Avraham Kadar, M.D., President
Avraham Kadar, M.D., is a pediatrician and National Institutes of Health (NIH)-trained immunologist, and the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BrainPOP, an internet company that includes the award-winning animated online educational platform BrainPOP, and the pioneering dynamic digital marketing and rich media solutions AditAll, LLC and Dynamic Video, LLC.
Avraham Kadar is the husband of Naomi Prawer Kadar. He and Naomi devoted their lives together to the very passions and values upon which The Naomi Foundation is based – family, social justice, love, and community. As the President of the foundation, he, along with the other board members, carries out and considers the vision and goals of the foundation.
Born in Rishon LeZion, Israel, Dr. Kadar has parlayed an enduring and life-long passion for science into two successful careers: first as a scientist and physician and then as a businessman. He began his formal studies in physics at the Hebrew University, followed by medical training at Tel Aviv University. While he is an innovator and entrepreneur in the online world, Dr. Kadar remains a physician and educator at heart. His belief in the centrality of science education provided the initial inspiration for BrainPOP.
Maya Kadar, Vice President
Maya Kadar, an artist, innovator, producer and manager, is the Vice President of BrainPOP ESL LLC, an English as a Second Language resource for students all over the world. Maya is honored to carry on Naomi’s memory professionally, as she manages, operates, and ensures that Naomi’s brainchild, BrainPOP ESL, comes alive according to Naomi’s vision.
Before her current position at BrainPOP ESL, Maya worked for two prominent Israeli film and television companies – JCS Post Production and Spike Communications.
Maya is the eldest daughter of Naomi Prawer Kadar. As one of the Vice Presidents of the Naomi Foundation, she provides insight into Naomi’s perspective and professional skills, supports the team in each decision and provides media production expertise. Maya has published poetry in Yiddish and the Foundation’s focus is very dear to her heart.
Maya received her MFA in film production from Tel Aviv University in Israel. She received her BA from Barnard College of Columbia University after majoring in Film Studies as well as Art History and Visual Art.
Nadav Kadar, Vice President
Nadav Kadar, an entrepreneur, manager, technology expert, and supervisor of legal and financial activities, is the Senior Vice President of International Operations at BrainPOP, an award-winning online animated educational product. As part of the founding team of BrainPOP, Nadav has always played a crucial role in the company, providing insight and background into BrainPOP’s growth and assisting with all operational tasks. Nadav oversees all of BrainPOP’s international teams and products as well as serving in an advisory role as BrainPOP expands and develops.
Nadav Kadar is the son of Naomi Prawer Kadar. He worked alongside Naomi while she was creating the blueprint for the BrainPOP ESL product. As one of the Vice Presidents of the Naomi Foundation, Nadav provides vital insight into Naomi’s passions as he shares her love for Jewish history and Judaic studies. Nadav supports the team in each decision and provides legal, financial, and organizational expertise.
Nadav received his BA from Clark University, where his focus was Biology. He continued his studies at Brandeis University, where he completed an MA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies.
Einat Kadar, Vice President
Einat Kadar, a writer with diverse interests, developed the mission of the Foundation during its formative stages and cultivated the vision for the Foundation’s future. Einat received her BA from Brown University, where she focused on the interdisciplinary field of development studies. Within the study of the developing world, Einat found her passion in global health, specifically reproductive health and women’s empowerment. As part of Einat’s studies and research, Einat has traveled to Thailand and South Africa, and lived in India for seven months.
Einat Kadar is the youngest daughter of Naomi Prawer Kadar. Einat had the honor of taking part in building the framework through which the Naomi Foundation will continue to function for years to come. Einat feels deeply connected to the work of the Naomi Foundation and is devoted to bringing Naomi’s visions and values to life.
Ilana Kurizki, Advisor to the Board of Directors & Ambassador in Israel
Ilana Kurizki, a conceptualizer, strategist, communicator and writer, is Ambassador in Israel and Advisor to the Board of Directors of the Naomi Foundation. She has worked closely with the leadership of the Foundation since its inception and plays an ongoing role in its operations, from goal-setting to evaluating opportunities for partnership that align with the Foundation’s mission and core values. As Ambassador, Ilana strengthens ties with our Israel-based partner organizations, champions local initiatives, observes program progress and assesses areas of need. She is committed to fortifying the Foundation’s capacity to impact and advocate for the causes it holds dear. Her enduring passion for Jewish heritage, culture and community continue to inform and inspire her work.
Apart from her appointment with the Foundation, Ilana is Senior Advisor to Avraham Kadar, M.D., consulting on and facilitating a range of business initiatives, and developing new entrepreneurial ventures, within the Kadar family’s portfolio.
Ilana has an MBA from Fordham University with a concentration in marketing and designation in entrepreneurship, and a BA magna cum laude from Barnard College of Columbia University with a major in English and minor in psychology.
Lindsey Blank, Managing Director
Lindsey Blank, an attorney, writer and activist, is the Managing Director of the Naomi Foundation. Lindsey is responsible for strategic planning and daily operations. Collaborating with the board of directors, foundation staff, and grantees, she identifies areas for internal and external growth, creates organizational structures, implements foundation initiatives, and provides legal guidance and management advice. She is honored to be involved with the foundation and to help carry on Naomi’s inspiring legacy.
Before joining the Naomi Foundation, Lindsey was a Legal Editor at Oxford University Press and worked in the Education and Civil Rights Divisions of the Anti-Defamation League. Lindsey has studied Islamic Jurisprudence and oil transactions at the American University in Cairo, Egypt and worked in Morocco. Having lived in Spain and Chile, Lindsey speaks fluent Spanish.
Lindsey received her JD from City University School of Law, where she served as Executive Articles Editor on law review and worked in the International Women’s Human Rights Clinic, and a BA in Spanish literature and global cultures from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.