Joshua Kirshbaum
Template:Notability Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for deprecated parameters".Template:Wikidata image Joshua Abraham Kirshbaum (also known as Joshua Æ. Sherman) is an American entrepreneur, business strategist, nonprofit leader, and artist. He is the former Executive Director of Nonviolence International New York (NVINY) and the Co-Founder of Impact Ventures International (IVI), a consulting firm specializing in scaling socially conscious enterprises. Kirshbaum has worked extensively in peacebuilding, nonprofit management, business consulting, and the arts.
Early Life and Education
Joshua Kirshbaum was born in Los Angeles, California. He is the grandson of songwriter Robert B. Sherman, best known for his work with The Walt Disney Company, including Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book. Raised in a Jewish household, Kirshbaum had his bar mitzvah at Marble Arch Synagogue in London.
He studied filmmaking at the New York Film Academy and later obtained certifications in business strategy, mediation, and nonprofit management through the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the New York City Bar Association.
Career
Entrepreneurship and Business Consulting
At a young age, Kirshbaum founded a photography and event services business, which he reportedly sold in his mid-teens. At 18, he co-founded Æ Studios NYC, a film cooperative that expanded into 16 studio locations across the United States. Under his leadership, the company produced over 500 short films and commercials for clients including Coca-Cola, Telemundo, and Silvercup Studios.
In 2020, Kirshbaum co-founded Impact Ventures International (IVI), a consulting firm focused on scaling mission-driven businesses, nonprofits, and investment firms. IVI integrates financial structuring, acquisition strategy, and operational consulting to help businesses maximize long-term sustainability. His approach blends social entrepreneurship with traditional business growth models, a subject he has discussed in interviews with International Business Times.
Through IVI, Kirshbaum has advised Fortune 500 companies, startups, and government organizations. He has reportedly helped raise over $20 million in funding for various projects and worked with brands such as FIFA, Claro, and TEDx.
Nonprofit Leadership and Peace Advocacy
Since 2018, Kirshbaum has been the Executive Director of Nonviolence International New York (NVINY), a United Nations-affiliated peace organization. Under his leadership, NVINY has grown its global volunteer network to over 800 activists and launched more than 20 educational programs, including:
- The New York Graduate Plan – A training initiative in partnership with UNITAR to prepare young professionals for careers in diplomacy and nonprofit management.
- Youth for Disarmament – A program connecting young activists with policymakers at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
- Peacebuilding Initiatives in Conflict Zones – Supporting nonviolent movements in the Philippines, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Kirshbaum has served as a board member or advisor for multiple international organizations, including:
- International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA)
- Coalition for Global Citizenship 2030
- NGO Committee on the Status of Women
As an advocate, he has worked with movements such as March for Our Lives, Wear Orange, and the Women's March (2017).
Public Speaking and Media Presence
Kirshbaum is a frequent speaker at international conferences and business forums. His speaking engagements have included:
- United Nations Conferences – Addressing topics such as economic sustainability, impact investing, and peacebuilding.
- TEDx (Quito, Ecuador) – Keynote speaker on leveraging technology for social change.
- Fortune 500 Leadership Panels – Discussing corporate growth, acquisitions, and nonprofit fundraising.
- March for Our Lives Leadership Summit – Conducting workshops on nonprofit scaling and organizational development.
His work has been featured in Jewish Journal, International Business Times, Disarmament Today (UNODA), and Telemundo.
Film and Artistic Career
Kirshbaum has worked as a filmmaker and photographer under the stage name Joshua Æ. Sherman. His filmography includes:
- A Killing Day (2016)
- Promisiunea (2015)
- Shattered Beauty (2015)
He has also worked as a conflict photographer, documenting humanitarian crises and peace movements. His photography has been featured in United Nations publications.
Personal Life
Kirshbaum divides his time between Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, and international consulting locations. He is multilingual and has lived in multiple countries due to his work in philanthropy and media.
He has explored the use of cryptocurrency, AI, and VR storytelling in business and activism, presenting research on these subjects at technology summits and U.N. working groups.
Awards and Recognition
Kirshbaum has received various accolades, including:
- Jewish Journal’s “Visionary Leader” Profile (2020)
- Certified Mediator at the New York City Bar Association
- UNITAR Fellow
- 2019 Impact Award for Social Innovation