard, and remember that the HA community remains a source of connection and support long after graduation.

Today, Philippe is the founder of the Mamane Group at CI Assante Wealth Management, where he helps families, corporations, and foundations grow their wealth, manage risk, and minimize taxes.

From a young age, Philippe was drawn to understanding how people make decisions with their money and how financial security can shape quality of life. His time at Hebrew Academy instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility, community, planning, and accountability — values that naturally guided him toward a career in wealth management. For Philippe, the work has never been only about numbers; it is about helping families protect what matters, plan for the future, and build toward their goals.

One of the most meaningful lessons Philippe carries from HA is the importance of middot tovot — good values. At Hebrew Academy, he learned that who you are is just as important as what you achieve. Integrity, humility, and respect were not simply ideas taught in the classroom; they were lived experiences that continue to guide him in an industry built on trust and ethical relationships. His goal has always been to build client relationships rooted not only in performance, but in genuine care and doing what is right.

Hebrew Academy also helped strengthen Philippe’s Jewish identity. While his family gave him strong Jewish roots, he credits HA with nourishing those roots academically and spiritually. The school gave him a clear sense of who he is, where he comes from, and what he stands for. In a professional world that often encourages conformity, Philippe believes HA gave him the confidence to remain proudly and unapologetically Jewish, showing him that success does not require abandoning one’s identity.

Today, Philippe stays connected to Hebrew Academy as an alumnus, a parent of children currently attending the school, and a dedicated member of the Finance Committee. He believes that ensuring the continuity of Hebrew Academy requires alumni to actively give back and be part of the solution. Whether through mentoring, donating, joining a committee, or supporting school life, Philippe encourages fellow alumni to get involved and help the community continue to thrive.

Through his professional accomplishments, commitment to Jewish values, and meaningful involvement in school life, Philippe reflects the lasting impact of a Hebrew Academy education and the important role alumni can play in shaping HA’s future.

After earning a DEC in Health Science at Dawson College, Noah pursued his passion for medicine at McGill University, graduating with his MD in 2023.

Today, Noah is training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a path he will continue through 2029. He is also completing an MSc in Experimental Medicine at Université de Montréal, where his research focuses on improving upper extremity function for spinal cord injury patients through nerve transfer surgery.

Noah credits Hebrew Academy with giving him a strong foundation in Jewish values that continue to guide him in adulthood and will one day shape the values he hopes to pass on to his own future family. HA also showed him that professional success and Jewish identity can go hand in hand. Through the examples of visibly Jewish professionals and alumni, he learned that embracing one’s Jewish identity is not separate from success, but an important part of leading with purpose.

Throughout his journey, Noah has also seen the strength of the Hebrew Academy alumni network firsthand. In the hospital, he often crosses paths with other HA graduates, including medical students, residents, staff physicians, and colleagues in his own plastic surgery training program. For Noah, this is a reminder to current students that no matter what career path they choose, there will often be an HA alumnus nearby to offer guidance and support.

One of the biggest challenges Noah faced came during his final year of medical school, when he applied for a residency in plastic surgery and was not accepted on his first attempt. Although the setback was difficult, he chose to persevere with the support of friends, family, and mentors. That experience led him to a meaningful research year, where he began his Master’s work alongside two plastic surgeons who have since become close mentors, including his program director and division chief.

Looking back, Noah sees that closed door as the beginning of unexpected opportunities, growth, and important connections. His message to current students is to keep working hard, follow their dreams, and remember that perseverance pays off. Even when one door seems closed, other doors can open and lead you closer to your goals.