Joe Kanfer’s tenure as the chairman of the board of United Jewish Communities (UJC) came with a few challenges, mainly that of bridging Judaism for the next-generation, many of whom are not as involved with the concerns of the community as those in generations past, says Kanfer. It was his own active involvement in the community as a youth that drives what he does today, including his humanitarian efforts. And it is Kanfer’s energy, optimism and determination that drove the UJC, which represents 155 Jewish federations and 400 independent Jewish communities across North America, and local federations to raise $2.4 billion from over 50,000 donors for philanthropic causes.

Ian Schrager has grown since his days at Studio 54. Schrager, who launched the infamous New York nightclub in the 1970s with former business partner Steve Rubell, is now known for being the innovator behind today’s trend of boutique hotels. He is currently working with Marriott Hotels to create Edition, a brand aimed at style savvy travelers. With 30 to 40 potential deals ahead and the first of the Edition brand to open in 2010, Schrager still finds time for philanthropy, making charitable donations and sitting on the boards of institutions. He also believes that his “lifestyle hotels” contribute to society, as they are responsible for ushering aesthetic sensitivity and memorable experiences to the greater public.

Although currently based in Toronto, Leonard Asper’s heart is still in his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba. The CEO of CanWest is following in his father’s footsteps, running CanWest and contributing to his family’s Asper Foundation, both founded by his father, the late Israel Asper. He not only helped shaped the Canadian media landscape, but made significant contribution to arts, culture, education and healthcare in Winnipeg, lending support for Israel and for human rights locally and abroad. With his own Joshua Foundation, Asper supports programs for inner city kids and indigenous youth by funding initiatives such as drop-in centers and programs for refugees and immigrants. Asper stands out amongst other CEOs, from his taste in music (he prefers heavy metal) to his comparative youth, and the optimism that can be rare for those who have been in the business a long time.

Most people may dread going to the doctor’s office, but Dr. Richard J. Golinko’s patients can’t get enough of him. Currently the Emeritus Chief of Pediatric Cardiology at Mount Sinai’s Children’s Heart Center and clinical professor of pediatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Golinko has 40 years of practicing pediatric cardiology under his belt. Golinko is more than just a doctor to many of his patients as his relationships with them and their families carry on outside the Heart Center’s walls, giving patients his home and cell numbers, he doesn’t mind being called while on vacation. Having done complicated procedures on some patients before they were even born, Golinko has had the opportunity to see them grow up and many of them still pop by his office on any given day. In honor of his accomplishments and as a testament to his career and care giving Golinko’s colleagues and supporters are raising $2 million dollars to fund and establish an endowed fellowship in his name.