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IsraAID Speakers Bureau www.israaid.org
IsraAIDSpeakersBureau
www.israaid.org
Yotam PolizerCo-Chief Executive Officer, IsraAIDTel Aviv, IsraelBorn and raised in Northern Israel, Yotam joined IsraAID following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan as Japan Country Director for 3 years. Following 2 years as Asia Regional Director, Yotam is now Co-CEO, overseeing IsraAID's fundraising and strategic partnerships around the world.
Seth DavisExecutive Director, IsraAID USNew York, NY Seth deployed with IsraAID to North Carolina & Florida following 2018 Hurricanes Florence and Michael. He visited IsraAID’s programs in CA, Puerto Rico, Greece, and Germany. He grew up in Ashkelon, and was a combat soldier in a special forces unit of the IDF. He spent the last decade working with NGOs, and previously ran a Start-up.
Sarith Honigstein Senior Director of Operations, IsraAID USPalo Alto, CASarith responded to the Sonoma (2017) and Butte County (2018) wildfires, and visited IsraAID's programs in Germany and Puerto Rico. She is a seasoned marketing and programs professional with 20 years of work experience for technology companies and nonprofits.
Farah ShamolianIsraAID Humanitarian Professionals Director, IsraAID USLos Angeles, CAFarah worked with IsraAID Greece implementing programs for refugees (2017-2018), and was IsraAID head of mission for the emergency response to the Volcan de Fuego eruption in Guatemala (2018). Farah directs the Humanitarian Professionals Network (IHPN), a program that trains professionals in disaster response and deploys them around the world.
www.israaid.org
IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Inc.PO Box 61227, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA, Email : [email protected], Phone: +1 650.930.9515IsraAID is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN: 46-2118225
Meet the IsraAID Speakers BureauOur speakers have deployed to IsraAID missions around the world, and look forward tosharing their stories and experiences with your community. To book a speaker, please contact Rachel Wallace, IsraAID Director of Outreach & Engagement, at [email protected].
Rachel WallaceDirector of Outreach & Engagement, IsraAID USLos Angeles, CARachel visited IsraAID’s programs in Puerto Rico. She oversees IsraAID’s community and university partnerships, programs, and events. She brings to the role her background in nonprofits, interfaith/international relations, and young professional and youth leadership development.
Sherry WeinmanIsraAID US Chairman of the BoardLos Angeles, CAAs one of IsraAID’s earliest champions, Sherry guided the startup of IsraAID US to its 2016 launch. Sherry’s professional background is in broadcast journalism and communications and she has been a leader in the Jewish community of Los Angeles for many years.
Toumai KafriCorporate Engagement and Partnership, IsraAID USNew York, NY Since joining IsraAID in 2015, Toumai has led several IsraAID missions: to Putumayo, Colombia, Northern France’s refugee camps, South Sudan and most recently, Guatemala, following a deadly volcano eruption. Toumai is dedicated to developing IsraAID's corporate partnerships and engagements.
Paloma Hamlett Humanitarian Fellow 2018Los Altos, CAPaloma worked closely with Middle Eastern refugees in Sindos Community Center in Thessaloniki, Greece. She is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, and has extensive experience volunteering and fundraising for various nonprofit organizations.
Elias WygodnyChicago, ILAs an IsraAID Mexico volunteer following the 2017 earthquake, Elias offered workshops for psychologists, administrators, school staff, and parents on the importance of self-care and mental health training in education. He is experienced in teaching mindfulness-based practices.
www.israaid.org
IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Inc.PO Box 61227, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA, Email : [email protected], Phone: +1 650.930.9515IsraAID is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN: 46-2118225
Aliza HerzbergHumanitarian Fellow 2018Foster City, CAAliza helped run expressive art therapy and leadership programs for refugee children and youth in Germany. She is currently completing her degree in Anthropology/Geography from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Dr. Ilana Amrani-Cohen, PhD, MSWBoston, MAOriginally from Israel, Ilana has been a trauma and self-care expert for 35 years. She deployed with IsraAID as a mental health professional after the earthquake in Nepal, after Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and after the northern California wildfires.
Debra MailmanPortland, MEDebra left her senior position at Microsoft to dedicate her wisdom, energy, and expertise to various humanitarian causes. She was instrumental in IsraAID’s response in Dominica after Hurricane Maria, in North Carolina after Hurricane Florence, and in Florida after Hurricane Michael.
Pastor Becky Keenan, Minister Houston, TXA Latina activist, Becky explored IsraAID’s long-term recovery programs on an educational mission to Puerto Rico. She is a leading voice for Israel in the Latino community and an active member of AIPAC’s National Council. With her husband, Pastor Joe, she leads Gulf Meadows Church.
Roberto MartinezLos Angeles, CARoberto explored IsraAID’s long-term recovery programs on an educational mission to Puerto Rico for Latino activists. He works as a community liaison for Google, and is a Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Leadership Program alumnus.
www.israaid.org
IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Inc.PO Box 61227, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA, Email : [email protected], Phone: +1 650.930.9515IsraAID is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN: 46-2118225
Kenneth RomeroWashington, D.C. Kenneth has worked in various Puerto Rican government positions. He recently explored IsraAID’s long-term recovery programs in Puerto Rico on an educational mission for Latino activists. He is the Executive Director of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators.
Jorge DennisSalt Lake City, UTJorge explored IsraAID’s long-term recovery programs on an educational mission to Puerto Rico for Latino activists. He is president of EnviroKleen LLC and EnviroKleen Real Estate LLC, and serves on several local and national boards. He and his wife Monica have five children.
Judy Davidds-WrightAnaheim, CAA Latina activist, Judy explored IsraAID’s long-term recovery programs on an educational mission to Puerto Rico. She is the founding partner and president of Wright Consulting Group, a firm dedicated to helping organizations and companies connect with communities they serve.
Larry SandigoPhoenix, AZLarry explored IsraAID’s long-term recovery programs on an educational mission to Puerto Rico for Latino activists. He is Director of Outreach, Policy Advisor and Counsel for U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ). Larry’s experience includes volunteering in the refugee camps of Greece.
Councilman Fernando Vasquez Downey, CAFernando explored IsraAID’s long-term recovery programs on an educational mission toPuerto Rico for Latino activists. He has served on Downey City Council and as Downey mayor.He also founded and launched Primawaste, a medical waste management company.
www.israaid.org
IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Inc.PO Box 61227, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA, Email : [email protected], Phone: +1 650.930.9515IsraAID is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN: 46-2118225
Monica Rodriguez Kuniyoshi Palo Alto, CAOriginally from Puerto Rico, Monica explored IsraAID’s long-term recovery programs on an educational mission to Puerto Rico. She is a seasoned marketing expert, Wexner Fellow, community leader, and a mother of two.
Elizabeth VelezNew York, NYA Latina and women’s empowerment activist, Elizabeth explored IsraAID’s long-term recovery programs on an educational mission to Puerto Rico. She runs a construction services firm and is a frequent contributor to media outlets such as Fox News Latino and The Wall Street Journal.
Ari BermanHumanitarian Fellow 2018Los Angeles, CAFollowing Hurricane Maria’s destruction of Dominica, Ari helped create vital disaster-risk-reduction guidelines for schools. She is a Harvard senior studying government, was Staff Director of Harvard Political Review, and Vice President of Community Building at Hillel.
Dr. Orit Atzmon, PhDPalo Alto, CAInitially from Israel, Orit serves on IsraAID’s US Board of Directors. She most recently deployed with IsraAID to Germany, running capacity-building workshops in music and movement therapy for IsraAID staff and refugee youth leaders. She is a clinical psychologist.
Majida KardoshSan Jose, CAMajida is an Arab-Israeli nurse from Nazareth, Israel. Before moving to the US in 2017,she worked as a cardiothoracic nurse at Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv. In 2015, Majida volunteered with IsraAid in Lesbos, providing medical treatment and attending to basic needs of arriving refugees.
www.israaid.org
IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Inc.PO Box 61227, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA, Email : [email protected], Phone: +1 650.930.9515IsraAID is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN: 46-2118225
Dr. Sabrina Braham, MDPalo Alto, CASabrina is a pediatrician at Menlo Clinic where she also serves as an adjunct clinical instructorat Stanford University School of Medicine. In 2018, Sabrina deployed on a pediatric mission to Kakuma, Kenya where she treated refugee children and trained local medical staff.
Hagit ZeevLos Altos Hills, CAHagit has extensive background in Transpersonal Psychology, Humanistic Existential Psychology, Internal Family Systems and Mindfulness. In May 2018, she shared her expertise by leading a mindfulness workshop for the staff of IsraAID in Berlin. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Dr. Michelle Sandberg, MDPalo Alto, CAMichelle is a pediatrician at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and an affiliated clinical instructor at Stanford University School of Medicine. She deployed in 2018 with IsraAID in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya, treating children and training local staff.
Shira GoldsteinSeattle, WAAs IsraAID’s Country Director in Nepal, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, Shira oversaw trainings on trauma, stress management, gender-based violence, and women’s/children’s rights for local, governmental, and international agencies. She has worked in the global health field for 11 years.
Amir KashfiLos Angeles, CAAmir supported IsraAID Germany’s empowerment and community building programs in 2018 that provide integration support to refugees. He is a UCLA senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Public Policy. He is Iranian American Jewish Federation’s Director of Government Relations.
www.israaid.org
IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Inc.PO Box 61227, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA, Email : [email protected], Phone: +1 650.930.9515IsraAID is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN: 46-2118225
Debbie LevovitzWashington, D.C.Debbie worked with IsraAID in 2019 to renovate the Sindos Community Center in Thessaloniki, Greece which provides refugees with job training, language classes, music/art therapy, and child-friendly spaces. She owns a boutique firm that specializes in building, renovation, interior design.
Hillel ZandHumanitarian Fellow 2017Washington, D.C.Hillel supported IsraAID in Germany in 2016 and in Greece in 2017 by developing programming for refugees, capturing their testimonies, and mentoring refugee youth. He is an economic consultant, and has been published in The Atlantic, Times of Israel, and JWeekly.
Lorenzo Lynberg Humanitarian Fellow 2017Los Altos, CAFollowing the 2016 earthquake in Ecuador, Lorenzo worked with IsraAID to administer trainings on hygiene, sanitation, and financial skills among rural and marginalized communities. He also supported IsraAID’s HoneyAID beekeeping program. He is an MBA student at Cal Poly SLO.
Sam NeufeldHumanitarian Fellow 2018Los Angeles, CASam assisted with the design, implementation, and evaluation of IsraAID’s HoneyAID beekeeping women’s empowerment program in the Philippines. He is a recent Pitzer College graduate, where he was a Fellow for The Mgrublian Institute for Human Rights and studied International Relations.
Emmy RodayHumanitarian Fellow 2018Gambier, OHEmmy contributed to the launch of IsraAID’s HoneyAid beekeeping program in the Philippines. She also designed and facilitated women’s empowerment workshops. She is a student at Kenyon College and an Associate with the Kenyon Review.
www.israaid.org
IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Inc.PO Box 61227, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA, Email : [email protected], Phone: +1 650.930.9515IsraAID is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN: 46-2118225
Lior SingerCarson City, NVOriginally from Israel, Lior managed IsraAID’s WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) program in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, from 2014-2015. He is an engineer for the State of Nevada and is an engineering design instructor at Western Nevada College.
Neil SchwartzHumanitarian Fellow 2018Fort Worth, TXNeil assisted IsraAID with the development and implementation of public health programs to increase capacities of local medical service providers for refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. He is an incoming Teach For America Corps Member.
Amy Rosenblatt LieuMinnetonka, MNAmy sits on IsraAID US’ Advisory Council, and has explored IsraAID’s long-term recovery programs in Dominica and Puerto Rico. She is the Executive Director of three Family Foundations – Beverly Foundation, Fingerhut Family Foundation and Ronald Fingerhut Family Foundation.
Batya KleinEnglewood, NJBatya worked with IsraAID in 2019 to renovate the Sindos Community Center in Thessaloniki, Greece, which provides refugees with job training, language classes, music/art therapy, and child-friendly spaces. She is an interior designer.
Lee AlpertHumanitarian Fellow 2018New York, NYUpon the completion of her two years military service as an IDF medic, Lee came to California to pursue her bachelor's degree. She is currently in her second year at Stanford studying Symbolic Systems, an interdisciplinary degree combining computer science and the humanities. Lee helped implement educational and vocational programs for refugees on Lesbos in 2018.
www.israaid.org
IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Inc.PO Box 61227, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA, Email : [email protected], Phone: +1 650.930.9515IsraAID is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN: 46-2118225
IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Inc.PO Box 61227, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA, Email : [email protected], Phone: +1 650.930.9515IsraAID is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN: 46-2118225
Nicky LopezHumanitarian Fellow 2018San Jose, CA Nicky assisted vulnerable communities in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. She is a senior at San Jose State University majoring in International Relations with a double minor in Human Rights and Spanish.
www.israaid.org
