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Participant Bios

Participant Bios

Participant Bios

Entertainment Track — Class of 2018

Zach Calig Heather Rosen Entertainment Track Chair Entertainment Track Chair Zach Calig is a writer from with Heather Rosen is a creative director and credits including Narcos (Netflix), Of Kings visual artist who freelances with agencies and Prophets (ABC), and #Cartel (History). and brands like HUGE, NIKE, 72andSunny, He recently wrote American Colony for R/GA, VICE Media and Apple. She holds a Israeli director, Gidi Dar, and created the comic book Grimm Fairy dual bachelor of arts in Psychology and Art from UC Berkeley Tales: Coven for Zenescope. Zach is currently a development and a master’s certificate in Art Direction from Ad School. executive for Chris Brancato Inc. He is actively involved in the Beit Heather is a valley native, proud to call Los Angeles home after T’Shuvah community and sits on the Steering Committee for the spending more than a decade in and American Jewish World Service. City. When she isn’t writing bios in the third person, Heather spends her time illustrating and painting ketubah art.

Ellie Altshuler is an entertainment David Blankleider was born in and fashion attorney in the Los Angeles in 1986. He graduated as a office of Nixon Peabody, an international Filmmaker from the ORT University of law firm. Ellie is also a stakeholder and Uruguay on April 2011. In December 2011, co-founder of Haks, a food company he directed his first short film “Another that manufactures BBQ sauces, cooking Christmas” (“El día de la Familia”), which sauces, salad dressing and mixed nuts. She holds a JD from was awarded in China, The U.S., France, Holland, Morocco, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and a BA in Political Science Argentina, and Uruguay. In 2012 his screenplay “Silver Cutlery” and Minor in Russian Studies from UCLA. Ellie leads the (“Cubiertos de Plata”) won first place at the Uruguayan Women’s initiative at her firm and mentors 3 attorneys. National fund for the Audiovisual Arts Contest, which has also been honored with several awards and was selected in the Maor Azran is a producer who is Oscar qualifier LA SHORTS FEST. In 2013 David moved to LA, currently enrolled as a Producer Fellow and in 2015 he graduated from the Directing Program at UCLA at American Film Institute in Los Angeles, Extension. In 2016, he directed his first English-spoken short California. He was born in a remote town film, which has been awarded in more than 10 festivals. He’s in Israel’s north, called Kiryat Shemona. At now developing his TV pilot with Andrew Lenchewski (Creator fifteen, he moved to Tel-Aviv to study at & EP of “Royal Pains”). Thelma Yellin, Israel’s most prestigious arts high school. There he studied directing and producing plays. Upon graduation, he Becky Bordo is the writer & director was drafted to the IDF where he served in the Entertainment of “American Birthright”, the interfaith Branch of the Education Corps as a producer/commander of marriage documentary spearheaded by the Cultural Department where he oversaw army-wide cultural Bordo’s own production company, “Go events and ceremonies. While completing military service, he Tahel Productions.” Becky holds a BA in began working in the TV industry. Since then, he has produced Communications, with a Theatre minor, many leading television programs, including THE AMAZING RACE, from ’s Temple University. The Israeli born creative THE VOICE and MASTER CHEF. He has also worked as a junior graduated summa cum laude in three & a half years and executive for Keshet Broadcasting, where he oversaw physical quickly relocated to California to pursue her dream of creating productions and helped develop original formats. conscious content. Becky is active in her community,

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Entertainment Track — Class of 2018

she is a Moishe House Without Walls host, and is working Corporation and worked for NBCUniversal and Cable in closely with leading clergy & thought-leaders from Wilshire New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. Stephanie has been a Temple, Ikar, CLAL, AJU, NuRoots, and many others to create board member of several organizations, including Atid at Sinai relevant content from within Judaism for all. Temple and Dress for Success Worldwide West.

Jordan Davidovitz is a writer, Travis Guterman is an Associate producer, and entrepreneur based in at Savitsky, Satin & Bacon, a business Los Angeles. Jordan holds a BA in Media management firm in Los Angeles. He Management from California State graduated with Honors, Distinction, and University Northridge. Jordan is an magna cum laude from the University of alumnus of the ADL’s Glass Leadership Arizona, Tucson with a BS in Agribusiness Institute, a former Television Academy Foundation Intern and a Economics and Management. After working in finance at TCW member of various local non-profits. and at the Israeli startup BITES, Travis returned to school to obtain a Master of Business Taxation from University of Bryan Edelman is a serial Southern California’s Leventhal School of Accounting/Marshall entrepreneur in the interactive tech and School of Business. Travis enjoys volunteering at SOVA Food games space (VR, AR, games, software, Pantry. etc.). He founded and operates Crowd. Game LLC, a Los Angeles-based tech Joel Kliksberg is a Partner at startup that provides solutions for political strategy and media firm Left interactive advertising using custom-designed, trackable brand Hook, where he runs the firm’s digital activations. The company serves partners across traditional department. Left Hook represents around sports, esports, Supercross, festivals, conferences and trade 70 mostly congressional, senatorial and shows. Bryan holds three educational degrees: two BA’s in gubernatorial campaigns nationwide. Joel Anthropology and Computer Science from the University of previously served as Chief of Staff of ABC News, Chief Strategy Missouri-Columbia and an MFA in Interactive Media and Games Officer of Fusion (the Disney/ABC & Univision JV) and Founder from the University of Southern California. of Y Combinator fellow Palaround – a marketing tech startup. Sarah Frantz currently works at Disney Studios in their International Marketing Allie Koppel is Director of Finance at team. She holds a BA in Psychology and The Third Floor, Inc., a visualization studio Art History and the Visual Arts with a based in Los Angles. Allie graduated from focus in Film and Media Studies. Sarah is the University of Wisconsin with a BBA in an alumnus of the Kahn Fellowship with Accounting and Communication Arts, with The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. a concentration in Radio, TV, and Film. Allie has been involved in Jewish organizations for over 15 years, Stephanie Glass is a sales analyst spending time at both JCC MetroWest in New Jersey and Los for Fox Networks Distribution Group in Angeles Hillel Council. Los Angeles. She holds a BS in Applied Economics from Cornell University. Prior to joining Fox, she was part of a rotational leadership program at Comcast

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Entertainment Track — Class of 2018

Stephen Laddin is a Los Angeles Cara Rifkin is the Director of based writer/producer. In 2010, he Development and Programming for Lando joined , where Entertainment, a non-scripted television he successfully placed comedian Leslie production company. She is also an Emmy Jones in ’s directorial debut Award-winning producer of a number of feature, TOP FIVE. In 2015, he was a Food Network series. Cara holds a BS in junior producer on the independent pilot DR. DEL for Heel & Theatre and Art History from Northwestern University and an Toe Films (HOUSE), starring John Hawkes. He then executive MA in Journalism from USC. A native of Los Angeles, Cara prides produced the BitTorrent Now pilot THE SPECIALS alongside herself on knowing where to find the city’s best tacos. Honora Productions (DEAN, HITS, PLAYDATES), and most recently co-created the digital series DON PACO’S CASA for Broadway Jonathan Steingold is currently a Video’s digital network, Más Mejor. In addition to television Sr. Director of Digital Partnerships at and digital projects, Stephen produces two monthly stand-up WME|IMG. Jon is a graduate of Bates comedy shows, working with the top comedians in the country. College with a BA in Economics. He’s also a Board Member of the 3G Group at The Taliaferro Pollock moved to Los LA Museum of the Holocaust, as well as Angeles to pursue her career in the a member of the LA Guardians and LA Jewish Family Service’s Entertainment Industry shortly after Young Leaders group. receiving her BA in Film and Journalism from The University of North Carolina. Lara Wilinsky is a VFX and Post She has since produced and acted in Producer, who recently moved to Los various projects, including recent series Cast Off, which she Angeles from . After also co-wrote. This project led to her shooting a web pilot receiving a BA in Journalism from the with Milana Vayntrub (This is Us), which is set for release in University of Kansas, she worked in news Winter 2017. As Taliaferro is very passionate about LA’s Jewish and reality TV for seven years before Community, she is a former member of The Jewish Federation’s making the transition to live-event and large-scale media Kahn Fellowship, which led to her involvement in many other production. She won an Emmy Award in high school and has organizations, such as Moishe House, AISH, U and been joking that she peaked too early ever since. Sadly, it may Infinite Light. With JDC Entwine, she studied the Diaspora be true. and engaged in humanitarian work in India. It is this type of involvement that continues to inspire her voice and purpose.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Real Estate Track — Class of 2018

Sharona Toobian Ira Yasnogorodsky Real Estate Track Chair Real Estate Track Chair Sharona Toobian is in her 7th-year as a Ira Yasnogorodsky is Vice President real estate deal attorney at Perkins Coie, and General Counsel of LY Developers & LLP in Century City. She went to UCLA Management. Before joining LY Developers, for law school and Brandeis University Ira served as Associate Counsel for for her undergraduate degree. She was born and raised in California Home Builders and Koss Resource. He holds a BA in until she moved for law school. History from UCLA and JD/MBA from Pepperdine University.

Brenda Arianpour is the Director of serves on the Los Angeles board of the Jewish National Fund Operations at Greenbridge Investment & co-chairs JNF’s LA real estate group, and was the former Partners, a fully integrated commercial chair of JNFuture New York and founder of Chabad Young real estate investment firm based Professionals (NYC). in Los Angeles. Brenda holds a BS in Business Administration from the Joshua Boren is the Director of University of Southern California. Brenda is currently an active Business Development and Marketing executive board member of ETTA Young Professionals, a Strategy for RCLCO Real Estate Advisors, group of motivated leaders dedicated to improving the lives of a nationally recognized real estate individuals with special needs by raising community awareness consulting firm. Josh is based out of through philanthropy and events. Los Angeles where he has resided since graduating from The Wharton School of Business at the Elliot Askarinam is the Director of University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in real estate Acquisitions and Lending at Standard and entrepreneurship. Josh is active in Urban Land Institute’s Management Company, a commercial LA Chapter as well as the Federation’s REC Division in addition real estate investment firm based in Los to serving as a Steering Committee Member for Cedars Sinai Angeles. He earned his B.S. from UCLA in Sports Spectacular. Mechanical Engineering. Elliot is a licensed real estate broker with the state of California, a member of the Courtney Brodie is the Director Urban Land Institute, and CCIM candidate. of Leasing for Southern California for Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. Adam Belfer is a Vice President at (ROIC), a retail real estate investment H.I.G. Realty Partners and heads the firm’s trust. Courtney holds a BS in Business west coast office. H.I.G. Realty makes Management from University of Arizona. opportunistic JV-equity investments in mid Courtney is a past participant and co-chair of the ADL Glass cap real estate assets across property Leadership Institute and is on the board of the ICSC Next Gen types and markets. Adam holds a BBA for Los Angeles. from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. Adam

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Real Estate Track — Class of 2018

Louis Evans is an Estate Agent Brett Katz is a Senior Managing Director working with Aaron Kirman, one of and Co-head of Capital Markets at CCRE, the top real estate agents in the US. a vertically integrated real estate finance Louis graduated with honors from the company. Prior to joining CCRE, Brett was University of California, Santa Barbara a Vice President at Credit Suisse in the with a degree in Film and Media Studies. real estate finance and securitization During his time as a working student, Louis also won various group. Mr. Katz graduated from Cornell University with a BA in leadership awards for his accomplishments in sales, going Policy Analysis and Management. on to become a top sales representative while he was just an intern. In his spare time, Louis enjoys giving back to his David Maldoff is the Managing local animal rescue and hopes to become more involved with Partner of JDN Brooks LLC, a real estate volunteer work in the Jewish community. investment firm based in Los Angeles. David holds a Juris Doctor from University Ben Feingold is Director at Grayslake of and a Bachelor of Commerce Advisors, an expert witness and litigation from McGill University. David is a member support firm specializing in the areas of Federation’s PK12 Committee and was formerly a member of real estate, finance, and economics, of the Baycrest Aces for Alzheimer’s Committee in Toronto, as well as an Adjunct Lecturer at the Canada. University of Southern California. Ben holds a BA in Public Policy from the University of Michigan and Michael Maltzman is a commercial a Master of Planning from USC. Ben is an active member of the real estate agent for Marcus and Millichap Urban Land Institute, sitting on ULI’s Housing Council. in Los Angeles. He is currently working on real estate development projects in the Eric Held has worked in commercial real West Hollywood area. Michael also assists estate for 9+ years and has experience in management and acquisitions for his in Commercial Real Estate Finance, family’s real estate portfolio. He holds a BA in Communications Acquisitions, Developments, Asset from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Management, Consulting and Research. In the past, Mr. Held has worked extensively Ryan Perlman is a CPA at CBIZ MHM, with Held Properties, a family run Los Angeles based real LLC, a public accounting firm based in Los estate who has developed 2.5+ Million Square feet of Class A Angeles. Ryan holds a BA in Economics office and medical centers. Mr. Held works as a capital markets from the University of California, Irvine and loan servicing analyst at Q10 | Westcap, a commercial real and is currently obtaining a Masters in estate mortgage and finance company. Eric holds a Dual- Taxation at Golden Gate University. Ryan Master’s degree from the University of , where he is an active member of the Jewish Federation Real Estate & received an International MBA and a Master’s of Science in Real Construction Group. Estate (MSRE) degree.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Real Estate Track — Class of 2018

Daniel Rainer is currently a commercial Shahin Yazdi is a Principal/Managing real estate advisor at CBRE in Century Director of George Smith Partners. He City. He has been at CBRE for five years joined the company in 2007 and has and lives in Santa Monica. He went to high since closed over $1 billion in financing. school and college in Boston, and earned Currently, he is an active Real Estate a BS in corporate communications with a Investor and he is involved in a number minor in business. of professional organizations as well as various charities. Mr. Yazdi holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Mal E. Serure is a partner in the real California, Santa Barbara. estate group in the Los Angeles office of the law firm of Bryan Cave LLP. Mal holds Sam Yourman is a broker for a BS in Economics and Finance from NYU Epsteen & Associates, a commercial and a law degree from the University of real estate firm based in Marina Del Pennsylvania. Mal is a member of the Rey, which specializes in retail leasing AIPAC Los Angeles Real Estate Division and AIPAC’s Washington and investment sales. Sam received Club and is a Trustee at Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy. his degree from the University of Arizona majoring in Political Science. He spent 1 ½ years in Alex Smith handles Acquisitions the Epsteen & Associates rigorous training program, learning for Faring, a real estate development the geographical retail landscape, how to negotiate a lease company in West Hollywood. Alex and sale of a property, and how to properly service a retail graduated from the Claremont Colleges tenant and retail developer. In his first year out of the training and has twice been a committee member program Sam closed over $15 million worth of deals and is of the Federation’s MainStage Event. now managing over 350,000 sq ft of retail property. While still learning, he has taken his recent experiences and has begun to Yael Suneson is a Development teach them to the newest trainee of the company. Associate at Wood Partners, a national multifamily development company. Yael is responsible for managing the development process including design, development, joint venture equity and debt financing, construction, and operations for select projects within the Southern California market. Originally from Texas, Yael graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Economics, a BBA in Accounting, and Master’s in Professional Accounting.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Russian Jewish Track — Class of 2018

Ariel Goldberg Naya Lekht Russian Jewish Track Chair Russian Jewish Track Chair Ariel Goldberg is the Studio Recruiter Naya Lekht received her PhD from for Animation Studio. Prior UCLA in Russian Literature. Currently, to Nickelodeon, Ariel worked in Talent Naya is a research fellow at the UCLA Acquisition at The Walt Disney Company, Center for Jewish Studies, where she as a director of animated films, as an artist at Zynga, and as is working on a digital exhibition of Russian-Jewish Los an actor/playwright. Ariel holds a BA in Theater from UCLA and Angeles for MappingJewishLA. In addition to her academic an MFA from UCLA in Film. In his current role at Nickelodeon, research, Naya is working on Project Yar, a digital exhibit of Ariel helps budding and seasoned animation professionals Babi Yar and the Holocaust. pursue their dreams by coaching them on how to network, interview, and impress potential employers through their portfolios and resumes. An L.A. resident for twelve years, Ariel originally comes from San Francisco.

Anastasia Alen is a member of Information Systems with a minor in Psychology from California the California Bar and practices law State University Northridge, and a CA Real Estate Broker as in-house counsel at Sony Pictures license. Leon is a founding father of CSUN’s chapter of AEPi — a Entertainment. She holds a J.D. from Loyola Jewish fraternity, former president of Phi Eta Sigma, an honor Law School and a B.A. in Communication society. Additionally, Leon studied in Aish Ha Torah, Jerusalem, a from USC. Anastasia is on the Beverly Hills yeshiva, for 9 months. More recently he held various leadership Bar Association Barristers Board of Governors and co-chairs the roles in several Toastmasters clubs for 4 years. Committee for the Arts. She also serves as a mentor for current Loyola Law School students and has recently become involved Eric Fihman holds a Bachelor of Science with the Bet Tzedek New Leadership Council. Degree in Accounting and Business Administration with an emphasis in Simon Elbaum graduated from the Finance from California State University, University of California, Santa Cruz with Northridge and is a licensed CPA. He is an a BA in history. He currently works in the alumnus of AIPAC’s Leadership Training real estate/mortgage industry, as well as Initiative, and is on the young executive leadership board of the in music production and recording. Jewish Graduate Student Initiative. He is also on the organizing committee of the Limmud FSU West Coast conference.

Leon Faynberg works in the asset Zhanna Fish is a Vice President and management department of Alliant Private Banker at The Private Bank. Capital, one of the dozen largest tax credit Zhanna works with high net worth clients syndication companies in the US. Prior to help them build, sustain and transfer to that, he spent many years working in wealth based on their distinct priorities. affordable housing as well as conventional She has over 20 years of banking property management. Leon holds a BS with honors in experience and most recently was a Priority Relationship

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Russian Jewish Track — Class of 2018

Advisor. Prior to that, she held positions as a Priority Banking Olga Mavritskiy is an Account Manager, Financial Services Manager, and Financial Services Executive with ZIM Shipping, an Officer with Union Bank. She earned a BS in Computer Science international shipping line. Olga holds from the University of Southern California in 2001 and a double a BA in Economics and Statistics from MA in Marketing and Business Administration from American University of Haifa, Israel. Intercontinental University in 2004. She holds Series 6, 7, 63, and 66 securities licenses, as well as a California Life Insurance license. She is a member of the Levitt & Quinn Family Law Raquel Nayberg runs a Sales and Center advisory board and is also fluent in Russian. Partnerships team at a fast-growing technology startup based in Los Angeles. Jenny Grigor is originally from St. She holds a BA in International Business Petersburg, Russia. She currently lives and has put her degree to good use, in LA and is raising two kids. She was having lived in NY, SF, Rome educated at UCLA and NYU, and feels and is currently a denizen of Los Angeles. Previously, Raquel very concerned and passionate about the participated in the JDC’s international volunteer program, Future of Russian in this city. Jenny working closely with women and children. She spends her has been an active member of Temple Isaiah since 2009 where free time at the beach with her 2-year-old English Bulldog and she is also a current board member and chair of the RSPA husband, decorating her home, and exploring LA. (religious school parent association). Rebecca Slome is the founder of Alisa Kasimova graduated from Mommy To Be Wellness, an in-home European Film College in Denmark, maternity wellness spa service catering studying multimedia design and visual to women from fertility - postpartum. communication at Copenhagen School Rebecca holds a BA in Kinesiology from of Design and Technology. She is a San Diego State. Rebecca is an active member of The Junior League, has member in her temple and has taught at the preschool in the managed several restaurants, and is currently doing an office JCC in La Jolla as well. certification program and working at a real estate office. She hopes to open her own real estate office one day.

Svetlana Kornilova was born in Belarus and has been in America for 11 years. She is currently a claims adjuster at GEICO insurance company. Svetlana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, management. Svetlana has been actively participating in the Jewish Community Activities and Development in Belarus and is glad to join and make an impact to the Jewish Community in Los Angeles.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Universal Track — Class of 2018

David Barlev Emily Shaaya Universal Track Chair Universal Track Chair David Barlev is the Co-founder of Goji Emily Shaaya is a Deputy Public Defender Labs, a software consultancy that for the Los Angeles County Public specializes in helping startups and Defender’s Office, where she passionately businesses launch their operations. Before defends our community’s indigent starting Goji, he worked as a software engineer at MyHeritage population when faced with criminal accusations. Emily holds and General Motors. David got his B.S. in Applied Physics and a BA in Spanish and Social Ecology from UC Irvine and received M.S. in Electrical Engineering from UC Davis. her law degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. Emily is a graduate Of CLI’s 2015-2016 class and currently serves on the Federation’s Young Adult Engagement and Leadership Development Board.

Niran Avni is the Co Founder of Froffee Shaun Ginsburg is a Director of the Frozen Coffee, The first automatic Finance with experience in public and blended coffee system in the US. He private companies, including Broadcom, is also the Founder of the first Israeli The Capital Group, and MIND Research American Moishe house and former Institute. Shaun holds a BA in Economics Jewish Agency Israel fellow (Shaliach) from UCLA, and an MBA in Finance to Hillel of San Diego. Niran Served in the IDF as the Vice from USC. Originally from South Africa, he has proudly called Adviser for Palestinians affairs in Hebron, where he interfaced America home for the past 20 years. between Palestinians and the IDF. Prior to his current business Niran founded, “Pub Crawl TLV,” a company that Stacey Klein is assistant vice organized tours of the nightlife. Thus far Niran has led president and general counsel for 9 Taglit Birthright trips and he sees leading the trip as one of Signature Card Services, a credit card his biggest passions. processing company based in Los Angeles. Stacey has a B.A. in Sociology Andrew Cowan is the Director of and Near Eastern Languages and Digital Marketing at MuteSix, a full-scale Cultures from UCLA and a J.D. from Loyola Law School. Stacey digital marketing agency in Santa Monica, is currently a community representative for JDC Entwine’s LA focusing on customer acquisition. Network and is an alumnus of AIPAC’s Leadership Training Andrew has a BA in philosophy from UC Initiative. Her past leadership involvement also includes Santa Barbara. Andrew is currently on student board president of Hillel at UCLA, general board the board of Aish Ignite. member of Bruins for Israel, USAC representative on UCLA’s University Recreation Advisory Committee, secretary of Hillel at UCLA’s Board of Directors, and Kol Ahava board member.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Universal Track — Class of 2018

Elham Makabi is the Business Party as well as Environment California. Ramona holds a BA in Manager of the Pressman Academy of psychology from Syracuse University. Temple Beth Am. Prior to joining the Academy, Elham was a Senior Associate Shirley Pakdaman is a licensed at a New York-based financial services psychologist in private practice in firm called Duff and Phelps and prior to Beverly Hills, California. She completed that she was a consultant at Deloitte. Elham has held several a doctorate in Clinical Psychology leadership roles in various non-profit organizations. She was from Pepperdine University, a program one of the founding members of the 30 Years After and HIAS accredited by the American Psychological - Young Leaders of Los Angeles. Elham moved to the USA Association (APA). She also holds an MA in Psychology from at the age of 14. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling Pepperdine University and a BA in Communication Studies and exploring the outdoors and nature. and Mass Media with honors from UCLA. Shirley completed an Advanced Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Los Angeles VA Zachary Maltzman is the CFO of Healthcare System in women’s health, treating depression, Eastman Music Company. Eastman is insomnia, anxiety, and traumatic stress. Shirley has been a musical instrument manufacturer an adjunct clinical professor at Pepperdine University and operating under the Eastman brand in addition to her clinical work, she is a published author in names in addition to S. E. Shires Co., Wm the fields of mindfulness and ethical clinical supervision of S. Haynes, and Backun Musical Services. psychology trainees. Zachary is a CPA with a BS in Accounting from the University of Maryland. Melissa Punim is an estate planning attorney providing family office services Suzanne Frank Mercer is a in the Los Angeles offices of Aspiriant, chiropractor at Berlin Wellness, working an independent registered investment mainly with pre- and post-natal patients. advisory firm. Melissa also practices in She also attends births in order to the law firm of Primiani, Stevens & Cruz, comfort women during this special time. P.C. Melissa holds a BA in Psychology from Emory University Suzanne holds a BS in Psychology from and received both her J.D. degree and master’s degree in Tax University of Florida and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Law from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. Parker University in , Tx. She is on the board at her shul and is the head of the ‘Life Events’ committee, ensuring each Alexander Ripps is a partner at member feels supported during both the happy and sad times Binning Ripps LLP, a boutique law firm in their lives. focusing on business law and estate planning. Alexander holds a BA in Political Ramona Orley is the membership Science and BS in Telecommunications- director for Neuehouse Hollywood. Production from the University of Florida. Neuehouse offers events, work , He earned his JD from The Catholic University of America in and personalized services to a private Washington, DC where he also earned a certificate from the community of leading entrepreneurs Law & Technology Institute. Alexander serves as a board and creative teams. Prior to Neuehouse, member for the Southern California Gators Club. Ramona spent six years holding various positions across the music industry. She is an active member of the Democratic

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Universal Track — Class of 2018

Jen Safyan has over 10 years’ Bryan Wasser is a Senior Associate experience managing operations and at Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp LLP, logistics of projects from conception specializing in mergers and acquisitions, through completion. Jen has worked in a private equity, and corporate finance. variety of industries, including museums, Bryan holds a BS and Masters in startups, management consulting, and Accounting from the University of real estate. Jen holds a BA in Art History from the University Southern California – Leventhal School of Accounting and a of Southern California and is a certified Professional Project JD from the University of Southern California – Gould School Manager (PMP). Jen previously held volunteer leadership of Law. Bryan is an alumnus of the Securities and Exchange positions with the Junior League of Los Angeles and Kappa Commission’s Honors Legal Program, the former President Alpha Theta LA Alumnae Chapter. of the USC Jewish Law Students Association, and a former auditor with Deloitte and a Certified Public Accountant Michael Sarshad is a Management (inactive). Consultant at a prestigious biotech/ pharmaceutical consulting firm located Jessica Weizenbluth is a health in Los Angeles. He dual-majored in care attorney at Miller Health Law Group biochemistry and management science in Los Angeles. She grew up in Toronto, at the University of California, San Diego Canada where she graduated from and later obtained his MBA at Rutgers Business School. Osgoode Hall Law School and holds a BA Michael has been on three JDC/Entwine insider trips, as in philosophy and Certificate of Ethics exploring Jewish life abroad is one of his passions. from The University of Western Ontario. Jessica currently sits on the board of directors at the Heart Touch Project, and is Jessica L. Sibony is an associate at a former member of the Bet Tzedek New Leadership Council. Kopple, Klinger & Elbaz, LLP, a boutique Jessica also recently completed a 200-hour yoga teacher law firm specializing in family wealth training. planning, business transactions, and taxation. Jessica holds a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA and received her law degree from Loyola Law School. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Jessica has called Los Angeles home for over a decade.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Entertainment Track — Class of 2016

Pablo Bendersky Rachel Richman Entertainment Track Chair Entertainment Track Chair Pablo Bendersky is an Electronic Music Rachel Richman is Director of Distribution Producer, DJ, and pianist. Before making and Marketing at Universal Sports Network. music his primary career, he worked as A Southern California native, Rachel grew the head of the West Coast Commercial up in Santa Barbara County and graduated Operations Department at LAN airlines overseeing all the UCLA in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Rachel serves export-bound airfreight leaving LAX and SFO gateways into on several boards in Los Angeles including the Los Angeles Latin America. He has a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and M.S. Sports Council, Women in Cable and Telecommunications, and in Process Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Westwood Village Synagogue. She is also a Track Chair for the Chile. Originally from Santiago, Chile, he is a graduate of the Entertainment Division of the Community Leadership Institute, 2015 CLI class and currently sits as the Entertainment Track an intensive 15-month long leadership program in Los Angeles. Chair for the incoming class of 2016. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys playing sports, traveling, and adding to her joke collection.

Zach Calig is a television writer from David Freedland is Manager of Los Angeles currently staffed on ABC’s Standards and Practices at Disney upcoming drama OF KINGS & PROPHETS. Channels Worldwide. Prior to joining He previously wrote on Netflix’s drama Disney, David held positions in Standards NARCOS and wrote and co-created the and Practices at Sprout and ABC critically-acclaimed comic series COVEN Television Network. David also spent for Zenescope Entertainment. Zach studied Film and Television three years teaching elementary education in the South Production at SDSU. He served on the volunteer board of the Bronx as part of the Teach for America program. Originally Dream Street Foundation and is actively involved in the Beit from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, David is a regular volunteer at T’Shuvah community working with residents, the marathon Reading to Kids and participates in other community service team, membership committee, and OSI board. events through the Los Angeles chapter of the University of Michigan’s Alumni Association. Ari Davine is Coordinator of Scripted Television for Ryan Seacrest Productions. Lilah Gigi is a Manager of Royalties Before joining RSP, Ari worked at United at the Walt Disney Studios. Prior to Talent Agency for three years in the joining Disney, she worked as a Manager Television Literary Department. Ari holds of Royalties for Interscope Records. a BA in History from the University of Lilah has an MBA from USC Marshall, a Wisconsin-Madison. He is an active member of the Wisconsin graduate certificate in the Business of Alumni Association as well as a life-long member of Valley Beth Entertainment from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, and a BA in Shalom Temple. Economics from Brandeis University. She is fluent in Spanish. In

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Entertainment Track — Class of 2016

addition to raising two young children, Lilah recently completed Morgan Greenwald is Director of Disney’s Leadership Program and has been involved in various Development at Tom Lynch Company. organizations including serving as a teaching assistant at her Morgan holds a BA in Radio/Television/ former synagogue, SOVA & Meals on Wheels, and renting her Film and a BA in Economics from home to help the foundation of the first Moishe House in the Northwestern University. Originally from SFV. , Georgia, she volunteers for the Susan G. Komen foundation and other organizations promoting Josh Goldberg is an Account Manager breast cancer awareness and research. at Entertainment Business Management firm Goldberg & Company. Josh also holds Cameron Kadison is a Founding the position of Chief Operating Officer Partner of Mortar Media, a management at Way Out West, Inc., a Los Angeles- and production company in Beverly Hills, based manufacturer of health and safety California that specializes in non-scripted products. Josh was previously an investment banking analyst content and business development. Prior at UBS in New York City working in Mergers & Acquisitions. to Mortar Media, Cameron launched the Josh holds a BS in Finance from New York University with a Alternative department at Principato-Young Entertainment and minor in Entertainment Marketing. Josh and his family currently was a television packaging agent at the William Morris Agency reside in Brentwood. and the Paradigm Talent Agency after starting his career at CBS in New York. A graduate of Hofstra University, Cameron Mike Goldfarb is Director of Business received an undergraduate fellowship from the International Development & Strategic Planning at Radio & Television Society and served as chapter President the Culver Studios. Before joining the of the National Broadcasting Society, Social Chair of Hillel, and Culver Studios, Mike worked in Business General Manager of HTV. Development at IMAX Entertainment. Mike holds a BA in Modern Culture and Media Clare Koppel is in charge of all from Brown University and an MBA/MFA in Film Producing reservations at the Mozza Restaurant from Chapman University. Born and raised in LA, he sits on the group in Hollywood. Before Mozza, she Associate Board for OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center where he was working events all around LA with has served in several leadership roles for the organization. City of Hope and the Motion Picture Television Fund. Clare has her BA in Erica Gruber is an attorney in the International Relations from the University of Montana, as well Business Affairs department at WME. as a Certificate in Entertainment Management from the School Before joining WME, Erica worked as an of Business Administration at Montana. Clare is originally from attorney fellow at Bet Tzedek. Erica holds and prior to moving to LA, she lived in Nashville a BA in Economics from NYU and a JD working for WME and the Bluebird Cafe. from Loyola Law School Los Angeles. She is eager to join a non-profit board and make an impact on the community.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Entertainment Track — Class of 2016

Danielle Kreinik is the Director of Ilyssa Sadagursky is a Promotions Scripted Development for Thunderbird Manager at JEOPARDY! Prior to joining Films and is responsible for both the JEOPARDY!, she worked as a Marketing current and development slate. During Manager for FOX where she helped her time at Thunderbird, Danielle has launch WAYWARD PINES, EMPIRE, and the been party to developing four scripted most recent season of NEW GIRL. Ilyssa series, which have gone to air and a handful more in network received her B.A from Indiana University and her M.A. from development, including 14 Days, which is in development at the USC Annenberg School. She previously served as a board ABC. Before entering the television industry, Danielle created member for The W Group of Stephen Wise Temple. Born and and produced a successful live variety show in Los Angeles. raised in the DC area, she escaped the rain, cold, and politicians Danielle holds a degree in Vocal Music Performance from by moving to Los Angeles where she enjoys the perfect Indiana University. Currently, she sits on the boards of JENLA weather but not the traffic. and MAKOM LA. Daniel Schechter is a content Kerry Maller an Emmy Award-winning executive for a VR start up called 8i. producer for CBS2/KCAL9-TV in Los Before joining 8i, Daniel produced a Angeles. Maller holds a BA in Political documentary called Atari: Game Over for Science from Indiana University. He is Showtime and Netflix. He’s also been a a member of the Television Academy, homeless child tutor for the past seven Recording Academy, and The John years and looks forward to getting heavily involved in the Whittenberger Society. Maller is a native of Southern California. Jewish community in Los Angeles.

Brandon Ravet is a writer/director/ Sandy Shenkman is the Vice President producer currently creating and of Television at Landscape Entertainment, developing several original series for a Beverly Hills-based film and television Collective Digital Studio. He has previously production company. Sandy holds a BA created content for Yahoo!, TNT, and CBS, in Theatre Studies from the University as well as his own independent web of Central Florida where he also was a series. Brandon holds a BA in Film Production from Chapman student athlete running both Cross Country and Track. Originally University. A So-Cal native, he is actively involved in several from Boca Raton, FL, Sandy has previously volunteered at the LA-based non-profits including Reading to Kids and The Giving Sephardic Education Center’s bi-annual film festival that his wife, Spirit. Denah Angel Shenkman, has coordinated for several years.

Heather Rosen is a Freelance Creative Alison Silverman is a (ACD/AD) and Visual Artist who has Consultant in the entertainment industry, worked at agencies like 72andSunny, working for models, actors, and athletes DDB, Possible, and R/GA for clients like on their social and digital presences. Prior Nike, Google, Unilever, Tiffany & Co., and to moving to LA this year, Alison worked MasterCard. Heather holds a dual BA in at WhoSay and CAA in NYC. Alison holds Psychology and Art from UC Berkeley and a master’s certificate a BA from Columbia University and List College in Political in art direction from Miami Ad School. She is originally from Los Science and Bible, respectively, which she clearly uses daily in Angeles and recently moved home after living in San Francisco her current occupation. Originally from Newton, MA, Alison is a and New York City. lifelong Red Sox fan.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Real Estate Track — Class of 2016

Ben Cherney Brent Iloulian Real Estate Track Chair Real Estate Track Chair Ben Cherney works in acquisitions Brent Iloulian is General Counsel at at BH Properties. Within the Jewish Hackman Capital Partners, a privately held, community, he is most interested in the asset-based investment firm that focuses cultural, communal, and familial aspects on the nationwide acquisition of industrial of Judaism. In his free time, he is a father of two girls under real estate and the purchase and sale of industrial equipment. the age of five. He owns and manages a small personal portfolio of commercial properties (both office and retail). He is a native Angeleno who attended Harvard-Westlake High School, moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University, and then returned home to obtain his JD from Loyola Law School. In his spare time, Brent is an art enthusiast and enjoys sports and outdoor activities.

Adrian Berger is Vice President Ben Harris is a Real Estate Analyst of Acquisitions at Cypress Equity for Berkadia Commercial Mortgage. Ben Investments. Prior to Cypress, Adrian analyzes prospective commercial debt ran his own Commercial Real Estate financings across a diversified field of Brokerage Firm in New York and his asset classes with a focus on multifamily. career has included roles in Engineering, Prior to joining Berkadia, Ben was an Sales, and Business Development across Australia, Singapore Assistant Area Director for AIPAC, where he helped manage 5 and Hong Kong. Adrian is originally from , Australia and Congressional Districts from Pasadena to Santa Barbara. Ben holds an MBA in General Management from The Macquarie has also served as a Deputy to Congressman Sherman, and in Graduate School of Management and an Advanced Diploma in the office of Councilman Eric Garcetti. Ben is a native Angelino Telecommunications Engineering from the Lidcombe College of and attended Pitzer College, where he received the prestigious TAFE. He has been actively involved in a number of business Robert Day Scholarship for Finance and Leadership, graduating and community organizations. He moved to LA in April from with honors in Economics and Political Science. New York with his wife Leore. Josef Jonathan is a recent graduate Brian De Lowe is President and Co- from the USC Marshall School of Business. Founder of Proper Hospitality, a high-end Prior to attending graduate school to lifestyle hotel company based in Los obtain Master’s degrees in Business and Angeles. He also is a Principal at Los Real Estate Development, Josef worked Angeles-based real estate investment and as Vice President of the California market development company, The Kor Group. of FirstBank. Josef holds a BS in Business Administration from Originally from San Francisco, Brian first moved to Los Angeles USC. Originally from Palm Desert, CA, he is a former Board in 1998 when he attended the University of Southern California. Member of Har-El Institute of Study and Worship.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Real Estate Track — Class of 2016

Dan Katz is a Director at NorthStar Kamyar Shabani is a principal of Asset Management Group, a real estate Optimus Properties, LLC, a private real investment company headquartered in estate company located in Los Angeles, New York with over $20 billion in real CA. Kamyar holds a BA in Political Science estate assets. Prior to NorthStar, Dan from UCLA and a law degree from held both debt and equity real estate Columbia University School of Law. investment positions at several firms including OneWest Bank, Barclays, Och-Ziff, and Blackstone. Dan holds a BS in Economics Elizabeth Shavelson is a third from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and generation Los Angeleno. She values her an MBA from Harvard Business School. roots in the community and is deeply committed to the future of the region. Haggai Mazler is a Project Manager Elizabeth studied modern history at UC for Toll Brothers, Inc. working in Porter Berkeley and recently received her MBA Ranch. He has a BA in Economics from from UCLA. She currently works for the City of Malibu and UCLA and recently graduated from USC wants to use her business acumen to manage and develop with an MBA and a Masters of Real Estate financially and environmentally sustainable cities. In her spare Development. Prior to joining Toll, he time, Elizabeth works with non-profits dedicated to children’s worked processing land use entitlements with GM Engineering, issues. focusing on land subdivisions. Shlomit Eleanor Shamam has been Michael Rabin is founder and President in the Real Estate World since 2005. of Fortified Property Group, a commercial Starting in the mortgage industry, Shlomit real estate investment firm based in then moved into distressed property Los Angeles. Michael holds a BA in sales after the market crash in 2008. International Relations from the University Shlomit graduated in 2009 from Cal State of Wisconsin and a MS in Real Estate Northridge with a Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Sciences from NYU. Michael is an alumnus of AIPAC’s Leadership Training and in 2013 earned her MBA. She went to high school in Israel, Initiative, an AIPAC Congressional Club member, and a former during which time her family attempted Aliyah. Shlomit has junior board member of Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty nine nieces and nephews from four married older siblings and in New York. works on many projects with her youngest brother Adam.

Yoav Sarraf is Managing Director of Zachary Sussman is a leasing Concord Real Estate Services. Before director at LBG Real Estate Companies, joining Concord, Yoav worked as Director specializing in shopping centers in of Acquisitions for Brighton Holdings. Yoav California, Utah, and Nevada. He primarily holds a BA in History from UCLA, where he works on redevelopment projects co-founded the Persian American Jewish including community, neighborhood, Organization. Born in Israel, he serves as co-chair of the Real and regional centers. Zach received his Bachelor’s degree Estate and Construction Division of the Jewish Federations’ from the University of Wisconsin. His community leadership Young Adults of Los Angeles (YALA) division. commitments include being a mentor for the RealMe program (a partner of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters).

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Real Estate Track — Class of 2016

Sharona Toobian is a fifth year real Ira Yasnogorodsky is Vice President estate associate at Perkins Coie, LLP. She and General Counsel of LY Developers went to UCLA for law school and Brandeis & Management. Before joining LY University for her undergraduate degree. Developers, Ira served as Associate She was born and raised in Boston until Counsel for California Home Builders and she moved to Los Angeles for law school.. Koss Resource. He holds a BA in History from UCLA and JD/MBA from Pepperdine University. Ariel Torbati is the founder of The Ariel Isaac Companies, a private investment Jesse G. Zarouk is a managing director platform based in Los Angeles, CA. Prior at Cantor Commercial Real Estate in to founding AIC, Ariel worked in Real their Los Angeles office. He has spent Estate Investment Banking in New York, the past 12 years working in commercial Real Estate Private Equity in Philadelphia, real estate finance in New York and Los and Entertainment Hospitality in Los Angeles and Miami. Ariel Angeles. Jesse holds a BBA in Real Estate holds a BA from Southern Methodist University in Philosophy. and Urban Land Economics from the University of Wisconsin - Currently, Ariel sits on the Y&S Nazarian Junior Board. Madison. Originally from Akron, Ohio, Jesse now lives in Santa Monica with his wife and newborn son. Eitan Weinstock is Managing Director of AST Defeasance and KAPE Property Management. Eitan holds a BA in History from Cornell University. He sits on Boards of Sinai Akiba Academy and JCC-Ranch Camp and is actively involved with AIPAC.

Rita Yadegari is a Project Engineer/ Estimator at Swinerton Builders, providing commercial construction services throughout the . She holds a BA in History from UCLA, a Masters of Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona, and a Construction Management degree from UCLA Extension. Rita is also involved in the ACE Mentorship Program, which aims to engage and enlighten high school students with a curiosity about careers in architecture, engineering, and construction through mentorship and various organized activities.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Russian Jewish Track — Class of 2016

Dina Brevdo Larisa Perelman Russian Jewish Track Chair Russian Jewish Track Chair Dina Brevdo, born and raised in St. Larisa Perelman, originally from Kishinev, Petersburg, Russia, immigrated to the Moldova, moved to Los Angeles at the age U.S. with her family in 2001 and has been of 10. She holds a degree in Management actively involved in the Russian Jewish Science from UCSD, works in animation Community since 2011. Dina is a psychiatric social worker for production, and truly loves what she does. She is the current a hospital and a medical social worker for a hospice. Amongst co-chair of CLI’s Russian Jewish Track. She believes that her professional successes, Dina designed and opened a one- Los Angeles deserves an open and connected community of of-a-kind bilingual child care center that became the leading Russian-speaking Jewish young adults. Driven by the Jewish provider of child care services in the Santa Monica and Venice concept of Tikun Olam, Larisa is an active member of the Junior areas. She currently co-chairs CLI’s Russian Jewish Track and League of Los Angeles where she currently serves on the donor is an active member of the RuJuLA steering committee. cultivation committee. Larisa is a volunteer counselor for Camp Erin in Southern California.

Michael Barshak is the Creative State University and is a partner in a new web-based legal Director/Board member of Shreddit services platform launching in 2016 called AKeyMark. George LLC. He went to school at SMC then tremendously enjoys the outdoors, spending time with his dog, transferred to UCSC and also studied in partaking in adrenaline filled activities, and regularly volunteers UC Rome while an undergraduate. He his time in charity and political endeavors. was born in and has a big brother named Nathan. Sasha Ezros, working as Vice President of Life and Disability Sales, assists families Andrew Berezin is a senior SharePoint and business owners in their pursuit of developer in Warner Brothers. Before practical life, disability, long term care, and that, he worked abroad in Kiev, medical insurance. Sasha is passionate (Germany) and Swindon (England). about personal and professional Andrew has a Master’s Degree in development; he is currently working on his Chartered Life Computer Science. He has participated Underwriter designation and obtained his Bachelor of Science in numerous programs and projects organized by various in Business from CSUN. Sasha is also strongly committed Jewish organizations (Masa, Sohnut, Hillel, Ezra, etc). Andrew is to community involvement and leadership. He is proud to serve originally from Ukraine. as Co-Chair of the Young Executives, a support group for the Jewish Home. He also served as a Member of the Board for Ort George Bukhin was born in Crimea, NextGen, a worldwide education program. and although he was born into a different culture, George very much identifies Ariel Goldberg is the Studio Recruiter himself as a patriotic American. He is for Nickelodeon Animation Studio. Prior currently serving in his sixth year as an to Nickelodeon, Ariel worked in Talent infantryman in the United States Marine Acquisition at The Walt Disney Company, Corps reserves and has been overseas twice. He is currently as a director of animated films, as in the process of completing his BA in Business from Penn an artist at Zynga, and as an actor/

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Russian Jewish Track — Class of 2016

playwright. Ariel holds a BA in Theater from UCLA and an MFA for Fortune 500s. He is also managing partner in a venture to from UCLA in Film. In his current role at Nickelodeon, Ariel develop mobile applications. Musically, Michael has performed in helps budding and seasoned animation professionals pursue choirs and is a composer in the Helfman Institute for which he their dreams by coaching them on how to network, interview, writes original musical settings of Jewish liturgy. and impress potential employers through their portfolios and resumes. An LA resident for twelve years, Ariel originally comes Sasha Morozov has her Master’s from San Francisco. degree in Social Work and works with homeless veterans at LA Family Housing. Michael Kravchenko is a Materials Prior to LA Family, Sasha worked as and Processes Engineer specializing in program coordinator with the elderly and Composites at the Boeing Company in has spent time interning doing therapy El Segundo, California, moving here in for inner city kids and case management for Human Trafficking November 2014. He supports a variety victims. Sasha is originally from but spent most of her of Human and Satellite Space Programs. childhood growing up in Jersey. Michael previously worked in , Texas at Boeing for the International Space Station Program. He has a Bachelor’s Marsha Shagalov runs the palliative degree in Chemical Engineering and Material Science & care program with Roze Room Hospice/ Engineering with a minor in Economics from University of Palliative care. Marsha also started Michigan. He is pursuing a Masters in Materials Science and a Jewish/Russian Singles group on Engineering through North Carolina State University. Michael in which she organizes monthly was born in , Ukraine and moved to Metro- singles mixers. Marsha earned her when he was five. Previously, he volunteered and trained on Master’s degree in social work from USC, a Bachelor’s degree the weekends as a search specialist for missing/lost people. in Psychology from the University of Judaism, and is a licensed He was a founding member of Alpha Search and Recovery in clinical social worker. Marsha is also certified in hospice and Houston, Texas. palliative care. Originally from the Belarus, Marsha is fluent in Russian, is married with two kids, and enjoys music, theater, Naya Lekht is an adjunct faculty and high adrenaline sports and activities. at UCLA where she teaches Russian language, Russian literature, and Russian Nina Young is a dietitian specializing Jewish Studies. She received her PhD in sports, school, and integrative from UCLA in 2012 and in addition to her nutrition. She earned a BA in Biology academic background, she writes fiction from Occidental College and a Master’s and publishes widely in literary journals. Her involvement in Nutrition from Cal State University, with the Jewish community includes non-profit advocacy on Northridge. Although born in Russia, behalf of Israel and the Jewish people on university campuses. she was raised in the San Fernando Valley. Nina serves as Originally from Ukraine, Naya calls Los Angeles her home and Co-coordinator of the San Fernando Valley extension of her would like to bring more awareness about the rich Russian- professional nutrition organization, President of the Red Thread Jewish population of California. Foundation for Women, and volunteers at SOVA Community Food and Resource Program. Michael Mogley, originally from Latvia, grew up in Los Angeles and is an entrepreneur, software developer, and composer. With a degree in engineering from Harvey Mudd, he leads a consulting practice to develop enterprise software

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Universal Track — Class of 2016

Beeta Benjy Hart Cole Universal Track Chair Universal Track Chair Beeta Benjy is a Research Hart Cole serves as Vice President, Communications specialist at Cedars-Sinai Strategic Operations for Alexandra Real Medical Center. She holds both BA & MA Estate Equities (ARE), the largest and degrees from the Annenberg School for leading real estate developer for the Life Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern Sciences and Biotech industries. Prior to ARE, Hart served as an California. A native Angeleno, Beeta supports organizations operations and finance leader for Surgical Care Affiliates. Hart including her alma mater, Milken Community High School, the holds a BS in Finance and Real Estate from the Kelley School Magbit Foundation, StandWithUs, and the Neuromuscular of Business at Indiana University, and a MBA with a focus in Disease Foundation. finance from the University of Kentucky. Originally from the South, he has held various leadership positions over the past 10 years, including Community Service Chair of the Birmingham Jewish Federation, and Committee Member for the Ben Gurion Society in Los Angeles.

David Barlev is the Co-founder of Joelle A. Berle is an attorney with Goji Labs, a software consultancy that Musick, Peeker & Garrett, LLP. Her specializes in helping startups and practice of law includes insurance businesses launch their operations. coverage, general business litigation, and Before starting Goji, he worked as a employment law. She holds a B.A. from software engineer at MyHeritage and UCLA with a major in Communication General Motors. David got his B.S. in Applies Physics and M.S. Studies and minors in Political Science and Spanish. She also in Electrical Engineering from UC Davis. holds a J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law. Joelle has been on the board of the Young Leaders division of Jewish Leore Berger (Arik) is the Director Family Service since 2009. of Global Sales at Anine Bing, a leading fashion retailer. Before joining Anine Bing, Jacob Brauner has breadth of Leore worked as the Senior Director of experience managing analytically-driven Buying & Merchandising at Ralph Lauren consulting projects and currently consults in NY and in for 9 years. Leore with Vici Capital Partners. He worked at holds a BA in Economics from Vanderbilt University. Originally Monitor Group for four years, consulting from Scottsdale, Arizona, Leore spent the majority of her with clients across industries including career working in New York prior to relocating to Los Angeles aerospace, government, and industrial. Other industry and last spring. finance expertise was built from his roles as a Director of Research and Analytics at SM&A and in a finance rotation program at a division of United Technologies Corporation and The Boeing Company. Jacob received his Master’s in Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Columbia University.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Universal Track — Class of 2016

Ingrid Dombrower, MD, is a John Levy is a co-founder of The psychiatrist with Exodus Recovery clinics. Beverly Hills Litigation Group LLP. Before She uses videoconferencing technology that, he worked as an attorney at a to provide mental health care to Regional large law firm in the Midwest. Originally Center clients throughout the state. A a native Southern Californian, John was native southern Californian, Ingrid earned uprooted at an early age when his family degrees from Harvard and the USC Keck School of Medicine moved back to his father’s hometown of , Ohio. A girl where she continues to train medical students to be healers eventually brought John’s life full circle and back to Southern with soul. She enjoys the multicultural arts and cuisine around California. John married that girl in June 2015. When not fighting Los Angeles and plans events for Jews from multiracial families. for his clients, John enjoys being outside doing just about anything. He does not enjoy writing about himself in the third David K. Golbahar is a Forensic CPA person. and Entrepreneur. He manages Golbahar Consulting Group, a forensic accounting, Celine Kabaker just started a new business consulting, and tax advisory firm. position as a Merchandiser of Handbags He also is the co-founder of LightHeaded, at Juicy Couture. She previously held a creative generator of sports several titles at BCBG Max Azria Group memorabilia products. David is a native Angeleno and currently where she worked for over four years. serves as the President of the University of Michigan Alumni She was most recently a Buyer for all Club of Los Angeles. He is also a mentor for the McIntire School Herve Leger International boutiques. Celine holds a BA in of Commerce at the University of Virginia. David earned a BA at Global Corporate Communications and a Minor in International Michigan and a Masters in Accounting at UVa. He is a Certified Business Administration from the American University of . Public Accountant (CPA), a Chartered Global Management She loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends. Accountant (CGMA), and is Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF). Beau McCoy is Vice President of Naomi Kashi is the CEO and owner of Sales and Support for GoGuardian, an Zia Valentina. Originally from New York, educational software startup. Beau Naomi lived in Israel for six years before previously was a software developer and moving to LA three years ago to pursue IT director. Beau holds a BS in Computer her business in the food industry. She Science from Dartmouth College. Originally studied at Oxford University and received from Long Island, NY he has called Southern California home for a BA in Business & Marketing from the IDC in Israel. Naomi has the last 11 years. also been involved with the ADL and was part of the Glass Leadership Institute. Ingrid Moran is a Strategist at Reinvent Communications and independent Yonit Kovnator is an Associate communications consultant in Los Attorney in the Los Angeles office of Angeles. She has worked with various Fagen Friedman and Fulfrost, a firm non-profits and corporate clients helping representing over 400 of California’s public them craft their messaging to targeted school districts. She received her JD from communities. She is originally from Guatemala, Central America the University of the Pacific, McGeorge and holds a BA in English and Political Science from UCLA and a in Sacramento, California. Prior to that, she received her BA JD from Southwestern School of Law. in Psychology from UC San Diego. She currently sits on the Steering Committee of AJC ACCESS in Los Angeles.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Universal Track — Class of 2016

Daniel Navi is a board certified Emily Shaaya is an attorney for the dermatologist currently practicing at Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Kaiser Permanente. Before starting his office where she defends indigent clients practice in LA, Daniel completed his charged in criminal cases. Emily holds a residency training at BA in Spanish and Social Ecology from UC where he also participated as a co- Irvine and received her law degree from investigator in a number of clinical studies. Originally from Iran, Loyola Law School. Daniel grew up in Irvine where he attended UC Irvine, earning a BS degree in Biological Science. He subsequently completed his Rebecca Steinberger is a Consultant medical school training at UC Davis. Daniel has been an active at Kaiser Permanente within Regional participant at Jewish organizations including Birthright Next, Health Education. Before this role, she Moishe House, and AIPAC. He was a founding member of the was a Communication Specialist for the Palo Alto Moishe House. Medical Group at Kaiser Permanente. Rebecca holds a BA in Journalism and Jason Paru is Chief Financial Officer Political Science from San Diego State University and a MPH of Pinnacle Workforce Logistics where (Masters of Public Health) from University of California, Los he is responsible for the Company’s Angeles. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Rebecca has traveled financial management, strategies and to various countries and spent some time abroad in Singapore. policies. Jason has over 14 years of diverse industry experience. Prior to Tyler Tochterman is a Manager of joining Pinnacle, he served in various leadership, investment Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis management, and advisory roles at Lehman Brothers, Lake at the Walt Disney Company. Prior to Capital, Mesirow Financial, and MorrisAnderson. He holds an joining Disney, Tyler served in different MBA from the University of , Booth Business School strategic finance positions within private and a B.A. from Northwestern University. Jason served as a big equity and the consumer branded brother for eight years through Horizons-for-Youth, a Chicago- products industry. Tyler began his career at Deloitte and based non-profit providing mentoring and scholarship to maintains a CPA license in the state of California. Tyler attended children from under-privileged backgrounds. UCSB, where he received a BA in Business Economics and Communication. Originally from northern California, Tyler has Todd Roland is a member of the Private called Los Angeles home for the last four years. Markets Investment Department at GCM Grosvenor. Todd focuses on investments in middle market companies and private equity managers. Todd was most recently a Vice President at Houlihan Lokey where he was responsible for M&A advisory assignments for public and private clients. Todd holds a BS in Business Administration from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He sits on the Board of Directors for several of GCM Grosvenor’s portfolio companies and actively mentors business undergraduate students that seek employment in the capital markets industry.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Entertainment Track — Class of 2014

Gabriel Dardashti Jackie Koppell Entertainment Track Chair Entertainment Track Chair Gabriel Dardashti is a Founding Partner of Jackie Koppell is a proud New Yorker Hollywood Business Management. Based who also happily lives in Los Angeles. in Brentwood, HBM specializes in the She moved here to pursue a career financial management of professionals in as a proud cliché: An actress, writer the Entertainment Industry. A big fan of Charlie Rose, Frontline, and producer. As she continues down that , Jackie also and 60 minutes, Gabriel enjoys swimming, yoga, and listening works as Head of Partner Development at AwesomenessTV. to music. Most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his In addition to work, she races triathlons and tries to travel as family. His favorite roles are that of husband to his wife and much as possible! father to their three children.

Ariel Blumenthal is a composer and currently reconnecting with his Jewish faith. His personal motto music producer for film, TV, commercials, is, “The meaning of life is to give life meaning.” dance and concert ensembles. An activist and political advocate for Israel, he is the Janelle Eagle is a Television Producer, leader of the LA Israel Advocacy Center, proud Queer Jew, and Lover of Travel that blogs in English, and has a Hebrew lives in Toluca Lake, CA. Janelle is a board column in the Los Angeles weekly publication Israeli Week. member of JQ International and previously Ariel also writes and produces advocacy videos. served numerous Jewish institutions including the Jewish Federation of Greater Andres Budnik was born and raised in Los Angeles, American Jewish World Service, and Birthright Chile and long ago settled in LA where he LA Way. Eagle has also worked for over a decade in the is working for Vision Entertainment as a LGBTQ civil rights movement and is especially useful for most talent manager representing actors and questions related to sexuality, gender identity, and being an actresses. He previously lived in Australia ally. An avid traveler, she has backpacked through Southeast and Israel where he has always been Asia, much of Europe, and has lived in Nepal twice. Check committed to the Jewish community, taking leadership roles in out journeywithjanelle.com to see her world photography, multiple Jewish organizations from social initiatives to sports. videography, and writing from around the world. Andres looks forward becoming a leader in the LA Jewish community, focusing on building and developing a Latino Jewish Carly Einfeld is an entertainment community here. professional. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she has previously chaired the Albert Bugoff is a New York expatriate National Young Leadership Trips to Israel. who came to L.A. to attend USC and Additionally, Carly has served on the YALA never left. Currently the Director of Digital board since its inception; she co-chaired Media for the Worldwide Television the launch of Clusters and is involved in programming for 2014. Marketing Group at Warner Bros. Studio, She enjoys photography and anything to do with puppies. Albert is also highly spiritual and is

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Entertainment Track — Class of 2014

Lisa Gild runs her marketing agency, Jessica Naziri is self-proclaimed “chic the GL Agency. An active member of the geek” who turned her passion into a job Los Angeles Jewish community since working as a technology reporter and attending UCLA, she served on the online media personality, covering the Executive Committee for AIPAC’s Young intersection between technology and Leadership Group and has been an active culture. Her work has appeared in the participant in our Federation’s programming and Community , NPR, CNN, Yahoo!, Business Insider, The Service Days. Washington Post, and CNBC. Within the Jewish community, she is most interested in exploring how personalization, social Jeff Greenberg began his career in the networks, learning analytics and other trends are transforming mailroom at William Morris Agency and is Jewish education and learning. currently a member of the TV Lit team at The Gersh Agency. Jeff represents writers Nick Slatkin grew up in over a broad spectrum of genres and all where he made home movies, wrote, took professional levels with work featured on pictures and went on to travel the world, a variety of network and cable shows. most notably building schools in Kenya. He has worked for institutions like Disney Andrea Guttag doesn’t know how to World and Rolling Stone Magazine and correctly pronounce her first or last name believes that with the love and support of family, community, because her family has never come to and passion in your heart, anything is possible. a consensus on either. Originally from Boston, Andrea now considers LA “home” Aaron Symonds is an LA-based film in spite of her hatred towards avocados and television composer known for his and the Lakers. Sadly, Andrea has never bought anything from rich hybrid scores. He is a founder of a Sky Mall catalog, but there’s still time. Jewish Entertainment Network LA (jenla. org), which is a community of young Jews Joshua Ari Hack is Director of Media working in the entertainment industry and Entertainment Research at Penn that hosts events with top industry professionals. He is also a Schoen Berland in Los Angeles. He regular contributor to the Hollywood Journal (hollywoodjournal. conducts custom research projects for com). Born in Boston, Aaron grew up in Israel and Australia clients in the entertainment industry, where he straddled the religious, secular, and artistic worlds. with a focus on motion picture research He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two kids. and global franchise management. Before joining Penn Schoen Berland, Hack worked as a strategic planner at Grey Advertising Robert Weber is a technical recruiter, in London and as a lecturer at Tsinghua University in . helping tech start-ups scale at the pace Hack holds a BA in English from the University of California, they need. He’s also producing a web Los Angeles and an MSc in Media and Communications from series called ON THE MARKET (www. the London School of Economics. He is a founding member onthemarketpilot.com) and developing a of Tikkun Olam in Tel Aviv, an award-winning volunteer program slate of comedy projects. He serves on based in Israel. our Federation’s Birthright Israel Experience (BRIE) task force and is the leader of YALA’s Entrepreneur Cluster.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Real Estate Track — Class of 2014

Matt Livingston Corey Spound Real Estate Track Chair Real Estate Track Chair Matt Livingston is the President of Ridge Corey Spound serves as an Executive Crest Real Estate, LLC and RC Homes Vice President for Jones Lang LaSalle Inc., a residential land development and in their Markets division. His focus is homebuilding company. He practiced law both on leasing and sales of commercial briefly in New York after college and spends as much time as and industrial assets. His experience is strong in both the possible with his two young children. institutional corporate services and the local-market private- client aspects of the real estate business.

Adam Barzilay works in the real Adam Freedman is a die-hard Boston estate industry. He is interested in Jewish Celtics fan who grew up in Newton, MA. philanthropy in Los Angeles and learning He works at Karlin Real Estate, a boutique from his peers and mentors in the real private equity firm in Brentwood, as an estate industry and beyond. Although his investment analyst. A passionate guy father is Israeli, he has not been to Israel with great pride, he strives to keep an in over 20 years and is excited to go there on this summer’s open mind, learn from mistakes, and relishes stepping out of CLI trip. his comfort zone when a challenging and intriguing opportunity arises. Ben Cherney is the director of business development at PeerStreet, an online Jeffrey Giudice is an outgoing person platform for investing in real estate debt. who values honesty, hard work, and Within the Jewish community, he is most intent. He also firmly believes in second interested in the cultural, communal, chances. Passionate about his work and and familial aspects of Judaism. Ben’s the relationships in his life including family, involvement in the Jewish community extends to being the friends and professional relationships, incoming chair of the AJU’s Moriah Society, a member of The Jeffrey is a hard worker who loves to meet new people and Jewish Federation’s Real Estate and Construction Division explore new places. committee, a member of the committee for The Jewish Federation’s Helping Jews in Need initiative, and a graduate of Brian Heller is a Senior Advisor for The Jewish Federation’s inaugural CLI class. In his free time, he Sperry Van Ness in West Los Angeles. and his wife are raising two girls (Lila, 5 and Isabel, 1). Part of the prestigious multi-family team, he specializes in commercial investment Keith Dragoon is a Vice President at transactions. Previously, Brian worked Hunt Capital Partners, LLC, a subsidiary of as a television producer for companies Hunt Companies, Inc. His company focuses including CBS, ABC, NBC, Sony Television, CNN, TBS and MTV. on the investment and syndication of low income housing tax credits relating to multifamily housing. He serves on the board of Housing On Merit, a non-profit organization formed to own and manage transitional housing facilities.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Real Estate Track — Class of 2014

Alan Hiller was born in Los Angeles, Oron Maher is a licensed California but his parents and all the family he attorney and real estate broker. He is knows are from Santiago, Chile. They all a top producing broker-associate at immigrated in the 70s, and he was raised Coldwell Banker. Oron is also the Founder among that community. He works at Bank and Managing Director of California of America doing Portfolio and Disposition Real Property Inc., a syndication and Strategy for delinquent loans. Alan enjoys travelling, outdoor development company. He serves on four non-profit boards, activities, and is an avid classic rock fan. including his current role as Chair of the Real Estate Section of the Beverly Hills Bar Association. Brent Iloulian is a real estate transactional attorney for a West Coast Andrea Schoor is an attorney at Allen real estate company. He owns and Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis manages a small personal portfolio of LLP, where she focuses on commercial commercial properties (both office and litigation, bankruptcy, creditors’ rights and retail). In his spare time, Brent is an art real estate and construction disputes. enthusiast and enjoys sports and outdoor activities. After stints on the East Coast and in the Midwest, Andrea moved back to her hometown of Los Angeles Daniel Kianmahd is the Director a few years ago to be closer to her family. Volunteering is of Acquisitions for MBK Senior Living, important to Andrea. She is a docent at the Getty Center on an owner and operator of senior weekends, where she gives architecture and garden tours. She housing communities in the Western also is a volunteer for the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s United States. In his free time, he Domestic Violence Project, where she assists domestic plays basketball, travels, and practices violence victims with applying for temporary restraining yoga. Helping to maintain a united and generous LA Jewish orders. As her most recent project, Andrea is spearheading a community is an important and ongoing personal goal. new Ally Initiative for JQ International, and sitting as a member of its board. Andrea enjoys any type of dancing, and tries to Brad Kritzer is Vice President of catch a yoga class whenever she can. Pegasus Investments where he focuses on the firm’s institutional clients as well Eduardo Sigal is the managing as the single tenant net lease retail director at JS Signet Inc., which invests brokerage & advisory business. He and and manages commercial/multifamily his wife, Hayley, had their first child in real estate. Eduardo is also a student, April. Prior to that, he enjoyed cycling, skiing, college basketball, currently earning his MBA from Pepperdine travelling, and trying new restaurants. University. In addition, he is also the current president of the Los Angeles Next Generation ORT Casey Long is an electrical engineer, Board. He was a member of the YALA REC committee, served builder and Vice President at one of the as chair of The Jewish Federation’s Social Action committee largest contractors in the United States and from 2011-2013, and has co-chaired other past events. is in a real estate investment partnership established to build a portfolio of properties in specific, underserved markets. His community involvement centers around issues related to Israel. In addition, he and his wife have three small children.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Real Estate Track — Class of 2014

Larry Sloan is the COO of CNA K.C. Yasmer is a Development Director Enterprises, Inc., previously practicing with Forest City Enterprises, a real estate law at Sullivan & Cromwell in both New development firm. An avid golfer, cyclist, York and Los Angeles. Active with the skier and couch potato during football Federation’s Real Estate and Construction season, K.C. is interested in interacting Division, he serves as the co-chair of its with other young professionals and mentoring program. When not spending time with his wife and volunteering opportunities with partner organizations. two daughters, he enjoys sailing, hockey and golf. Robert Zaharia is a commercial real Gelena Skya Wasserman is a estate broker in the West LA office of NAI Director at Charles Dunn Company where Capital with a specialization in multifamily she has completed $150 million in sale and sales throughout Los Angeles. He has lease transactions over the last seven been in commercial real estate for over 10 years. Originally from Ukraine, she sits on years with a consistent track record as the Board of Directors for Federation’s a top producer and a loyal client base with a mission to be the partner JBBBS and has been a big sister to the same little single best resource for his clients and investors. sister for seven years.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Russian Jewish Track — Class of 2014

Alex Grager Viktoriya Kernes Russian Jewish Track Chair Russian Jewish Track Chair Alex Grager is an attorney practicing family Viktoriya Kernes is a professional IT law in West Los Angeles. He immigrated Project Manager. She is one of the to the U.S. in 1993. His Jewish journey took co-chairs of the Federation’s Inaugural him through the Jewish Agency’s summer and current Russian Jewish Community camps in the Former Soviet Union, a yeshiva, and one of the Leadership Track of CLI. In addition, she is a member of the very first Birthright trips. Co-founder of Ru-Ju-LA, a Russian CLI steering committee and is also a co-chair and member of Jewish young adults’ network of greater Los Angeles, he is RuJuLA. Viktoriya was born in Russia in the city of Sarov. proud to serve as a co-chair of the Russian-Jewish Leadership Track of the Community Leadership Institute.

Helen Belogolova is working on Oksana Godoy teaches English, finishing her M.S. in Management from American Studies, Spanish, and Gender UCLA this fall. She has experience Equality at Crossroads School for Arts and working as a trader on Wall Street, as a Sciences. Born in Ukraine and immigrating portfolio manager and starting a Silicon to Los Angeles at the age of seven, she Valley start-up (first all-female team to earned her B.A. in Comparative Literature be funded by the prestigious YCombinator). She enjoys hiking, from University of Southern California and her M.A. in Education cooking, ocean-kayaking, and playing guitar. from Pepperdine University. . Alexandra Bronstein is working on Vera Golosker is an attorney practicing her MBA degree. She also has the position law in Beverly Hills, CA. She was born in of being a full- time mom with her son Moscow and immigrated to the U.S. as being her greatest achievement. Back in a Jewish refugee with her parents, twin Russia, she assisted in organizing and brother, and older brother in December performing at Jewish events as a part 1993. She has also lived in Oxford, Madrid, of the dancing team. In the U.S., she was a member of HIAS San Francisco, and Buenos Aires but calls Los Angeles her Committee where she participated in organizing fundraisers. home. She hopes to further develop her leadership skills to bring Russian Jews together and help the community grow bigger Kity (Gity) Kogan was born in Crimea, and stronger. Ukraine and immigrated with her parents to the U.S. when she was two years old. Julia Dyachenko practices She is also an observant orthodox Jew Entertainment Law in Los Angeles and and a recent graduate of Southwestern started Sincera Entertainment, her own Law School. entertainment startup. Born in Kiev Ukraine, she immigrated to the United States in 1993 at the age of 6. Julia received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA and her Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Russian Jewish Track — Class of 2014

Alisa Lapidus is an internationally- Stella Voloshin practices law in Los acclaimed multimedia artist. She has been Angeles. Born in the former U.S.S.R., she involved for many years with productions spent much of her life in Wisconsin after at the Los Angeles Opera as an in-house immigrating there in 1990. Proud of her projection designer. Alisa is also a co- Russian Jewish roots, she even named founder of the award-winning Los Angeles her dog Odessa in honor of her favorite based studio Chayka where, along with her collaborator, childhood vacation spot and the birthplace of her grandparents. she creates interdisciplinary projects. Ariella Wasser is a project manager for Alia Livits is a new special education TurboCourt, a company that provides legal teacher at Montebello Intermediate forms to self-represented litigants. She School, where she works with students loves dancing, hiking, taking snapshots with mild learning disabilities in grades and acting. Fashion is one of Ariella’s 6-8. She was born in , Belarus passions, and she strongly believes that and came to California with her family a smile is your best accessory. She is also involved in various when she was six. Her goal for the future is to spread Jewish philanthropic causes that give back to communities in Israel awareness and tolerance as well as plan two major Jewish and has traveled there numerous times. events in the next year. She also hopes to represent leadership in all that she does. This program and the people have taught her so much!

Garry Reznik is from Kishinev, Moldova and immigrated to the US in 1991. He is currently a tax accountant at CohnReznick and lives in Los Angeles. He has volunteered for programs like Senior Prom at Aish that helps to bring Jewish events to fruition. He also enjoys giving his clients hope and peace of mind.

Mark L. Tseselsky is a happily married divorce attorney with two small children. Mark also helps parents who are in trouble with Child Protective Services. Sometimes he gets a chance to read science fiction and listen to Russian Bard music. He then spends the rest of his free time with his family.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Universal Track — Class of 2014

Drew Levich Jasmine Oberman Universal Track Chair Universal Track Chair Drew Levich embodies the spirit of an Jasmine Oberman practices law as entrepreneur. Starting from zero, he Distribution Counsel for A+E Television has created multi-national brands and Networks. She co-founded Thirty Years product lines. Working on all aspects After, a non-profit organization that raises of the business from production, logistics to marketing, he the political awareness and involvement of Iranian-American loves to get his hands dirty in the day-to-day operations. The Jews, and she is active in our Federation’s young adults Jewish Federation has introduced Drew to a lot of lifelong division (YALA)—in particular the young legal professionals friends, many of whom combine social and business pursuits. division (EMET). Growing up in Young Judea and its summer camps, Drew views the LA Jewish Federation as the next logical step.

Ian Andewelt is a realtor at Keller passionate Israel advocate, Lara has worked for StandWithUs Williams in Beverly Hills and sells homes and maintains a blog, Joyish, that aims to connect Jews to throughout Greater LA. His passions Israel and Jewish spirituality. In her spare time, she pursues include real estate and everything voiceover and is currently writing a children’s book series. automotive. Ian, also a culinary aficionado, is energized by meeting new people and Rebecca Dayanim is a dentist and understanding more about the lives they lead. Attending Clinical Instructor at the GPR at the Ostrow School of Dentistry of Marc Bauer is a Public Finance Attorney USC. After completing her training at UCLA at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He where she studied French Literature/ has served on Temple Akiba of Culver Francophone Studies, she then received City’s Board of Trustees and the Bend her DDS Degree. Having been on the board of Alpha Omega, an the Arc Regional Council. In addition to international Jewish dental organization since 2004, she hopes participating in our Federation’s New to expand her network and ties within the Jewish community. Leadership Program and AIPAC’s Leadership Training Initiative, A native of Santa Monica, Rebecca loves traveling and enjoys Marc has also traveled with American Jewish World Service to the outdoors. Nicaragua. Ehud Gersten was raised to be proud Lara Berman has over 10 years of about being a Jew, having been instilled experience in multimedia, marketing with a love of our Torah, of Israel, of the and journalism and currently develops Jewish people, our achievements, our Lieberman Research Worldwide’s struggles, and our successes. He looks public-facing, marketing platforms. Her forward to participating in CLI as a way to work covers a range of categories, give back to the Jewish community and meeting others in this including lifestyle and politics. Her work has been featured positive learning and growing experience. in “O Magazine” and “The Times of Israel,” among others. A

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org Participant Bios

Universal Track — Class of 2014

Anoush Hakimi is an attorney with Shoshana Yusufova is an advertising over 10 years of experience, practicing in professional with years of experience New York and Los Angeles. He immigrated in marketing communications. Born and to the United States as a child in the raised in Moscow, she supervised such early 80’s from Iran and grew up in Los global accounts as Panasonic and Toyota Angeles. Anoush and his fiancée are the in Russia, CIS countries, and Eastern proud parents of a Boston Terrier puppy named “Biggie Smalls.” Europe. She is especially interested in promoting religious Jewish education and Israel’s advocacy. Kimberly Roth is an entrepreneur who has lived in Los Angeles for the past Bahar Zadeh is a family physician decade. Originally from the east coast, with the Torrance Memorial Physician she has traveled extensively as a flight Network. An Iranian Jew, his journey in attendant. During this time, Kimberly the United States started in Atlanta and earned her MBA, continuing on to a subsequently brought him to California. career in asset management. She is currently the owner of He graduated from UCSD with his medical local favorite Sticky Fingers Doughnuts. Kimberly serves on degree and did his residency in the department of family the executive board of The Guardians for the LA Jewish Home medicine at UCLA. Bahar is also passionate about doing his part and is founder of The Beauty Mission, promoting wellness in to assure that the Jewish culture and sense of belonging to underserved communities. the community will stay alive in the generations to come.

Amanda Tarkow recently moved to Brian Zipser is an academic radiologist Los Angeles after 11 amazing years in at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center New York City. She works in financial where he practices neuroradiology and services in Century City. She loves LA, emergency radiology focusing on resident and is excited for a new chapter in her education. Within the Jewish community, life which includes being near her family, he is most interested in the cultural and reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new ones. She historical aspects of Judaism and Israel. He is an avid skier and enjoys playing Scrabble with her 95-year-old Grandmother, enjoys surfing and running. traveling and planning travel, house hunting, running, tennis, cookies, and taking her nephews to Disneyland.

Marc Wilson is an attorney at where he advises on the international distribution of motion pictures. After attending college and law school and living in Chicago, he returned to Los Angeles. He currently lives in Santa Monica with his wife and two kids and loves spending his weekends outdoors.

For more information contact us at The Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center | 6505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 | (323) 761-8000 JewishLA.org

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