DR. GIL PEREG
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Pereg was the principal of Blich High School between the years 2004-2011. He was recognized as an outstanding principal by the city of Ramat Gan. Prior to that, he was the principal at Amit High School at Bar-Ilan University.
Dr. Pereg has a doctorate from Northeastern University. His doctoral thesis was about effective practices of successful principals in Israeli high schools. He has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University and a Masters in Jewish Philosophy (with honors) and a law degree from Bar Ilan University.
Dr. Pereg is a graduate of the Wexner and Eisenhower leadership programs and is the co-chair of the alumni association of the Eisenhower program in Israel. He previously headed the alumni council of the Wexner program in Israel and served on the board of “Avney Rosha”, the Israeli Institute for School Leadership.
LONI KRAUT
Chief Operating Officer
Loni has been with Youth Renewal Fund for 8.5 years following 10 years at UJA-Federation of New York, where she served as Associate Director in the Wall Street and Financial Services Division. Prior to her time at UJA, Loni worked at UBS in Fixed Income and Lending & Credit, as well as a financial advisor at Stifel Nicolaus. Loni oversees all aspects of Youth Renewal Fund’s fundraising, from young leadership to major gifts. Loni holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana University, and an MBA from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. She lives in New York City with her husband and 2 daughters.
SABRINA KURZMAN
Senior Vice President
Sabrina brings a wealth of experience in development, fundraising and event planning. Most recently, she was the Director of Development for the David Posnack Jewish Day School in Davie, Florida, spearheading a Capital and Annual campaign for two campuses.
She is an active member of Screen Actors Guild and has worked in the entertainment business for over 20 years as an actor, producer and writer. Sabrina devotes her time to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, which she created the foundations annual national Comedy Night, serves as an Executive Board of Trustee and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2016.
In addition, as a volunteer, Sabrina has raised significant dollars for The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Debbie’s Dream Foundation; Curing Stomach Cancer and Project Newborn. Sabrina loves to play tennis, is an avid reader, watch documentaries and is learning to play golf. She is a proud mom of five children and resides in Ft. Lauderdale.
EMILY GRANT
Development & Events Manager
Emily brings a versatile and innovative background to the team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University and has over ten years of experience in business and development. From producing and providing professional performers for high-end events all over the USA, she takes on a multidimensional approach in all her endeavors.
Emily has found some of her most rewarding opportunities to be teaching dance and life skills to underserved youth in New York City and becoming a mental health advocate, using it as a force to drive the impactful life lessons she imparts through writing and coaching. She is thrilled to be able to fuel her love for curating memorable events with her passion for helping others through her role at YRF.
GABRIELLE SHUTTER
Development and Engagement Manager, West Coast
Gabrielle brings a unique perspective and multifaceted background to the team. She holds a Bachelor degree from SUNY Brockport in two specializations and has excelled in marketing, events, television production and sales. From executing live events for networks like E! Entertainment to conferences, festivals, major red carpets throughout the US and selling luxury homes in Southern California, she has successfully worked with people of all backgrounds, statuses and interests.
Moreover, Gabby has a fond interest in Israel and a love for Torah and Judaism. Her involvement in other like-minded organizations and young leadership has led her passion for people to YRF. She is incredibly excited to bring awareness and her skillset to a bigger cause and purpose by helping underserved youth in Israel change the scope of their futures. Giving is the ultimate form of selflessness, and Gabby is excited to give more opportunity to the younger generation that will hold the key to theirs and our future.
LIZA BYRNE
Marketing & Development Manager
Liza joins Youth Renewal Fund after graduating from Emory University with a BA in English in Spring 2021. She is a native New Yorker, and moved back to NYC full-time since graduating. Before YRF, she spent two summers interning at the Anti-Defamation League, as well as joined several Jewish & Israel organizations on campus, including Emory Israel Public Affairs Committee (EIPAC) and Sigma Delta Tau.
She brings a deep passion for Jewish philanthropy, educational equity, and Israel advocacy. She is thrilled to hold her first post-graduate position with YRF, and looks forward to developing her skills in marketing, development, and research through this role.
MOLLY CHEPENIK
Development Associate
Molly joined Youth Renewal Fund in summer 2024 as the team’s development associate. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a high school English teacher in a low-income community in Brooklyn. She supported the charter school’s mission to bridge the opportunity gap between her students and students from wealthier communities. Molly brings strong verbal and written communication skills. Before teaching, she worked as an editor for Healthline Media, where she edited informational medical articles and personal stories for content and clarity.
Molly is so excited to combine her love for the Jewish community with her desire to ensure equal educational opportunity for all students. She is originally from Miami Beach and currently resides in New York City. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida.