Nancy Alvarez-Calderon brings a wealth of experience and passion to the StandWithUs Board. Nancy's involvement with StandWithUs spans many years, reflecting her dedication and commitment to the organization and the community. She has a diverse background, her family has roots in Nebraska and Peru. Nancy grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where her family was extremely Zionist and engaged in Jewish community life. In Peru, Nancy helped develop a program to empower and support the indigenous Andean Quechua people, who have lived on communes for centuries since before the Spanish conquest. The program provides resources that preserve the Quechua culture and language teaching skills to gain control of their own markets, promoting educational and agricultural development. Nancy's unique perspective adds richness and inclusivity to her work with StandWithUs.  She proudly supports the organization's efforts in fostering relationships with supporters of Israel from all faiths and engaging the Hispanic community. Nancy has a passion for education. She served on the selection committee for the Jewish Community Center Jewish Book Fair for 25 years. Nancy’s personal ties to Israel are strengthened by having children and grandchildren living in Israel, including grandchildren who have served and are serving in the IDF. Her granddaughter is currently a commander in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Nancy’s enthusiasm and dedication to SWU's mission make her an invaluable asset to the StandWithUs Board.

Sharona Benami has led a life of commitment to Israel and the Jewish people, as well as other minority groups, starting with co-founding the Black History and Culture Studies in Lancaster, Pa. High School and volunteer work at the inner city Head Start program. After high school she went on her own to Israel and enlisted in the IDF, serving during the Yom Kippur War in a Nahal unit that founded Kibbutz Kfar Haruv in the Golan Heights. Her IDF service included military training, kibbutz education and agriculture, social work in immigrant communities, Hebrew and English tutoring, hospital art therapy, co-founding Batik Art industry in Golan kibbutz, and working in the Tel Hashomer Hospital burn unit during the war. After the IDF Sharona worked as an independent artist in Jerusalem and Ashkelon, where her first son was born. Following 11 years in Israel, she moved to the Los Angeles area, where she taught Hebrew and Judaic Studies at Heschel Day School, and her second son was born. She served as Community Relations Chair for Mahal West, an IDF veterans group, and worked on multiple projects including an ADL program that brought Ethiopian-Israeli High School students to interact with students in U.S. public schools. Sharona and her husband Yehuda Bock are active members of Congregation Beth El, support FIDF and other organizations, and together have 5 children and 9 grandchildren. Sharona is also a Board member of AVILC, a national IDF veterans and Israel advocate organization. She recently represented World Mahal (IDF veterans from outside Israel) at an Israel Consulate ceremony in L.A. honoring 75 years of the Israel Air Force.

Dr. Yehuda Bock is a distinguished researcher and senior lecturer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), University of California, San Diego, is a passionate advocate for the Jewish people and Israel. Dr. Bock focuses on satellite geodetic methods, natural hazards, and crustal deformation in regions such as California, Indonesia, Japan, and the Middle East, with notable research on subsidence in Venice, Italy. He leverages continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) technology for earthquake and tsunami early warning systems and monitoring extreme weather events. Dr. Bock's dedication to advancing technology is evident through his roles as director of the Scripps Orbit and Permanent Array Center (SOPAC) and the California Spatial Reference Center (CSRC) at SIO. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Yehuda grew up in New York City and obtained a degree in mathematics at NYU.  He enlisted in the IDF in 1971 and served in the artillery during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. After his discharge, he studied civil and geodetic engineering at the Technion followed by a PhD in Geodetic Science from Ohio State University in 1977 and postdoctoral research at MIT. In 1989, he joined the faculty at SIO. Over two sabbaticals at the Technion and Tel Aviv University, he participated in the establishment of a continuous GPS network in Israel and has advised several Israeli PhD students. In a distinguished career with over 150 publications in esteemed journals, Bock received the Weikko A. Heiskanen Award from OSU, was inducted as a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the International Association of Geodesy, and was a founder of the International GPS Service (IGS). Bock and his wife Sharona, who met in the IDF and reconnected 30 years later, have served on the StandWithUs Advisory Board for the last seven years, promoting the interests of the Jewish people and Israel.

Robert Colucci is a Co-Founder and CEO of Pacifica Enterprises Investments (PEI). With a career in real estate that spans back to the late 1980s, Robert began his real estate career by overseeing the construction of single-family homes and later became CFO of CBC investments, focusing on debt restructuring and REOs. Drawing from his expertise in distressed assets, he joined forces with co-founder Dario De Luca to establish PEI, further expanding their diverse portfolio. Beyond his business endeavors, Mr. Colucci is known for his philanthropic spirit, actively involved in various charitable ventures, including his dedication to Pequeno Eden, a self-sustaining orphanage in Baja California. Robert's passion for Israel shines through, as he is an evangelical Christian with a profound love for the country. Furthermore, he is recognized as a knowledgeable scholar in monotheistic religions. Robert is happily married to Romina and cherishes family values, raising six children with love and devotion. As a leader in both business and philanthropy, he continues to make a positive impact on communities and causes close to his heart.

Jaime Feder is a proud “Jew by choice” who dove into the world of giving back when she left her job as Director of Operations for Jerome’s Furniture in 2010 to start a family. While she enjoys being home and raising her 4 kids - David (11), Evelyn (10), Mayer (8) and Noa (6), she also loves to get involved in the community through several non-profits. In addition to Stand With Us, she has also been involved with Waters of Eden, Ronald McDonald House, FIDF, Just in Time for Foster Youth, Beth Am Preschool and San Diego Jewish Academy. She co-chaired the Stand With Us gala for three years and served for several years on the gala committees for SWU and FIDF. Her strong operations background brings a pragmatic perspective to boards and committees. She and her husband Dan feel strongly about supporting Israel, fighting antisemitism and educating the community (and their children) on both giving back and standing up for what is right.

Dr. Joshua Feder, a dedicated advocate for the Jewish people and Israel, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the StandWithUs Board. Dr. Feder earned his undergraduate degree at Boston University before going on to complete his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine. He served his internship and psychiatry residency at the Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Feder is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and has been awarded a wide range of accolades and awards for both his medical practice and service in the United States Navy. As a child and family psychiatrist based in Solana Beach, California, Dr. Feder focuses on providing comprehensive care and support for families. His role as Editor in Chief at the Carlat Child Psychiatry Report showcases his commitment to evidence-based practice free from industry influences. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Feder actively teaches and conducts research with renowned institutions such as UCSD, SDSU, Fielding Graduate University, and An Najah National University. Driven by his commitment to peace in the Middle East, he is very involved with AIPAC, Dems for Peace, and the International Networking group on Peace Building with Young Children. Dr. Feder's exceptional dedication is further evident in his active engagement with StandWithUs. As one of the most active board members, he brings a deep understanding of bipartisan cooperation while championing SWU's mission. 

Kira Finkenberg is an accomplished entrepreneur and owner of The Kira Co., a concert marketing and event company founded in 2003. The Kira Co. handles marketing and ticketing for events located throughout Southern California, as well as marketing and promotion of approximately 100 concerts per year, including San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation's annual Taste at the Cove fundraiser and the Junior Seau Foundation's Shop with A Jock event. Prior to founding The Kira Co., Kira was the Marketing Director for House of Blues Concerts San Diego, The Belly Up in Solana Beach. Kira is actively involved in numerous philanthropic organizations, including the Jewish Federation of San Diego, Hillel, and the JCC, and the Anti-Defamation League where she chaired the ADL San Diego Walk Against Hate. Kira has also served on the Board of Directors of Jewish Family Service, where she was a Gala Honoree in 2018. In 2022, she was appointed as the board chair at the Center for Jewish Culture. She also serves on the National United Israel Appeals board. Kira is a proud alumni of JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet’s Class of 2016. She is a graduate of University of San Diego.

Felicia Gipsman is a proud daughter of a Holocaust survivor. Ever since a young age, the importance of being a vigilant Jew was instilled in her. As she got older she realized that to be a proud Jew you also need to stand and support our homeland. Felicia ran a catering company and raised her 3 sons in San Diego with her husband, Marc. Felicia’s youngest son, Ethan, felt the same way towards Israel and volunteered for the IDF. After serving he returned to the states to attend college. Upon graduating, he made Aliyah in 2018 to create a life for himself and his family. During the pandemic, Felicia and her husband Marc, felt a real longing to be in Israel, leading them to make Aliyah in 2021. Felicia and Marc now spend half the year in Israel and continue to advocate for Israel and are proud to be a part of the Stand With Us team. In her spare time, Felicia enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and playing pickleball.

Bianca Gorodzinsky has lived and worked in the US, Spain, and Mexico. She held the respected position of CEO at the Mexican Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her strategic leadership catapulted significant scientific collaborations, impactful benefactions, and educational advancements, propelling the organization's transformative initiatives between Israel and Mexico. Her dedication to health and wellness led her to establish and successfully operate, Sattva Salud, one of the pioneering holistic health practices in Mexico City. Bianca has held significant leadership positions in public relations, marketing, and event planning in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.  She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Parent Teacher Organization for the Lower School at the San Diego Jewish Academy, she is an active committee member of the Ken Jewish Community of San Diego, and of the San Diego Chapter of the FIDF Women's Brigade. Bianca received her bachelor’s degrees in communication studies and Spanish literature from the University of San Diego. She received her  H.H.P. license from the Natural Healing Institute as well as her certifications as a Clinical Master Herbalist and Certified Nutritionist Consultant. She is married and has three children.

Nadav Hazan draws on more than 20 years of leadership experience in the financial services industry. He is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Millennium, a global investment management firm, where he runs a hedge fund focused on healthcare investments. Prior to joining Millennium in 2013, Hazan was a healthcare-focused Portfolio Manager and Analyst at Diamondback Capital and a Financial Analyst at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. Nadav is a graduate of Boston University, where he received a BA, and from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he earned a Master’s Degree. Hazan is on the Board of Directors at Congregation Beth El in La Jolla and lives in San Diego with his wife and two children. Nadav is passionate about fighting antisemitism in communities, college campuses, and education. His expertise, experience, love and dedication to Israel and unique and creative point of view makes him an invaluable asset to the StandWithUs board.

Doron Malka, PH.D, brings his passion for the Jewish people and Israel to the StandWithUs Board. As the president and founder of Ameba Marketing, Inc., a thriving marketing communications agency, Doron has a track record of success with a diverse clientele, including national and international organizations. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, Doron's journey began in Israel's elite paratrooper unit. Doron Received his bachelor's degree in international relations at the Hebrew University, followed by an MBA with a marketing emphasis from San Diego State University. In 2014, he earned his Doctorate in Business Administration after successfully defending his dissertation on The Placebo Effect of Brands. Following the overwhelming endorsement of his dissertation study, Doron published his first book in 2017, named: BRANDcebo – The Powerful Placebo Effect of Brands and its Impact on Our Behavior and Performance. Passionate about teaching, Doron started his academic career as a Marketing Lecturer at San Diego State University in 2022. Dedicated to meaningful community building and philanthropy, Doron is an active board member in a number of non-profit and charitable organizations, including San Diego Lawrence Family JCC, Israel Nature and Heritage Foundation, Adopt A Family Foundation, Israeli American Council (IAC) and StandWithUs. Doron is an avid soccer player and espresso connoisseur. He is a father of three and lives in San Diego with his wife Ursula and their youngest son Lior. 

Alberto Mansur is a trial lawyer from Mexico with over 20 years of experience in the field. He has provided legal advice to multinational corporations, closely held family companies, NGOs, covert services, and is the only attorney of record to have represented Mexico City’s Judicial branch before a Federal Court in over 100 years. Mansur has been a member of the board of Cadena International for 15 years, a Jewish NGO focused on providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid and support in times of crisis. He has contributed to Rolling Stone and Forbes magazines in Mexico as a writer on Mexican and international politics for over 10 years. Mansur has also written a spy thriller set in Israel, scheduled for release on August 1, 2023. His unique combination of legal expertise, nonprofit experience, fundraising capabilities, love of philanthropy and relentless commitment to Israel makes her an invaluable asset to the StandWithUs board.

Stephanie Nisan has an unwavering passion for Israel, real estate, and animal welfare. As the Founding Broker at The STOZ Group, Stephanie has deep knowledge and experience in real estate investments. Stephanie is also the founder of The Animal Pad (TAP), a remarkable 501c3 non-profit dog rescue organization based in San Diego, CA. TAP is the largest American rescue to operate in Baja California and has successfully rescued and rehomed thousands of dogs. Thanks to Stephanie's unique ability to motivate people, organize and fundraise, she is making a profound difference in the lives of many dogs and humans alike. Stephanie’s dedication to Israel is a significant aspect of her life. With over seven years of experience as a board member at FIDF, she has successfully developed and run the Young Leadership division and has played an incredibly active role in developing other young people’s passion for Israel. Stephanie's unique combination of business expertise, nonprofit experience, fundraising capabilities, love of philanthropy and relentless commitment to Israel makes her an invaluable asset to the StandWithUs board.

Mitch Simon is an esteemed leadership coach with a remarkable track record in guiding executives and teams across diverse industries. As the Founder and Lead Consultant of The Simon Leadership Alliance, Inc., recognized as a top-10 training company in San Diego, Mitch's contributions have been instrumental in enhancing organizational performance. Prior to his consulting career, Mitch held pivotal roles at Nokia as Director of Strategic Planning and Strategic Alliances for CDMA handsets, and at Motorola in technical marketing, specializing in digital encryption and HDTV. His responsibilities involved global strategy facilitation, product roadmap creation, and business development across various regions. Mitch holds a J.D. and an M.B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a B.A. in Economics from UCSD. He is a certified Integral Coach from New Ventures West, with additional certifications in DISC, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Standout, and Global Institute for Leadership Development (GILD) Coach.Mitch Simon's invaluable expertise and extensive leadership coaching experience make him an invaluable asset to the StandWithUs board.

Leo Simpser is a distinguished figure in the world of finance and entrepreneurship. As the Founder and Managing Director of LM Group's Private Equity Platform, he has orchestrated the meteoric growth of LLJ's portfolio, propelling its value beyond $1 billion within just five years. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found the Hispanic National Mortgage Association, and his prior experience as a Senior Analyst at Deutsche Bank, focusing on Latin American Equity Research. Leo advises and sits on the boards of several emerging companies, such as TV Page, Nanocellect, and Vioozer. Leonardo has devoted over 8 years to the Ken Jewish Community in San Diego, where he now holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Leonardo graduated magna cum laude with a B.S.E in Finance from the Wharton School, along with a B.A. with distinction in Political Economy from the College of Arts and Sciences, both from the University of Pennsylvania. He further honed his skills through a Master in Business Administration from Stanford University. His exceptional leadership was formally recognized in 2005 when he was bestowed with the Eagle Award for his outstanding contributions to the Hispanic Community. 

Mitch Wagner grew up in Denver, graduated from the University of Colorado in 1979, and then moved to San Diego, where he attended law school and has practiced law for most of forty years. Mitch has always had a strong Jewish identity and is a staunch supporter of Israel. Mitch is a patron of FIDF with which he and his wife, Sara, went on a mission to Israel. Mitch previously served on the San Diego Council of AIPAC and, before that, on the Civil Rights Committee of the ADL as a young lawyer. Mitch believes the moral lesson of the Holocaust, for Jews, should be that we must stand up, not just for ourselves, but also for others who are oppressed. Pragmatically, Mitch recognizes that “no man is an island, entire of itself,” and that Jews, being just two percent of the U.S. population, make for a very small island. Consequently, Mitch believes, Jews must embrace non-Jews, not merely as allies but as family. Mitch also believes, based on this same pragmatism, that efforts are better spent educating the majority of non-Jews who do not have firmly held opinions on Jews and Israel instead of trying to persuade fervent anti-Semites. To this end, Mitch also supports the Murray Galinson San Diego Israel initiative which sponsors visiting professors from Israeli Universities at San Diego Universities and San Diego students visiting and studying in Israel in collaboration with Israeli students.

Dr Ivor Weiner, Professor of Special Education, has established an outstanding record of accomplishment and service at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he began as an assistant professor in 2001. Dr. Weiner's reputation extends beyond the Department of Special Education to the larger community through his directorship of the CSU Northridge Family Focus Resource Center, which provides support and training to families with children with disabilities. Dr. Weiner's grant fundraising has secured more than $10 million since 2007, which has benefitted the CSUN Family Focus Resource Center, the CSUN Family Empowerment Center, the Mobile Van Developmental Screening Project, Parent Support Circles, the Autism Therapy Training Program for Marriage and Family Therapists, Special Education Community Navigators, as well as the CSUN and North Los Angeles County Regional Center Family Focus Resource/Early Start Centers in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Antelope valleys. Under Dr. Weiner's leadership, over 1500 families with children with disabilities are supported and served annually. In 2018, Dr. Weiner was awarded the highest honor in the California State University system--the Wang Family Excellence Award. Only four out of 26,000 faculty system-wide are awarded this prestigious honor each year.