Maya Bernstein designs UpStart's programmatic content, fusing current organizational change theory such as adaptive leadership, design thinking, and logic modelling, with Jewish concepts. She is a frequently published author in the field of Jewish innovation. Maya began her career in education working with the Jewish community in the Former Soviet Union. She has lived and taught in Belarus, Germany, Israel, and China. Maya is a winner of the Covenant Foundation's 2012 Pomegranate Prize.