Annette Kurer, Chair

“I am thrilled and extremely proud to be the Chair of ORT UK. ORT is an esteemed organisation, whose work is to educate, support and mentor disadvantaged students to be independent and stand on their own two feet as they reach adulthood. I am passionate about creating greater awareness of the organisation and engaging a wider audience to ensure that ORT UK raises funds for international projects for less fortunate students from around the world. I also want to expand our efforts nationally and inclusively to educate our next generation to become self-reliant individuals.”

Andrea Cohen

“I have been aware for some time of the wonderful work that ORT UK does, both here and internationally, having been a mentor and my daughter a mentee, when ORT JUMP was introduced in Manchester. I am passionate about educating our future generations and providing them with opportunities to develop and achieve their potential and have a particular interest in extending the ORT JUMP programme to schools outside the London area. This will not only be of benefit to the students and hopefully encourage them to get involved in the work of ORT, particularly fundraising, but will increase awareness of ORT generally throughout the UK with their families and friends.”

Louise Davis

“I have been a leader in education for over 28 years in a variety of schools and in that time, the ORT JUMP Mentoring Programme has empowered many of the young people I have worked with. ORT’s focus on enabling students of all backgrounds and abilities to engage in education is vital to today’s young people. I am thrilled to be appointed to the Board and look forward to sharing my expertise in the education sector to help ORT UK grow to even greater heights and extend the impact of its valuable programmes.”

Betty Encinales

“The mission of ORT, which focuses on providing education and practical skills for students to advance their careers, resonates deeply with me. Throughout my tenure as a Talent Acquisition partner for multiple organisations, I have observed the challenges students face in acquiring practical skills and receiving adequate support and mentoring from real working environments. If we can empower individuals with the right tools and opportunities, we have the potential to truly transform the future.”

Calanit Gold

“I strongly believe in the principle of ‘paying it forward,’ which underscores the importance of giving back and supporting the next generation. It is essential to me to contribute to creating a world that I can be proud of by extending help to others, particularly young people. I am incredibly excited and honoured to be part of ORT UK, an organisation dedicated to providing education and resources to empower young individuals to thrive independently. This mission deeply resonates with me as I understand the transformative impact education can have on the lives of young people. In the words of Nelson Mandela: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’”

Boaz Goren, Treasurer

“ORT UK is an immensely important organisation.  Growing up in Israel, I have seen how significant a contribution ORT has made to the lives of so many young people who were fortunate enough to attend their schools.  An ORT education has always been associated with excellence, instilling in their students strong technical and vocational skills which would stand them in good stead for the remainder of their lives. In the UK, through the ORT JUMP programmes, ORT UK has passionately supported young people, helped unleash their potential and acquire the skills to be ‘workplace ready’ and successful at work.  I am absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity to make my contribution to this great cause.”

Cassy Martell

“ORT’s mission to provide education, skills and resilience resonates deeply. If we can empower people, we can quite literally transform the future. It is a huge privilege to begin my journey here and at such a profound moment; taking ORT UK forward into its centenary and World ORT into its 140th anniversary. ORT has successfully transformed many futures and it is our shared responsibility to ensure it continues to do so. I look forward to driving this mission forward.”

Natalia Mesrie

“As a mother of young children, I recognise now more than ever, the value and importance of education for our future generations to achieve their full potential. For over 140 years, ORT has driven this mission forward, as one of the world’s largest Jewish education and training charitable organisations. ORT UK provides the skills to transform lives through education and work, empowering the next generation to face the future. I’m proud to be joining the Board at this vital time and to have the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Ashley Reeback

“ORT’s primary objective is to enhance people’s lives through education and for this to be the foundation for their future.  The heritage of ORT started from dealing with education in a very different world to the one in which we live today and as a charity it has had to adapt to an ever changing environment in which education is as crucial a factor today as was when the charity was founded.  Being able to play a role in the future development of this charity is hugely important and I am looking forward to the future with this wonderful organisation.”

Nick Reid

“Having come into contact with ORT UK through their pioneering NXT programming, I was very impressed to discover how the charity is connecting young people with the workplace and setting them up for success. I believe that tech skills need to be delivered at a younger age to allow our youth to compete in today’s economy. I look forward to contributing my technology industry experience and passion for Jewish community leadership to both enhance the operational and educational functions of the charity.”

Dan Reinhold

“I have been a mentor on the ORT JUMP programme for over five years and I find it an incredibly rewarding experience. Inspired by two family members who mentored before me, I have become passionate about working with young people to help them think about their longer-term careers and aspirations and what it means to engage with a professional adult outside of their family or social circle. ORT’s ultimate ambition is to help transform the lives of others through education and work. I’m proud that the ORT JUMP programmes assist teenagers from a range of schools and diverse backgrounds. I believe that we have much to share with the ORT JUMP students, but they have equally as much to share with us mentors in return. The mutual learning and growth makes me proud to take on my role as a trustee.”

Bianca Weber

“A fundamental part of my Jewish identity is the responsibility to give back. Since I was a child, charity is something that has always been instilled in me. Therefore, I am honoured to be associated with one of the world’s largest Jewish education and training charitable organisations. I very much like the fact that ORT UK teaches people how to fish, rather than giving them the fish to eat which would never break the line of poverty and never create self-sufficient economies. Education is key for the future and will make a difference to young people’s livelihood. Education should not be a privilege and no student should fall behind or drop out due to financial distress.”