Shana has dedicated nearly two decades to serving the Jewish community of Los Angeles through professional roles and volunteer leadership. Her impactful journey began at B’nai David-Judea, where she held various leadership positions, including Board President. During her tenure, Shana spearheaded initiatives that expanded inclusivity, welcomed LGBTQ members, and enhanced safety and comfort for differently-abled members. She was also instrumental in the historic hire of the synagogue’s first female clergyperson and currently chairs the search committee for the next female clergyperson. Professionally, Shana served as Director of Development and Operations at Gindi Maimonides Academy, where she led significant projects and fundraising campaigns and implemented comprehensive operational and security protocols. She now works as Senior Grant Writer at the USC Shoah Foundation, contributing to global efforts to preserve survivor testimonies and combat antisemitism. Shana recently earned a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship and Change from Pepperdine University, deepening her understanding of addressing complex social challenges. She also serves on the Board of Directors at Shalhevet High School and consults for Gindi Maimonides Academy on major projects. Shana’s commitment to the mission of Yesh Tikvah is deeply personal. Having navigated her own journey with infertility, Shana is honored to join Yesh Tikva’s board, where she hopes to help foster a supportive and compassionate community for those facing similar challenges.

Rachel Fryman is an Assistant Professor at Wurzweiler School for Social Work, Yeshiva University and therapist in private practice. Rachel obtained a PhD from Smith College School of Social Work and is a Nishmat trained Kallah teacher. She is currently a co-PI on a mixed method study evaluating the abortion experience of over 200 Jewish women and consults for the Eden Center on trauma informed teaching practice. Rachel has experience in community mental health, special education school administration, higher education, and medical social work. Rachel lives with her family in West Hempstead (NY), where she has been involved in volunteer work, including as a past board member and most recently as chair of the Sisterhood education committee at the Young Israel of West Hempstead.

Jacob has spent his career helping companies think through and hone their strategic visions to connect the dots between where they are and where they need to be. Starting off working with startups in the tech space, he’s since worked with organizations ranging from early stage startups all the way to Fortune 100 companies in a variety of industries. Most recently, Jacob spun off and led a consulting company, growing it from scratch to over $70M in annual revenue just 6 months later. A leader in developing and implementing efficient delivery methodologies, change management, agile coaching, and organizational psychology, Jacob focuses on partnering with leaders to actualize their visions.

I believe I have the best career in the world – working with donors on their dreams for a better world. I’m a fan of philanthropy and have raised more than $75 million in healthcare, education, social services, arts and international sectors in the U.S. and Canada. I’ve worked in large, complex organizations and smaller nonprofits. I started in fundraising as the most junior person in a three-person office – and I worked my way up to Chief Development Officer. I’ve worked in healthcare for 10 years of my 30-year career: Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA; Providence Hospital in Washington, DC; Peninsula Hospital in Rockaway, NY; and BC Women’s Health Foundation in Vancouver, BC. I’ve also worked in higher ed: College Success Foundation, Aga Khan University, and Simon Fraser University; as well as human services (United Way of King County) and the arts (Vancouver Art Gallery). I enjoy being a champion of donors and building sustainable fundraising through connection-based fundraising. In 2020 I formed my business, The Fundraiser Coach, to support nonprofits and individual fundraisers to as they move to build successful donor relationships and fruitful revenue streams from donors of all giving levels. I grew up in Seattle, Washington and have been a fundraiser my entire career. In addition to my daughter, Lorraine, and son-in-law, Bruno, my family includes my partner, Frank. I currently live in Vancouver, love to travel, throw dinner parties, and practice daily gratitude.

Michelle W. Malkin, a native of Los Angeles, CA, where she earned her dual master’s degrees in Jewish Nonprofit Management and Public Administration. Since 2019, she’s held the position of Inaugural Executive Director at Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, NJ. Additionally, she serves as the President of the Garden State Network of Synagogue Executives (GANSE), contributes as a member of the steering committee for Re-Charging Reform Judaism, and is an alumna of Leading Edge’s Leading Executives program. Michelle is also the creator and host of “It’s Who You Know! The Podcast.”

Ayala Gross is an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for the Jewish infertility community. Her passion for helping others stems from her personal journey with infertility, which has given her a deep empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and couples. Ayala is dedicated to raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering a sense of community and support for those struggling with infertility within the Jewish community. She is committed to advocating for policy changes that make fertility treatments more accessible and affordable, and promoting education and research in the field. Through her work, Ayala strives to make a meaningful and lasting impact on behalf of the Jewish infertility community.