We are thrilled to welcome two remarkable leaders to the Jews of Color Initiative’s Board of Directors: Natasha Kehimkar and Kai Mishlove. Natasha and Kai bring deep expertise in organizational transformation, inclusive leadership, public health, and Jewish communal life. Their long-standing commitments to building just, resilient, and connected communities align powerfully with the values that guide our work. As we continue to grow in scale and impact, we are honored to have their leadership and vision shaping our next chapter.
We also express our heartfelt gratitude to Thor Kaslofsky, who is retiring from our Board after three years of dedicated service. Thor’s strategic insight and passion for community development have been invaluable to JoCI’s growth, and his contributions will continue to ripple through the work we do. We are grateful for the time, energy, and expertise he so generously shared with our organization and community.
NATASHA KEHIMKAR
Natasha Kehimkar (she/her) is a strategic advisor, executive team coach, and organizational transformation expert. As CEO and founder of Malida Advisors, she and her team enable companies to achieve their goals by addressing organizational friction, developing resilient and inclusive leaders, and fostering high-performing teams. With nearly 30 years of global experience, Natasha is a rapid-response expert in navigating challenges such as restructuring and cultural change in dynamic industries like tech and biotech. Natasha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Master’s degree in HR and Labor Relations, and is an ICF-accredited executive coach and team coach.
Born and raised in Toronto and now a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, Natasha serves on the board of the Jewish Community Relations Council and advisory committees with both the county SELPA and the local high school district.
KAI MISHLOVE
Kai Mishlove (she/her) is a passionate and dedicated Jewish communal leader, with a career spanning Jewish Social Service agencies to Jewish Community Relations Councils (JCRC). She is a firm believer in the African Proverb: “It Takes a Village” and is guided every day by the Jewish values of Tzedakah, Chesed, and Tzedek. Kai has a BA in Political Science from Boston University with graduate studies in Public Health from University of Illinois.
She has served on numerous boards, including Hillel Milwaukee, JCRC Milwaukee, the Friendship Circle WI, NCJW Milwaukee, ADL Midwest, SE Asian Literacy Project, Wisconsin African Community Association, Turner Hall, Rotary Club, Hands and Voices, and various disability rights groups. Kai is a graduate of multiple Jewish leadership programs including Bend the Arc’s Selah JOC Cohort 15 Leadership Program, the Jewish Women of Color Resilience Circle 2, Leading Edge, and is currently part of Cohort IV of the Elluminate Collective.
Kai has been recognized with honors such as the NCJW Milwaukee Building Bridges Award, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s 2020 Shero award, and the 2021 Woman of Faith Award for her Tables Across Borders Project, a restaurant and community gathering pop up highlighting the cuisine and cultures of local refugees.
Kai is a very proud stepmother and mother of four adult children and stand-in “American mom” and “auntie” to several refugee youth. Kai’s hobbies include motorcycles, bikes, cooking, gardening, music, and art. Kai feels very strongly about the importance of building global bridges between cultures and the promotion of inclusive and healthy communities.
Mazal tov to Natasha and Kai on joining the Board—we are so excited for what’s ahead! And once again, with deep appreciation, we thank Thor for his years of leadership.