Hadar Kess, Founder and CEO of Hamaniot, established the organization after losing her father in a sudden car accident at the age of 14.
Hamaniot is the largest organization in Israel dedicated to supporting orphaned children and youth, providing both direct and community-based assistance, while also working to advance systemic change through research, public awareness, and policy reform.
Kess holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, a Master's in Public Policy, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy.

She was named one of Globes magazine’s 60 most influential women in Israel, one of Forbes Israel’s 30 under 30 promising young leaders, one of Globes’ 40 promising young leaders, one of Channel 12’s 40 Heroes of the Year. She is also the recipient of the 2024 Shimon Peres Prize and the 2025 Peres Center for Peace and Innovation Award.