In today’s political climate, coming together as a people, not bound by race, color or gender, is more important than ever. One organization [RAF] has been striving to bridge the gap between cultures for 20 years, and it is right here in our own back yard…”
-The New York Post, 2017
“The Russian American Foundation’s continued contributions to cultural, educational, and sports programs in the United States and Russia help foster greater understanding between the people of the United States and the Russian Federation. Such programs highlight the things that the American and Russian people have in common.”
- Honorable Michael A. McFaul, former US Ambassador to Moscow, 2012
Executive Team
Rina Kirshner
Founding Vice President
Director, BBA Programs in the US and RAF's NSLI-Y Programs in Russia
Program Staff
Regina Shamilov
Director of Community Relations
Phone: 212.687.6118 x 202
Geneva Bernal
Coordinating Director
BBASI NY, BBA Teacher Certification
Phone: 212.687.6118 x 206
Eric Connelly
Special Projects & Exhibits
Phone: 212.687.6118 x 210
Sofia Kutceva
Coordinating Director
BBASI CT
Phone: 212.687.6118 x 208
Jade Direnfeld
Coordinating Director
NSLI-Y, Bolshoi PREP Programs
Phone: 212.687.6118 x 201