Today we proudly cast our spotlight on Hadar Borden who will be honored at next week’s Federation Kick Off event with the prestigious Ann Holland Cohn Community Impact Award. Established in 2018, the Cohn Award celebrates one who leads with courage and determination and has made a significant impact in the greater Buffalo community. Previous awardees include Larry Levite, z”l, Deborah Goldman, Lana Benatovich, and Dr. Gale Burstein.
“We can’t think of a better recipient for this honor,” shared former Federation CEO Rob Goldberg. “Hadar is an inspired leader, proud of being Jewish and of her family connection to Israel. Her passion for Jewish values guides her in working with so many students with diverse backgrounds.”
Hadar is director of the University at Buffalo’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory, a campus-based entrepreneurship and innovation program. She also serves as the director of the WNY Prosperity Fellowship Program, a leadership development program, generously funded by The Prentice Family Foundation that seeks to recruit and retain entrepreneurial-minded students to contribute to economic development in Western New York. Prior to her current roles, Hadar served eight years as the administrative director of the University at Buffalo’s Undergraduate Academies, the collaborative, interdisciplinary living-and-learning communities for undergraduates.
A University at Buffalo alumnus, Hadar holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in geography with a concentration in international business and world trade. In 2012, Hadar was awarded the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award in Professional Service in recognition of her professional accomplishments. Additionally, she received recognition from Buffalo Business First, where she was selected as one of the Forty under 40 in 2013. In 2019, Hadar was awarded the Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Ruth & Milton Kahn Emerging Leadership Award and was honored as a Women of Influence in 2021.
Join us in celebrating Hadar next Tuesday, September 24, at the UB Center for the Arts. The evening starts with cocktails and food stations at 5:30 PM, followed by a 45-minute program at 7:00 PM to honor Marni and her contributions. The after-party, beginning at 7:45 PM, will feature more cocktails, desserts, and music. Tickets are $80 per person, with a minimum $100 gift to the 2025 Annual Campaign requested. RSVP here or call Stacey Block at 716-463-5053.
