Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eliyahu Cohen-Mizrahi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Eliyahu, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
I believe my generosity comes from the challenges I faced growing up in foster care, where I often felt the absence of a stable family and the security many take for granted. Experiencing that kind of isolation and hardship gave me a deep understanding of what it means to feel unseen and unheard. That’s why I’m driven to help those who don’t have a voice or a family to depend on—because I know what it’s like to be in that position. My past didn’t harden me; it made me more compassionate, and now I give back to make sure others know they’re not alone.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Some would say I am a seasoned professional with a diverse background in public relations, government relations, and emergency response across multiple sectors, including nonprofit, military, and state government. With a strong commitment to public service, I have served in key roles that blend strategic communication, crisis management, and medical operations.
My public relations and government relations expertise have been honed through impactful work with the American Red Cross, where I had led disaster response communications and engaged with government agencies to support community resilience during emergencies.
In state government, I currently serve in law enforcement for the State of California, where i work at the intersection of public safety and community outreach, reinforcing trust and transparency through effective communication and operational leadership.
As the Assistant Director of Medical Operations for San Diego Pride, I have played a critical role in organizing large-scale public events, coordinating medical response teams, and ensuring the health and safety of attendees—bringing together public health, event planning, and emergency response under one umbrella.
I also bring a wealth of first responder experience from my service in the Israeli Defense Forces, the United States Air Force and the United States Coast Guard, Through these positions I’ve trained in high-stakes, fast-paced environments that demanded quick decision-making, team coordination, and a deep understanding of mission-critical operations.
With a career grounded in service, leadership, and communication, I continue to advocate for public safety, equity, and strong community partnerships across every sector I serve.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to continuous learning.
1. Resilience helped me push through setbacks and trauma. Life throws challenges our way—some expected, some not—but being able to keep moving forward, even when things are difficult, is essential.
Advice: Build resilience by practicing self-compassion, setting small achievable goals, and reflecting on how you’ve overcome past challenges. Therapy, journaling, or support groups can also help process pain and convert it into strength.
2. Emotional intelligence—the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and relate to others—was critical for building meaningful relationships and navigating complex social dynamics.
Advice: Pay attention to your emotional reactions, especially under stress. Seek feedback, stay curious about how others feel, and practice active listening. Reading books on psychology or communication can help, too.
3. Continuous learning kept me adaptable and growing, especially in unfamiliar or high-pressure environments. Whether formal education or self-directed, staying curious opened doors I didn’t know existed.
Advice: Dedicate time each week to learn something new—through books, podcasts, courses, or mentors. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or explore areas outside your comfort zone.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am eager to collaborate with like-minded professionals who share a passion for community activism, disaster response, community leadership, public relations, and government relations. I believe that by combining our efforts and expertise, we can create a resilient network that not only addresses immediate challenges but also fosters long-term positive change. Through active engagement, open communication, and coordinated strategies, I am committed to contributing my skills and insights to advance initiatives that benefit our communities and empower individuals at all levels of civic life. This collaborative spirit is vital to building effective responses, promoting sustainable development, and driving meaningful policy reform.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Elijah_mizrahi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijah-cohen-05b26a346?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
