| |
Donald Kaplan
President,
Founder, AIK Foundation
As a third-generation builder and owner of multi-family residential property, Donald Kaplan has constructed hundreds of apartment units in conjunction with the Federal Housing Administration and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He pioneered the Section 23 Housing program for low- and moderate-income seniors and received an award for his efforts from Los Angeles City Councilman Gilbert Lindsay. Mr. Kaplan also designed a housing program for senior citizens, the National Senior Citizens Urban Housing Rehabilitation Association, which became law in California and garnered approximately $100 million for builders throughout the state. In recent years, he has managed his own properties locally and internationally, and has established the AIK Foundation and its project, Global Safe Haven Network. Mr. Kaplan and his wife founded the organization after the tragic death of their daughter, Alyson Ilene Kaplan. The AIK Foundation and Global Safe Haven Network offer travel education, support, and protection for young people around the world. Mr. Kaplan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Real Estate Management, a Masters degree in Business Administration, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Finance.
“As the founder of AIK Foundation and Global Safe Haven Network, I work to honor the memory of my daughter and prevent such tragic losses. The Global Safe Haven Network and the AIK Foundation utilize cutting-edge technologies and education to prepare young people for travel and keep them safe away from home. In essence, GSHN gives travelers a chance to make an informed choice, and provides a secure environment in which to do so.
Back to top
Joanne Kaplan
Founder
Joanne Kaplan has been actively involved in non profits organizations for 25 years. In addition to her devotion in raising four children, Joanne has been instrumental in organizing fundraisers for the Spastic Children’s Foundation, the Children’s Aid Guild, is a supporter of the Starlight Foundation and was a member of the Amanda Foundation’s committee.
Joanne successfully managed an insurance agency for 18 years and for the past 8 years to present is the bookkeeper and manager of three prominent southern California restaurants.
Back to top
Drew J. Kaplan
Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer, ISWest.
Biographical Highlights
- Born in Los Angeles California in 1969
- Purebred Entrepreneur and Inventor
- Has successfully started and run many companies ranging from Car Audio, Property Management, Real Estate, Development, Telecommunications and most recently Internet.
- ISWest is a full service broadband Internet service provider to businesses, offering server co-location, managed Web hosting, high-speed T1s, bonded T1s, DS3s and DSL to small and medium sized business.
Awards and Recognition
- Named to Deloitte & Touche’s prestigious Los Angeles Technology Fast 50 list in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
- Named to Deloitte & Touche’s prestigious Nationwide Technology Fast 500 list in 2004.
- Ranked the 4th largest ISP by the Los Angeles Business Journal as well as the top 50 and 100 fastest growing privately held companies and 16th largest Telecommunication Company in the region for 2005.
- Mr. Kaplan was also named in the 2004, 40 under 40 list of business professional by the San Fernando Business Journal.
Back to top
Lisa Braden-Klenner
Founder
Lisa Braden-Klenner is one of the founders of the Alyson Ilene Kaplan (AIK) Foundation. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the California State University of Northridge (CSUN), graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1989. She also possesses a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Psychology and has been practicing as a School Psychologist in the Lancaster School District for the past sixteen years. Her job entails assisting in identifying and placing students who have special educational needs. She also consults with teachers in developing and implementing modifications for students who have special needs or who are otherwise struggling academically or behaviorally. Lisa’s position further allows her to directly counsel with students who have emotional or behavioral problems that are interfering with their education. She has also been able to train students to assist their peers with problem solving or academic difficulties. As one of the longest employed and one of the most experienced School Psychologists in the Lancaster School District, Lisa is frequently a direct supervisor for intern psychologists. She was previously the President of the local association, Antelope Valley Association of School Psychologist (AVASP), which provides ongoing educational opportunities for School Psychologist throughout the Antelope Valley and is currently recognized as an extension of the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP). Since Lisa was nine years old, she knew she wanted to help people, especially young people or children. She is able to fulfill her goals and dreams every day in her current job and through the AIK Foundation, which has enormous meaning to her since it was founded as part of a memorial on the behalf of her beloved sister, Alyson Ilene Kaplan whom she misses every day.
Back to top
Tara Kaplan
Founder
Tara Kaplan an honor student now attending the Maric College to earn her Associates of Arts degree as paralegal is the youngest of the Kaplan children.
Well before Tara graduated Agoura Hills high school in 2003 Tara was already in the work force and well on her way to demonstrating her leadership qualities. A friendly and enthusiastic nature has made her an asset to her employers.
An avid travel enthusiast Tara's love for her big sister Alyson is evident in her commitment to the continuing success of the AIK Foundation's mission in developing programs to educating young travelers in safe travel habits.
Tara is now being groomed as one of the foundations future leaders.
Back to top
|
