Jennifer Finkelstein has served as President and Founder of 5 Under 40 Foundation for the last 6 years. Ms. Finkelstein spent the first 18 years of her professional career in the Healthcare Sector. In April 2005, she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32, weeks before her wedding. She found herself unable to connect with anyone, personally or professionally, who shared a similarly shocking diagnosis. The critical peer support and information network she desperately sought was non-existent to the under 40 patient population. As a result, she quit her job, took a leap of faith, and created an ecosystem featuring leading health and wellness experts and a peer match team serving young women newly facing breast cancer in their 20’s and 30’s.
In 2019, Ms. Finkelstein was honored by Lauren Manning with East End Hospice’s Camp Good Grief’s Good Heart Award at their 20th gala in New York, NY. In 2016, Ms. Finkelstein was honored by Julie Ratner with the Ellen Hermanson Foundation Award in Southampton, NY. In 2019, she was featured on Thrive Global. 5 Under 40 held its third gala at Gotham Hall in April of this year. On this extraordinary evening, Amy Robach honored Actress Kate Walsh. Press from their April gala appeared digitally on ExtraTV, OK! AOL, Life & Style, Resident Magazine, 25A Magazine, Guest of a Guest, and New York Social Diary. In the last six years, the foundation has been prominently featured on MSNBC, Fox News, Good Morning America, Today Show, Star Ledger, The Montclair Times, Country Living Magazine, Hamptons Magazine, and Cosmopolitan.
When Jennifer was diagnosed, she found what she was searching for when she was introduced to Michal Alibayof, also diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32, three years earlier through Ellen Lowey. Ellen accompanied Jennifer to everything breast cancer related — from doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy, wig to head shaving appointments. Michal would be the first young woman with breast cancer she had met and best friend she’d ever had. Overnight, she became her rock. More importantly, the deep bond that developed and support Michal provided proved a powerful tool for Jennifer’s healthy recovery and survival. Together, they dreamed of one day being able to help and inspire other young women faced with this disease. In June 2011, Michal received a second recurrence of breast cancer and as a result, Jennifer fulfilled their dream by establishing the 5 Under 40 Foundation; a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to women under 40 facing breast cancer. On Valentine’s Day of 2012, Michal devastatingly passed away at the age of 42. Her generous and loving spirit lives on in her proudest achievement, her beautiful children, Samantha, 21, and Jonny, 18. It’s also very much alive in the important and very personal work of 5 Under 40. In September 2012, 5 Under 40 received official recognition as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The foundation is dedicated to funding medical, beauty, wellness, and educational services to women diagnosed with breast cancer under age 40 and those with BRCA. The organization has rolled out over 6,000 funded services to over 575 women in less than five years and has an inevitable fate for expansion.
Ms. Finkelstein resides in NYC with her husband, Dr. Robert Fafalak, and their bulldog, Lexi Finkelstein.
Lisa Green is currently Google’s Head of Industry for the Fashion & Luxury Goods sector. Lisa brings a strategic blend of insights and digital solutions to the fashion industry to help them build brands and drive business online. Joining Google in 2005, Lisa has held a variety of positions, always with a focus on global brand building. She was a founding member of Google’s Agency Development Team, launched the Campaigns & Elections Team, and has been the recipient of numerous awards.
Prior to joining Google, Lisa spent 2 years at National Journal Group, working with large advertisers that targeted beltway insiders and Members of Congress. Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and History from Middlebury College. She is fluent in Spanish and is a member of the New York Road Runners Club. Lisa currently lives in New York City with her husband and their two children.
JB is the CEO/owner of Chief Signs, LLC as well as Long Island Boat Rentals. Previously, JB held the position as CEO/President of Circle Line Cruises. He serves on the Board of NYC Parks & Recreation Department. He is also a proud graduate of University of Virginia where he earned the proud distinction of being elected All-American Lacrosse Player. JB resides in Port Washington, LI.
Meri Selver is the Co-Founder of Treluxe – Gifts and Glamour for the Home. She has been featured several times in (201) Magazine, showcasing her successful line of luxury home accents. Prior to Treluxe, Meri spent her career running the operations department for high-end specialty retailers, such as Intermix and Kenneth Cole. Not only does she contribute a depth of experience in business, but she also has a great amount of devotion to our cause. In addition to 5 Under 40 Foundation, Meri is also a supporter of the Center for Food Action, Triple Negative Breast Cancer Association and Englewood Hospital in NJ.
Honorary Board Member.
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