Meet the Board of Directors

Karmi Monsher has been active in the Los Angeles Jewish community for many years, primarily through involvement with the Jewish Federation. Karmi has taken on various roles, including Valley Alliance General Campaign Co-Chair, Major Gifts Co-Chair, Women’s Campaign Chair, and Women’s Philanthropy President. Currently, Karmi serves as the King David Society Co-Chair and is also a member of the PK-12 committee of the Jewish Federation.

Additionally, Karmi takes pride in her position on the board of Hillel 818 and her active engagement with her synagogue, Adat Ari El. She also holds a role on the Executive Committee of Camp Ramah. In the past, Karmi worked as the Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator for Camp Ramah in California, contributing to the establishment of a robust and thriving Jewish future.

Karmi is happily married to Harold Monsher, and they are blessed with two wonderful sons, Jesse and Jaime.

Spanning a career of over 35 years in academia and the nonprofit sector, Marla Eglash Abraham continues her non-profit consulting work and was most recently the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Western Regional Director for the ten-state region including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

She was Director of Development at American Jewish Committee (AJC) Los Angeles and immediately prior was Senior Vice President, Endowment Planning and Strategic Philanthropy at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles following 15 years at Hebrew Union College, Los Angeles Campus as both the Interim Director and Associate Director at HUC’s Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management.

She received an Honorary Doctorate in Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, a Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, a Master of Social Work in Community Organization, Planning and Administration from University of Southern California; and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Linguistics from University of California, Los Angeles.

Abraham is a published author in addition to facilitator and consultant for numerous National and local organizations. She and her husband Michael of 38 years, met through UCLA Hillel, and have raised three amazing daughters.

Laura graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in education. She has a background as a former teacher in middle and elementary education, as well as experience as an Executive Recruiter in the financial field.

Laura is a highly engaged leader within the Jewish community, dedicating over 10 years to volunteering for the Jewish Federation in planning and allocations. She holds positions as a board member at the Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies and Hillel – Cal Lutheran. Furthermore, she actively contributes as a Ritual Committee member and Adult Outreach Committee member at Temple Aliya.

Aubrey Golding (she/her) currently serves as the Program Director at Eden Village West, where she applies her deep commitment to environmental stewardship and her passion for nurturing Jewish growth and discovery. As an Earth-guardian, she inspires future generations to uphold the sacred duty of safeguarding our environment. Aubrey brings a holistic approach to her work, creating an enriching environment for children to thrive in their personal and spiritual journeys.

A graduate of the dual-degree master's program in Jewish Nonprofit Management at Hebrew Union College and Public Administration at the University of Southern California, Aubrey has a strong foundation in both leadership and community engagement. Her previous roles have included serving as the Development Coordinator at Hillel 818 in the San Fernando Valley, where she played a key role in uniting young alumni through various programming, volunteering, and leadership opportunities. This position allowed her to significantly enhance Jewish life in the San Fernando Valley.

Prior, Aubrey was a Zelikow Fieldwork Intern at the American Jewish Committee in Los Angeles. Her work there included engaging in global Jewish and democratic issues with diplomats and U.S. representatives, as well as building community alliances through her lobbying efforts at the state capitol.

During her studies at California State University, Northridge, where she earned a B.A. in Sociology with minors in Africana Studies and Human Sexuality, Aubrey was known as an “818 Super-fan.” She was heavily involved in numerous fellowships, Shabbatons, delegations, and leadership roles, reflecting her commitment to both Jewish and community life. Furthermore, she held significant positions in the Jewish sorority SAEPi and as President of Matadors for Israel.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Aubrey is an avid hiker, vegan baker, student of Jewish mysticism, and fitness enthusiast. Her lifestyle is a testament to her dedication to personal well-being and her commitment to creating a peaceful and sustainable world for future generations.

Lauren Judelson is an attorney with over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Currently, she serves as the Manager of Business Affairs at Meta and previously worked as Legal Counsel - North America Products & Publishing at Electronic Arts. Her expertise in managing legal aspects within the entertainment industry contributes to her understanding of the complexities involved in strategic decision-making. In addition to her professional achievements, Lauren holds a JD from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles, where she served as the President of the Entertainment and Sports Law Society and the Executive Editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review. She also obtained her BA in Theater, Film, and Television from UCLA. During her time at UCLA, she held leadership positions such as the Vice President of the Jewish sorority Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi and the Standards of Excellence Chair.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Lauren actively engages in her community. Currently, she is involved in the Community Leadership Institute with the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, completing her board residency with ETTA Los Angeles. Lauren also served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader in Beverly Hills for several years and dedicated over 15 years as an active volunteer and fundraiser for JDRF. Lauren's passion for Jewish community building and dedication to service drives her desire to join the Hillel 818 board. She strongly believes in the importance of creating a space for Jewish life on campus, having attended numerous Hillel events and services during her undergraduate years.

Kathi Mangel was born and raised in the West San Fernando Valley. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in Spanish and Linguistics and spent her professional life working in retail for The Broadway and Nordstrom department stores, both in merchandising and human resources. After the birth of her third daughter, she ended her career in retail and began her life as a volunteer. She served as PTA president, Girl Scout Leader, Band Booster President and in several positions on the board of Temple Etz Chaim. Between 2007 and 2012, she owned and operated three weight management franchises in the Los Angeles area.

Kathi is the immediate former Board Chair of the board of Hillel 818 and has been a member of that board for the past 5 years. She also sits on the board of Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. She is a member of SOAR, supporting the Jewish Home and a member of AIPAC.

Jack Mayer received his BA, MA, and Ph.D. from New York University and is trained professionally as a European historian. He has held Jewish Federation executive roles in St. Paul, MN, Hartford, CT, and in Los Angeles, CA as the Director of the Valley Region and Valley Alliance of the LA Jewish Federation. He also spent several years working at the Council of Jewish Federations (CJF) in New York City as the National Assistant Director of Leadership Development and was the Director of the Hebrew Union College School of Jewish Communal Service, working with 5 graduating classes.

Mayer helped establish an independent JCC at the Milken Campus in West Hills. He then served as Associate Director of Development for the Salvation Army of Southern California, and most recently as the West Coast Director for the Israeli humanitarian medical program Save a Child’s Heart based at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel.

Mayer is retired and, alongside his wife (and retired CSUN professor), Ellen, is an enthusiastic international traveler and sailor. He has two married children and four grandchildren.

Laura Ozer was raised in a family committed to Jewish philanthropy and has been involved in community service for as long as she can remember. Her involvement began within the realm of education, both during her own time in school and that of her children.

It is her honor to serve on the Board of Hillel 818 and to work to support a strong Jewish life on college campuses. Now an empty nester, Laura is stepping up her personal commitment by working on several other boards within the Jewish community. These include Sylvia Weiss Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation, AJU’s University Women, Save a Child’s Heart, The Executives of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, and the Pico Union Project.

She is the proud mother of two wonderful sons, who she considers to be her crowning achievement.

Stephen Rischall is an accomplished leader with a profound commitment to community development and financial well-being. Holding a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Finance and Financial Management Services from California State University, Northridge, he graduated with Honors in Finance during 2007-2009.

As the Chairman of the Board at the San Fernando Valley Junior Chamber from January 2011 to December 2016, Stephen orchestrated initiatives that empowered emerging leaders aged 21-40, fostering enduring professional relationships and enriching the local community.

From January 2012 to December 2018, Stephen's role as YALA Board Co-Chair at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles showcased his dedication to civil rights and social action. Instrumental in supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring the Jewish community's continuity, he led YALA in providing a platform for young professionals to thrive through social, professional, volunteer, and leadership programs.

Stephen contributed significantly as the 25 to 5 Chapter Treasurer at City of Hope between January 2015 and December 2016. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in raising crucial funds for selected research projects, furthering City of Hope's groundbreaking work in cancer, diabetes, and disease research and treatment.

Today, Stephen Rischall's impact continues as an award-winning CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Navalign Wealth Partners. With a steadfast commitment to his clients' financial prosperity, he specializes in comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and wealth transfer strategies. Featured in prestigious publications including the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and InvestmentNews, Stephen offers tailored solutions that prioritize clients' best interests, embodying the highest fiduciary standards.

Sandor E. Samuels is currently an adjunct professor in Business Law at California State University, Northridge. He also teaches Employment Discrimination Law at Loyola Law School. In November 2010, Samuels was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bet Tzedek Legal Services, after having served on its Board of Directors for almost 16 years, and served in that position until August 2014.

Samuels spent more than 35 years in the financial services industry, including 18 years as the Chief Legal Officer of Countrywide Financial Corporation and as the general counsel of Bank of America’s Home Loans and Insurance division. In 2006, Samuels was named as one of the top 25 lawyers in the San Fernando Valley, California; in 2005, he was named Outstanding Corporate Counsel of the Year by the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Corporate Law Department Section; and in 2004, he received the Luis Lainer Founder’s Award from Bet Tzedek Legal Services.

Samuels currently serves on the Boards the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, Hillel 818, Adat Ari El synagogue, the National Council of the American Israel Political Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the AIPAC Valley Executive Committee, and on the Presidents’ Council of Bet Tzedek. He is also the Chairman of the Board of the Jewish Los Angeles Special Needs Trust and the Chair of the AIPAC Los Angeles Pro-Israel Network. Previously, Samuels served on the Boards of the American Jewish University, the Los Angeles Urban League and the Constitutional Rights Foundation. He also served as Chairman of the Legal Issues Committee of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America.

Samuels attended Princeton University where he earned an A.B. degree, summa cum laude, in Near Eastern Studies and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In 1973, Samuels spent the summer studying Arabic at the American University in Cairo. He attended UCLA School of Law where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. Following law school, Samuels clerked for Federal District Court Judge Irving Hill in the Central District of California and then joined the law firm of Munger, Tolles & Olsen.

Ellen Silverman has been engaged in the Jewish community for over 30 years. Throughout this time, she has actively participated in various organizations, including Jewish Family Services, the Pico Union Project, University Women at American Jewish University, and her synagogue, Adat Ari El. At the synagogue, she has held the roles of Sisterhood and synagogue president.

Ellen's involvement with the Jewish Federation has been extensive. She has served as the Valley Alliance Women’s Philanthropy Chair and Campaign Co-Chair. Currently, she holds positions on both the Federation Board of Trustees and its Campaign Cabinet. Moreover, she generously contributes as a mentor in the Community Leadership Institute program.

Having completed his education in New York, Scott ventured to Los Angeles with the goal of obtaining his real estate license and launching his career in the field. While he was in the process of acquiring his real estate license, he managed Malibu Grand Prix in Northridge to sustain himself. In 1991, while residing in Studio City, he crossed paths with his future wife Suzanne, an elementary teacher in LAUSD. Their journey as a family commenced in Tarzana before relocating to Woodland Hills in 1997. They have called Woodland Hills home for the past 22 years, sharing their lives with their cherished daughters Carly and Hailey, as well as their beloved Golden Doodles.

Scott is an enthusiastic volunteer and a prominent figure in the community's leadership. Presently, he holds the position of chairman on the El Camino Real Charter High School Board. He is an active board member at the Child Development Institute and also contributes his time to the board of the Southern California Referee Association – Ventura Chapter. Moreover, he is a valuable member of the Editorial Board of the Valley News Group. In the past, he served as Secretary and Chairman of the Woodland Hills-Warner Center Neighborhood Council (WHWCNC).

Scott's commitment to service has earned him distinction as a two-time finalist for the Fernando Award, both in 2018 and 2019. This award holds the highest esteem for volunteerism and philanthropy in the San Fernando Valley.

Mark Steres recently retired from a legal career of 36 years. He was a partner with private law firms representing public agency clients in a general counsel role, along with private clients in land use, planning, environmental and development matters. Mark was the City Attorney of the Cities of La Canada Flintridge (2003-2018), Cerritos (2006-2020), and San Dimas (2014-2018) and represented private developers in the cities of West Hollywood, Culver City, and Carson, among others.

Mark grew up in the San Fernando Valley attending Wilbur Elementary, Portola Junior High and Taft High School. Mark graduated from UCLA (BA) in 1981 and USC (JD) in 1984. He is married to his college sweetheart and has two sons, a daughter-in-law and grandson.

An alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, Fred Summers moved to Los Angeles in 1978 and began a business career that included 18 years as a personnel recruiter and ten years in international supply chain management. In 2006 he chose to apply his operational expertise in support of the SOVA Community Food & Resource Program of Jewish Family Service where he served as Senior Director. In addition to growing the emergency food program to more than tripled in size, he greatly expanded its range of services and the nutritional content of its food. Fred's responsibilities also included directing the JFS Senior Nutrition program with 15 congregate meal sites, a large home-delivery program, and a kosher kitchen. Fred has provided leadership and support to a range of hunger relief efforts at the local and state level and is an active advocate, speaker and panelist on issues relating to food insecurity and poverty. Since his retirement three years ago, Fred has continued his involvement with JFS as a weekly volunteer.

Fred served for eight years on the local board of the United Way's Emergency Food & Shelter Program with the last two years as its Chair. In this role, he was responsible for reviewing the grant applications, selecting the recipients and distributing up to $30 million dollars annually in federal support to over 100 charitable organizations in the LA area. Additionally, he has served as a board member and officer of two local synagogues - Congregation Ahavat Torah in Brentwood and Makom Ohr Shalom in Tarzana.

On a personal level, Fred is lucky to have married a wonderful former educator, Joannie, and together they have four wonderful adult children and four exceptional grandchildren.

Steven Windmueller assumes the distinguished role of Rabbi Alfred Gottschalk Emeritus Professor of Jewish Communal Studies at the Jack H. Skirball Campus of HUC-JIR in Los Angeles. Before joining Hebrew Union College, Dr. Windmueller contributed to the American Jewish Committee's staff from 1969 to 1972. He then led the Albany (NY) Jewish Federation from 1973 to 1985, followed by directing the JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Committee) of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation from 1985 to 1995.

With a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, Professor Windmueller is an author of four books and a plethora of articles. His research shines a light on Jewish communal trends, anti-Semitism, and Jewish political behavior. Currently, he's immersed in editing a forthcoming volume for the Casden Institute of USC, titled “Donald Trump’s Impact on American Jews,” set to be unveiled in the summer of 2021.