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Meet the faces behind

the Jewish American summit

 Dedicated leaders who lend their time, insight, and networks to shaping the vision and execution of the Jewish American Summit.

JAS Co-Founders and Executive Producers

Michael
Drath

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Boris
Epstein

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JAS Co-Chairs

A select group of community leaders whose exceptional leadership, strategic guidance, and hands-on commitment have been instrumental in bringing the Jewish American Summit to life.

Megan
Laskin

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Laura
Stein

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Derek
Karpel

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Jared
Karpel

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Judy
Burkow

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Honorary Chairs

Recognizing the extraordinary generosity of those distinguished community leaders and financial supporters whose leadership and vision make the Jewish American Summit possible at its highest level.

Richard Sandler

Richard
Sandler

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Henry
Manoucheri

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Jeff
Singer

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Stephen
Samuels

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Aish LA Leadership

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Event Committee

An extraordinary group of individuals whose generosity, strategic support, and steadfast commitment play a vital role in making the Jewish American Summit possible.

Howard Schwartz | Andy Bongar | Rick Baer | Jeff Schachter | Dana Ballas | Erez Goldman

Circle of Friends

Recognizing the many others who are helping advance the Summit through introductions, advocacy, and community support.

Irving and Nancy Chase | Rob and Mary Mandel | Stephen and Jessica Samuel | Avi and Rhona Wacht
Jack and Linda Nourafshan | Stacy Tilliss | Alissa Haroush | Andrea Ballas | Scott Yahraus
Lisa Kodimer | Lisa Pinto | Minette Rubin | Deborah Termeie | Dr. Susan Berman | Julia Kozlov | Danna Ballas
Loren Puterman | Sara Cohen | Karina Gordon | David and Cara Melnick | Michele Stein

JAS sponsors include

Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries Logo
Jewish Federation LA Logo
The Foundation Logo

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Mike Drath

Entrepreneur/Co-founder & Executive Producer, JAS

Mike is an Israeli-born, South African–raised business leader with extensive experience across media and consumer technologies, including streaming TV, mobile gaming, social media, and AI. His career spans leadership roles at Disney, Paramount, Deloitte, and Bain, and he has launched and scaled various ventures, including streamer Pluto TV through its successful sale to Paramount. Deeply committed to combating antisemitism, Mike co-founded and Co-Chairs the Jewish American Summit with Aish LA. Beyond his professional and community work, Mike is a tennis fanatic, a passionate music and arts festival attendee, and most importantly, Daddy to his 8 yr old son.

Boris Epstein

Founder, 1st10/Co-founder & Executive Producer, JAS

Boris Epstein is Co-Founder and Executive Producer of the Jewish American Summit, where he helps bring together influential leaders from across business, government, media, and the Jewish community to strengthen Jewish unity and support for Israel. In his professional life, he is Founder and CEO of 1st10, an executive search and capital partner to  leading AI and frontier technology companies. Based in Los Angeles, Boris serves on the Advisory Council of Israel Bonds and volunteers with Magen Am, supporting the safety and resilience of the local Jewish community.

Megan Laskin

Community Leader/Former Prosecutor

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Megan Laskin is a mother of two, former Prosecutor, and dedicated community leader. She has volunteered with several organizations, including Jewish Federation, JFSA, Jewish day schools, and is currently on the board of the Vancouver Holocaust Education Center. Following October 7, 2023, Megan organized two large-scale events that featured diverse speakers where half of the attendees were not Jewish. Most recently, she chaired the 2025 JNF event, raising funds for a medical project in Ashdod, furthering her commitment to fight antisemitism and support Israel. 

Laura Stein

Counsel, Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

Laura Stein is of Counsel at Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP, focusing her practice in the areas of securities fraud class action litigation, complex litigation and legislative law. Laura currently serves on the Israel Bonds National Board of Directors and as the Chair of the Israel Bonds Los Angeles. Laura has also been a leader in many Jewish community organizations including StandWithUs, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles (having served for several years on the PK-12 committee), WIZO, and JNF.

Richard Sandler

Executive VP, Milken Family Foundation

Richard Sandler is Executive Vice President, Secretary, and Trustee of the Milken Family Foundation, where he has advanced education and medical research initiatives since 1982. He chairs the board of The Jewish Federations of North America and previously led The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. A partner at Maron & Sandler specializing in business law and investments, Richard also serves on numerous nonprofit and corporate boards. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and UCLA Law. 

Henry Manoucheri

CEO/Chairman, Universe Holdings

Henry Manoucheri, Founder and CEO of Universe Holdings, has built one of California’s largest real estate investment firms with $1.5B AUM and 3,000 units. Immigrating from Iran under the Shah’s regime, he has become a major investor in Israel and a devoted philanthropist, deeply committed to supporting Israel and strengthening Jewish community organizations worldwide.

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