Meet the founders
Jody Kipnis
Co-founder, President & CEO
Jody is a passionate leader, advocate, and educator who has dedicated her life to honoring and preserving the memory, lessons, and legacy of the Holocaust for future generations. As the co-founder, President, and CEO of the Holocaust Legacy Foundation, Jody leads initiatives that combat antisemitism, promote human rights, and inspire young people to be agents of change.
Her journey into Holocaust education began with a life-changing trip to Eastern Europe in 2018, where she made a personal pledge to a Holocaust survivor on the grounds of Auschwitz to honor and sustain the lessons of history. Upon returning, she created the Holocaust Legacy Fellows program, an immersive Holocaust education and travel experience for high school students. Guided by her belief that understanding the past equips young people to create a better future, Jody has built programs that leave a lasting impact.
Raised in Malden and later raising her own two children on the North Shore, Jody’s roots are firmly planted in Greater Boston. While working for over 30 years in the dental field, she simultaneously held leadership roles in nonprofits, particularly in the Jewish community and organizations supporting children with disabilities. A natural entrepreneur, Jody thrives on the challenge of building and leading new initiatives, driven by a passion for creating meaningful impact. She continues this commitment by serving on the New England boards of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
Jody’s achievements include spearheading the development of a world-class Holocaust museum in Boston, earning an appointment to Massachusetts’ Special Commission on Antisemitism, and successfully leading educational initiatives that inspire empathy and action. A graduate of Northeastern University, Jody values collaboration, personal growth, and creating meaningful connections that drive change. She is actively working on earning her certificate to combat antisemitism from Spertus Institute in Chicago, further demonstrating her dedication to addressing hatred and building a more inclusive society.
Currently living in Boston, Jody enjoys the vibrant city life and treasures time with friends, family, and her community. She finds joy in walking her dog along Boston’s scenic paths, where she takes time to reflect and recharge. A lifelong learner, Jody enjoys reading about history, leadership, and personal growth, often finding inspiration to incorporate into her work. In her downtime, she loves exploring Boston’s cultural offerings, from museums to local cafés, and cherishes meaningful conversations that deepen her connections with others. Her vision is a world free of hatred, where the lessons of history guide future generations toward dignity, equality, and understanding. Through her work and values, Jody strives to leave a lasting legacy of empathy, education, and hope for a brighter future.
Todd rUderman
Co-Founder
Todd Ruderman is an accomplished professional with a strong background in commercial real estate and a steadfast commitment to education, philanthropy, and community engagement. He co-founded the Holocaust Legacy Foundation and Holocaust Museum Boston to honor the memory of Holocaust victims and ensure its lessons resonate with future generations.
Todd’s professional career spans decades of leadership in national construction firms, private equity groups, and entrepreneurial ventures. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University (1991) and an MBA from Babson College (1999). In 2002, Todd founded Tarco Properties, focusing on growing a commercial real estate portfolio across the eastern United States. He founded Value Store It Management 2008, specializing in self-storage property acquisition, development, and management in Florida, Massachusetts, and Arizona.
Raised in Lynnfield, Todd’s roots are firmly planted in the Greater Boston area, where he is now raising his three children. He values the strong sense of community that comes from living in the region and is dedicated to fostering opportunities for growth and education within it.
Todd’s commitment to philanthropy is reflected in his support of Autism research and programs, including the Lurie Center (MGH), Friendship Circle, The Wolf School, and Best Buddies International. He also actively supports organizations like the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Northeastern University, Babson College, and the Holocaust Legacy Foundation.
As co-founder of the Holocaust Legacy Foundation and Holocaust Museum Boston, Todd is dedicated to preserving the memory and lessons of the Holocaust while combating antisemitism and hatred. The museum’s goal is to educate middle and high school students across New England about the Holocaust’s historical significance and the dangers of unchecked hatred and prejudice. The museum aims to empower young people to stand against bigotry and contribute to a more inclusive society by fostering understanding and empathy.
Todd enjoys spending time with his family and friends outside his professional and philanthropic commitments. He often seeks out historical sites that deepen his understanding of global history and human resilience. Whether through professional endeavors or personal passions, he continuously strives to make a meaningful impact on the world around him. Todd is a strong proponent of emphasizing the importance of paying it forward. He believes in helping others achieve success, trusting that they will, in turn, uplift others, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Todd strives to leave a lasting legacy of empathy, understanding, and hope for a brighter future through his professional achievements, philanthropic endeavors, and personal values.