Abbey Cowens, JCP’s Fundraising and Database Analyst, has been chosen to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Jewish Experiential Leadership Institute – Southeast (JELI) sponsored by The Leadership Commons of The William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). The cohort includes 20 fellows and 5 mentors who live and work in over 12 different communities across 7 states in the southeast region. They represent 11 different types of Jewish organizations, including Jewish Federation, JCC, Hillel, Jewish family services, BBYO, JNF, day schools, synagogues, Moishe House, and more. JELI-Southeast trains Jewish professionals for leadership by focusing on four key pillars: leadership principles, Jewish learning, community building, and personal growth.
JELI-Southeast is an outgrowth of the initial JELI program which was conducted in partnership with JCC Association to train middle and senior managers in JCCs throughout North America to lead through an educational and Jewish lens. The success of the first two JELI cohorts led the Leadership Commons to explore ways to reach even more Jewish professionals and communal leaders. As a result of this exploration, JELI-Southeast was launched to reach communities which have opportunities and challenges in common. This initiative will strengthen Abbey’s leadership skills, JCP’s role within the community, Memphis’ Jewish life, and the Jewish community throughout the entire Southeast.
“It’s an exciting opportunity, and an honor to be part of the inaugural cohort,” said Abbey. “I’m looking forward to learning from my peers and mentors, and sharing ideas that will help further connect our JCP and its two flagship brands, Memphis Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Memphis, to the region nationally, and the Memphis community locally.”
The Leadership Commons was able to launch JELI-Southeast with generous support from the Jim Joseph Foundation, The Leon Levine Foundation, the William Davidson Foundation, the Amy Mandel / Katina Rodis Fund, and Birmingham Jewish Foundation.
The inaugural cohort will convene for its first intensive four-day retreat in Charlotte, NC in November 2018. Under the program direction of Debbie Joseph, from Gainesville, Florida, the cohort will continue learning through monthly online sessions, two additional four-day retreats, one-on-one mentoring, and project work over the next 18 months.
In addition to building on the original JELI curriculum, this cohort will study and experience the history and culture of the southeast in order to more effectively lead their communities and collaborate to strengthen Jewish life in this region as a whole.
Click here to learn more about the Jewish Experiential Leadership Institute.