Our Story
Co-founders Hershel Kleinberg and Lisa Cohen grew up nearly 1000 miles apart; he in Mequon, Wisconsin, and she in Poughkeepsie, New York. Though geographically distant, both Hershel and Lisa were raised in close-knit European-Jewish families who put a high value on education, both formal and experiential. Each has had the opportunity to travel widely, both in the US and internationally. These experiences added to their shared sense of a broad horizon, filled with possibilities. After connecting online in early 2017, Hershel and Lisa quickly began envisioning a shared future. Following their marriage in 2018, they embarked on the journey of launching Open Horizon in 2019.
Hershel and Lisa are both influenced by their European Jewish heritage. Their forebears immigrated to the United States to escape the horrors of persecution and war. This has influenced their commitment to support education, create a stronger civil society, and promote economic equity.
In March 2023, Open Horizon marked a significant milestone by appointing our first Executive Director, D’Lynn Jacobs. Under D’Lynn’s compassionate and people-centered leadership, the foundation has flourished. Throughout D’Lynn’s inaugural year, Open Horizon broadened its network of partners within the social sector, reaffirmed its dedication to empowering partner leaders through the now-annual Leaders Retreat, introduced affinity-based initiatives in our Leaders Network, completed a comprehensive strategic planning process, and welcomed our inaugural Director of Operations & Program Innovation. We are thrilled by our progress and eagerly anticipate further growth as we continue to expand horizons.
Team Bios
Lisa Cohen [she/her], co-founder of Open Horizon, is a coach, consultant, and facilitator with 25+ years of experience in international education and intercultural exchange. She has led the global training area for AFS Intercultural Programs based in New York and later at US Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Born in Panama, she has also lived in Argentina, Portugal, and Denmark. Since April 2020, Lisa has been the co-host of a monthly conversation on race and belonging.
Hershel Kleinberg [he/him], co-founder of Open Horizon, is the president of Kleinberg Holdings. With prior careers in law and software engineering, he brings expertise in information technology, law, and design to his work.
Hershel’s interests include photography, digital art, wine, and travel. He hopes to someday get back to performing in community theater.
D’Lynn Jacobs [she/her], the inaugural Executive Director of Open Horizon, leads with love and curiosity. She values connection with people, storytelling, and fostering community.
D’Lynn joins the family foundation after 8 years with the US Peace Corps in various leadership roles in Washington, DC, and overseas. Her experience includes coaching, facilitation, and consulting with organizations committed to cross-partisan political collaboration, anti-racism, and supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
With parents who creatively navigated inequitable systems to ensure that she and her sister had opportunities, D’Lynn is honored to partner with Open Horizon in extending the support and healing that she was fortunate to receive. She finds peace in art, reading, travel, coffee, spiders, and stargazer lilies.
Courtney Wright [she/her], the Director of Operations and Program Innovation, is a healer, facilitator, and coach who has spent her career supporting individuals and organizations in reaching their goals. After receiving her Bachelors in Secondary Education and English, Courtney knew that her impact would span beyond the walls of a classroom. From providing education and case management services to homeless adults to empowering teachers and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa, Courtney’s career has spanned from the grassroots to federal levels in both private and public sectors domestically and internationally. Her calm demeanor, intuitiveness, and ability to provide tangible solutions to complex issues has allowed for continued professional success. A lifelong learner, Courtney has her Masters in International Training and Education and is a Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master, and Holistic Doula.
A jade of many trades, Courtney embraces her duality. A lover of genuine connection and community, Courtney enjoys spending time exploring the world, connecting with loved ones, hanging with her American Bulldog Jaxx, and indulging in reality TV and true crime podcasts.
“Our vision is of a world where an open horizon is available to all, where access to education and economic opportunity is within reach.”
– Co-founders Hershel Kleinberg and Lisa Cohen