2022

Clara Scheinmann ’04 is the Director of Programs and Strategy for the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, launched by Robert Kraft in 2019. Clara works closely with the family to execute on the foundation’s mission – to win the hearts and minds of non-Jews and Jews through powerful positive messaging and partnerships, motivating and equipping them to be defenders of and upstanders for Jews and Israel. Previously, Clara held several key roles at MassChallenge, the global network for innovators who are working to solve massive challenges.

Most recently, she was the Director of Ecosystem Engagement and led the organization’s strategy and implementation for US expansion. During her tenure, she led major deals for the organization including negotiating rent-free office space for MassChallenge’s next Global Headquarters, securing a multi-million dollar commitment from the Commonwealth of MA, and $5M in major gifts from individuals. From 2013-2016, Clara served as the Social-Secretary to Israel’s Ambassadors to the United States Ron Dermer and Michael Oren, where as a trusted member of the Ambassador’s team, she oversaw and executed all official public events.

Clara is deeply involved in the local Boston and global Jewish communities where she has both completed several leadership development programs and co-chaired committees for the Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP). She is a first generation American, a dual French and American citizen, and speaks six languages including French, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. As the daughter of an Ashkenazi father and a Sephardic mother, Clara has inherited a rich tradition and strong Jewish identity that motivates her to connect with others, hear their stories and develop solutions to ensure a strong future for the Jewish people.