Meet
Yakov
Kronrod
Yakov Kronrod's deep commitment to building a better community began early. Arriving in America as a refugee from the Soviet Union at age eight, Yakov quickly learned the value of hard work and collective support, hustling through a variety of jobs—from taxi driver to dock loader—to put himself through college. This journey instilled a profound belief in the dignity of every individual and the power of a community that truly "takes care of its own."
This foundation fueled a life of advocacy and direct public service. As a public school educator in Massachusetts, Yakov saw firsthand the needs of our students. He later co-founded EPOCA, Inc., an organization empowering formerly incarcerated individuals, championing dignified living and opportunity for all. His commitment to fairness extended to union organizing and successfully coordinating efforts for public policy questions to pass across Massachusetts, demonstrating his consistent fight for equity and collaborative action.
Transitioning to a career at the forefront of technology, Yakov became an AI industry leader at Amazon and Spotify, heading up complex Natural Language Understanding teams. At the same time, he developed and facilitated workshops on emotional intelligence for the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Maryland and Florida. This broad expertise, as reflected in his personal motto, "I teach machines to understand language and humans to understand emotions"—informs his belief that technology can make city government more efficient and transparent, always with a human-centered approach.
Choosing to make Northampton his home, Yakov is deeply invested in our community. He spends countless hours digging in his yard and has been steadily building a rock wall (for two years now), connecting directly with the land. He actively helps cover costs for summer camps for underprivileged kids and is a sustaining supporter of trans health, embodying his commitment to local equity.
An avid supporter of local artists and a frequent visitor to Northampton's beloved ice cream stores, Yakov embraces the vibrant life of our city. From advocating for students and workers to pioneering ethical AI, Yakov is ready to lead. He will bring his diverse background and principled approach to City Council, ensuring Northampton's next chapter is defined by equitable growth, inclusive opportunities, and a government that works for everyone.
Oh, and Yakov can usually be seen zooming around on his motorcycle or sitting on the front porch of his bright orange and blue house up on Rocky Hill Rd.