Sivan Ya'ari

Ya'ari was born in Israel, raised in France[1][2] and educated in the United States. She received a bachelor's degree in finance from Pace University[3][4] and a master's degree in international energy management and policy from Columbia University.[5]

In 2008, Ya’ari founded Innovation: Africa a nonprofit organization that brings innovative Israeli technologies to rural villages throughout Africa.[6] The organization has completed over 300 water, agricultural and solar installation projects in remote villages throughout Africa,[7] providing electricity and clean water to over 1.8 million people across 10 African countries.[8]

In 2012, Innovation: Africa received special consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).[9] The following year, the organization was granted the United Nations Innovation Award.[10][11] In 2019, Innovation: Africa won the Innovative Diplomacy Award from the Abba Eban Institute.[12] Innovation: Africa maintains headquarters in both New York and Herzliya Pituah.[13]

Ya’ari has been recognized as one of the most inspiring Israelis this decade by From the Grapevine in 2019;[6] one of the “50 Most Influential Women in Israel” by Forbes;[14] one of the "Top 10 Most Influential Israelis in International Business, science, and Culture” by NoCamels;[13] one of the “Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life” by Algemeiner Journal;[15] and one of the "40 Under 40 Most Promising Israelis" by Globes daily.[5]

Ya’ari resides in Tel Aviv with her husband David Ya’ari Borowich and their three children.[14][16]