Jewish Changemakers

This past Sunday in New York City, members of the Jewish Federations' Jewish Changemakers Network participated in a Q&A for young professionals with Ambassador Yechiel Leiter. We appreciate the Ambassador’s commitment to engaging with young professionals and emerging leaders.

Through Jewish Federations of North America's Changemakers Fellowship, I’ve deepened my approach to leadership, particularly in how we communicate and drive impact. Rabbi Mike Uram's 49X49 framework reinforced that every issue has multiple valid perspectives—much like in business when weighing trade-offs and risks. Aaron Henne's four-step communication process has also been a valuable tool, emphasizing how framing conversations around shared goals, personal investment, and clear next steps fosters collaboration and influences decision-making. As part of my independent study on community building, I explored philanthropy as a reflection of values, mirroring how businesses must balance profitability, risk management, and ethical responsibility. This experience has strengthened my ability to lead with curiosity, uncover what matters most to others, and drive strategic action based on my findings. Beyond the learning, it’s been incredible to connect with a cohort of talented, passionate peers who are committed to making an impact in their own fields. I look forward to staying in touch and continuing to learn from this network in the years ahead.

The Jewish Federations of North America Changemakers program has been such a transformative complement to my leadership journey! While pursuing my dual degrees in business administration and sociology, this program offers a unique lens through which I view leadership and community engagement. The virtual learning sessions with experts across the Jewish world provide deep insights into how ancient wisdom can inform modern leadership challenges, perfectly aligning with my concentration in leadership and consulting. As I delve into Jewish scripture courses, I'm discovering profound connections between timeless teachings and contemporary leadership principles. I've been able to apply these principles to create meaningful interfaith events addressing antisemitism and advocating for Jewish inclusion on campus. The Changemakers program, coupled with my Jewish studies, is shaping me into a leader who can bridge traditional values with creative, innovative solutions--preparing me to make a lasting impact in both the business world and the Jewish community after graduation in May 2025.? (Attached art is from my digital diary, Proverbs 4:23)

Our March Changemakers Network feature is Benny Klein! Benny completed Changemakers in the Summer of 2021, and currently lives in New York.?

Now that I'm halfway through the Jewish Federations of North America's Jewish Changemakers Fellowship, I am so excited to share my experience thus far! It has been a tremendous privilege to connect with likeminded Gen Z and young millennial Jewish leaders to grow professionally and personally together. This past week, we got to hear from Rabbi Mike Uram who led an incredible discussion about fostering civil discourse through a Jewish lens in a sometimes-less-than-civil social climate, and last week, I was able to begin making strong connections with fellows throughout North America thanks to our networking session. I've been able to explore my own identity and what kind of leader I hope to be with my cohort of other early career Jewish non-profit professionals, guided by our exceptional faculty advisor, Moshe Lencer. I can't wait to see what the last half of the Changemakers Fellowship brings, and to any other Jewish young professionals (in any sector!) searching for community and growth, I highly recommend applying for the next session!

Excited to have been accepted to the Jewish Changemakers Winter 2025 fellowship. Over 6 weeks, I’m provided with new leadership and networking opportunities with people from all walks of life while learning more about my Jewish identity. I can’t wait to see what each week has in store!

I'm excited to be part of the "Jewish Changemakers" professional development program and was truly inspired by our first plenary session this past week; I've really enjoyed getting to know my cohort, too! Our recent discussions reinforced the importance of leadership, community, and the role we each play in creating change. As a Jewish professional, it can be challenging to navigate workplace conversations, especially when hot-button topics arise and it feels like the responsibility to respond falls on me. These moments can be difficult to manage, both personally and professionally. I’m eager to gain the tools and confidence to navigate these conversations while also better learning how to balance advocacy, education, and professionalism while staying true to my values. Thanks Jewish Federations of North America and Jewish Changemakers for the opportunity!

Today, in Washington, DC, members of the Jewish Federations of North America Changemakers fellowship and National Young Leadership Cabinet participated in a roundtable conversation for Jewish students and young professionals with Prime Minister Netanyahu:

Our February Changemakers Network feature is Lily Serber! Lily completed Changemakers in the Fall of 2022, and currently lives in New York.

I’m thrilled to have been selected for the Jewish Federations of North America Jewish Changemakers Fellowship! This fellowship is designed to empower young Jewish leaders like myself to create a meaningful impact within the community. Over the next six weeks, I’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow changemakers and continue developing my leadership skills. I’m excited to embark on this journey, growing both personally and professionally as I deepen my commitment to the Jewish community.