


Ira Hillman
Strategy Lead, Bonding
I lead Einhorn Collaborative’s Bonding strategy, supporting collectives of funders and programs that help parents and their babies establish and maintain emotional connection from birth.
Most rewarding moment since joining Einhorn Collaborative
In 2023, I was fortunate to be part of the Steering Committee that launched Nurture Connection, the movement to promote strong, positive, and nurturing early relationships to build healthier, resilient, and more connected communities. Over the course of nearly a year, a diverse group of physicians, parent leaders, program providers, researchers, and policy experts listened and learned from a variety of voices in the field to create a network that contributes to and accelerate progress on the critical issues of early relational health.
Something people may not know about me
I have visited all 50 states – a project I completed soon after my 50th birthday. Next up, seven continents by my 70th birthday!
Something that inspires me
The astute observations, probing questions, and generous spirit of my two children. As they become adolescents, I continue to learn so much from them as they fuel my work and spark joy and wonder in my life.
Before Einhorn Collaborative
I spent more than two decades in the nonprofit sector, working with organizations in health care, the arts, higher education, and advocacy to transform their operations, develop new strategies, and build stronger collaborations among stakeholder groups.
Relationships Aren’t Just Good for Babies
Human relationships rooted in emotional connection build the tools of empathy, repair, and healing that are necessary for society to flourish.
How Emotional Expression Overcomes Distractions
Emotional expression by parents orients children and primes them both for autonomic emotional connection, even amidst distractions, stress, and trauma.
Building Philanthropic Momentum in Early Relational Health
Funders are joining together to support emotional connection for families.