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.
Beth Ann Locke
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
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
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.
Rabbi David Block
Rabbi David Block is the Head of School of Shalhevet High School in Los Angeles, CA, where he previously served as the Associate Head of School and Judaic Studies Principal. He formerly worked as the Content and Curriculum Developer at Aleph Beta, taught at Rambam Mesivta in New York, was the recurring Scholar-in-Residence at the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, and was formerly the Director of and singer in the Maccabeats. David received rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva University (RIETS), where he also completed an M.A. in Jewish History, an M.S. in Education, and is currently working on his doctorate. He was a Wexner Graduate Fellow/Davidson Scholar. He and his wife, Gila, live in LA with their three children.
Cindy Drazin
Cindy Drazin is a Fieldwork Instructor at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Education. She has spent the last 30 years in Special Education as a self-contained classroom teacher in New York City, an Inclusion Facilitator for the LAUSD, an Educational Therapist, and an Instructional Coach/Professional Development presenter for Catapult Learning. Cindy has a B.S. in Special/Education and Elementary Education from Boston University and an M.S. in Education from Queens College. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and dog while her 3 children pursue their dreams in Boston.
