Board of Directors

After growing up in Ukraine, Mr. Pinsker immigrated to the United States in 1991 where he used his talent to earn a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from UCLA. Mr. Pinsker started his career in Information Technology (“IT”) more than 30 years ago with, Datamax Technologies, an early software pioneer in an IT field labeled “Document Imaging and Workflow Management”. He remains even today the preeminent software expert in that field. Mr. Pinsker spent additional time with both Unisys and Paramount Pictures broadening his understanding of how F-500 companies are organized while continuing to develop innovative software. These prior business experiences prompted Michael to start a consulting company in 1997 that specialized in complex enterprise grade implementations of workflow and imaging systems for insurance companies and government agencies. Being a serial entrepreneur, Mr. Pinsker founded Docupace Technologies in 2002 with the goal of bringing a SaaS transaction management platform to the market. As a founder CEO, Mr. Pinsker focused Docupace on the needs of Financial Services Industry and led the company through a significant growth period from 2002 to 2019, including successful completion of several financing transactions and a management buyout, until assuming the role of Founder and President and Board Member.

In addition to over 30 years of experience in technology and business, 20 years of experience in Financial Services, Mr. Pinsker enhanced his knowledge in cyber security and holds certifications from American Board of Certification in Homeland Security in Sensitive Security Information (SII/DHS), Certified Information Assurance (CIA/DHS) and Cyber Warfare (CW TTPs/DHS).

Mr. Pinsker is an advisor and an investor to several software companies, primarily startups and early stage. Mr. Pinsker holds several board positions including, a board member of Sports and Entertainment Network at the YPO (Young Presidents Organization).

In his efforts to give back to the community, Mr. Pinsker is avid supporter of UCLA sports and active participant in the UCLA Wooden Athletic Fund, sponsor of UCLA Health and number of other philanthropic organizations, including the latest endeavor as a founding member and a board chair of the Circle of CORE Kidney Foundation.

Ravi Bhojwani’s journey is a testament to resilience and innovation. Graduating with high distinctions from the University of Toronto, he embarked on a successful career in market research and management consulting. However, Ravi’s true entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he ventured into the fashion industry, where he played a pivotal role in creating a thriving business. Over the course of his career, Ravi’s visionary mindset led him to co-found and found a total of seven companies, leaving a lasting impact on various industries.

Yet, Ravi’s life was not without challenges. Diagnosed with kidney disease at a young age, he faced health struggles throughout his life. At 41, he needed a life-saving kidney transplant. With the support of Dr. Rastogi and the team at CORE Kidney, he embarked on a mission to find a kidney donor, leading to a remarkable encounter with an altruistic donor named Sara. This life-changing experience not only restored Ravi’s health but also inspired him to devote himself to philanthropy, advocating for kidney disease awareness and organ donation. Ravi Bhojwani’s exceptional journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, the impact of giving back, and the importance of human connection in both business and philanthropy.

Nanette Zumwalt, a force of relentless determination, stands as a guiding light within the Circle of CORE Foundation. Her unyielding fight for the well-being of others has ignited a transformative journey to reshape kidney health for all. With deep compassion, Nanette’s personal story echoes her commitment. In December of last year, she received a life-giving kidney transplant from her daughter-in-law’s mother. Her battle against Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) resonates with those who know her, showcasing her strength and resilience. This cause is personal, extending to her family members, including her sister and son, amplifying the urgency for change. Nanette’s impact reaches far beyond her personal journey. As a recognized leader in the mental health and addiction treatment field, her career spanning almost three decades speaks of her unshakeable dedication. From her beginnings as a direct care technician in inpatient psychiatric hospitals to founding Hired Power, Nanette’s unwavering pursuit of making a difference shines through. Yet, it’s her boundless advocacy that sets her apart. A champion for families grappling with addiction, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders, Nanette’s fire stems from her own family’s experiences. Honored as one of the top 10 interventionists in the nation, her dedication is unwavering. President/CEO of Hired Power, Nanette’s influence extends globally. Her commitment to helping families and individuals find recovery aligns perfectly with her role as a board member of the Circle of CORE Foundation. Nanette’s multi-faceted dedication to well-being and her leadership enrich the Foundation’s efforts. Nanette Zumwalt’s relentless fight, an embodiment of courage, propels the Circle of CORE Foundation’s mission to carve a healthier path for those impacted by kidney diseases. Her impact is not just in words but in actions that inspire change and offer hope.

lead ambassador

In January 2012, I was told I had end-stage renal failure, better known as kidney failure. What a body blow that was. Kidney failure is the silent killer; mine even more so than others. My kidney failure was diagnosed as being “idiopathic” which is a fancy word for “unknown cause”. The doctor who delivered my bad news was not optimistic. He led me to believe my only option was hemodialysis, with my life expectancy probably shortened significantly. I was stunned! Fortunately, I then went to UCLA for a second opinion from Drs. Minhtri Nguyen and Huma Hasnain. They both were very warm and treated me with respect and empathy. They too diagnosed kidney failure, but they gave me reason to have some hope for the future. They referred me to another UCLA physician, Dr. Anjay Rastogi. Thank God for their referral! Dr. Rastogi and his dedicated his team changed my trajectory. Dr. Rastogi is a recognized leader in this field, but he is more than an academician. He is a solicitous, caring, thoughtful professional, who will do his utmost to see that you have the best care possible for your kidney issue. His dedicated focus on kidney research and treatment promises to change how we look at and treat kidney disease, before and after the “end stage” diagnosis. After four and a half years on dialysis I received a kidney on December 16 2016 from a deceased donor! That day I committed to joining Dr Rastogi’s CORE Kidney Team to be a part of educating, empowering, and offering hope to all those who are suffering! Join me in this cause!

My story is actually pretty simple. I always said if my dad ever needs a kidney I’d give him one. It only took two and a half years to do it. He had been on dialysis for that time and we were thinking he would be fine. I was wrong. I was slowly watching him deteriorate and it was on my mind daily. So my wife and I started to seriously talk about it. Over a couple months of discussion, we decided to start researching the process. It was strange coincidence that when we decided to do this, the signs started popping up everywhere. On tv, on the radio, on Facebook, and in sports. One thing that really influenced me was seeing a post from the Lakers about a lady who had given a kidney and she was being honored at a game in 2015. Turns out that her transplant surgeon was my dad’s transplant surgeon. It was like when you buy a new car and all of a sudden you see the same car everywhere, my signs were everywhere! So I told my dad (super excited) and we contacted UCLA. The process started. We matched and I was strangely and completely healthy. I was prepared to go into the exchange program if we did not match. That program was very inspiring to me. My process was smooth. My dad had a few hurdles to get past. The transplant took place five months later. I was cleared to go back to work nine days later. My dad is doing great, but is having trouble with anemia that his dedicated doctors are working on. My recovery was amazingly quick, and besides from the laparoscopic gas pains, very smooth. I feel very lucky and blessed to have been through this transplant program. Since, I have been working to raise awareness for kidney disease and transplantation. As a member of The Circle of CORE advocacy and support group, I am available to anyone who needs someone to talk to who has been there.

In Support of

board of directors

Michael Pinsker

Ravi Bhojwani

Nanette Zumwalt

lead ambassador

Mary Beth Barry

Brian Gilliam