Our Team

Ibrahim Ashemimry – Executive director and founder

 

Ibrahim is a Miami local, a businessman and father who founded FOCUS after his daughter was born with hypotonia in 2011. He hopes to make life easier for her and for all of the children who, like her, grapple with conditions that affect how they move, play and live. He discovered water therapy through his love of the ocean and guidance from researchers and medical experts, and believes that the ocean has unparalleled potential to support children going coping with difficult illnesses. Ibrahim completed his undergraduate education at Barry University in Miami, Florida, where he double-majored in International Business and Finance.

 

David Furer – Program director and sailor

 

David is a science and math teacher, a sailor, and a water-sports enthusiast. He has an abiding love of sailing and a natural affinity for working with kids. David holds a B.A in Print Journalism and a B.S in Mathematics from Florida International University. In 2014 he founded Sail Ahead, a youth sailing program that teaches children to appreciate Florida’s unique ecosystem and the value of environmental stewardship in a collaborative environment where they share ideas, inspire each other, and build leadership skills. In his role as FOCUS’ Program Director, David works to educate Miami’s youth about the impact of pollution and inspire them to invest their time, energy, and creativity in helping to find solutions. 

 

Juan Pablo Ortega – Development director and sailor

 

Juan Pablo is an ocean lover and a digital entrepreneur. His first company was Startech International, which he founded in 2004 to provide cutting-edge scientific software and hardware to organizations in international markets. More recently, he has come to believe that we all need to focus a little less on things and a little more on experiences, and so in 2018 he founded the eco-tourism company Salty Miami, which offers authentic sailing adventures to locals and visitors alike. In his role at FOCUS, Juan Pablo applies his business and marketing expertise to raise awareness and educate the public about the impact we have on the delicate aquatic ecosystems that surround us. He holds a B.A in International Business and Trade from Florida Atlantic University.