Naomi Orensten

In her role leading the foundation’s grantmaking, Naomi is fueled by her commitment to equitable, effective funder practices and Dorot’s values of justice, proximity, and trust. Prior to this role, Naomi worked at the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), where she served as Director of Research and Director of Assessment and Advisory Services. An expert on philanthropic effectiveness, Naomi has been a frequent speaker to foundation staff and boards, authored numerous CEP research reports, and helped funders listen to and act on candid feedback from nonprofit leaders. Previously, Naomi worked in nonprofit program and fundraising roles in the fields of education, civil rights, human services, and civic engagement.

A first-generation college graduate from rural northern Wisconsin, Dorot’s mission —a just and equitable society in which all can reach their fullest potential — deeply resonates with Naomi. She holds an EdM in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a BA from Brandeis University. She has served on the board of human rights nonprofit B’Tselem USA, has been as a volunteer mentor for first-gen college students, is a member of a nationwide giving circle, and is an alumna of the Dorot Fellowship. Naomi lives in Cambridge, MA with her spouse and two kids. Outside of work, she enjoys experiencing the world from the perspective of her high energy kiddos and testing out new cookie recipes.