Throughout the month, we are spotlighting the newest members of the Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Board of Governors. Today we are pleased to highlight Hadar Borden, Director of the University at Buffalo’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory. She previously served as Administrative Director of UB’s Undergraduate Academies and held assistant director roles in the University Honors College and the Office of Admissions.

A returning member of the Federation Board and a proud UB alumna, Hadar holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geography with a focus on international business and world trade. Her professional excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Professional Service (2012), Buffalo Business First’s Forty Under 40 (2013), Women of Influence (2021), and InfoTech WNY’s BETAS Innovative Educator Award (2022).

“Hadar has been an exceptional community thought partner for years,” reflects Miriam Abramovich, Federation CEO. “Her leadership on teen engagement and her impactful service on our Personnel Committee have been invaluable. We are thrilled to welcome her voice once againto the Federation Board table.”

Beyond campus, Hadar serves on the Board of the Amherst Industrial Agency and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Buffalo. She was a founding board member of The Tool Library, has contributed to Explore Buffalo, and received the Federation’s Ann Holland Cohn Community Impact Award in 2024.

Hadar is married to Dave Borden and is the proud mother of two adult sons.