Mazal Tov to our Leaders!
Certificate in Jewish Leadership – Cohort 18
Spertus Institute wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to our most recent class of the Certificate in Jewish Leadership (CJL), a partnership between Spertus Institute and Northwestern University. These distinguished leaders, representing diverse organizations and communities across North America, are a part of a growing network of Jewish leaders equipped with innovative leadership skills, strategic insights, and a deep commitment to strengthen their home Jewish communities and institutions.
This course, especially the in-person seminar, has been invaluable. It was so much more than I’d hoped for! I’ve learned life-changing skills and effective ways to lead in my role here at TBS and am thrilled to be a part of the Spertus family.
– Amber Giddings, Executive Director, Temple Beth Shalom in Salem, Oregon
Meet the Leaders of Cohort 18
We proudly recognize the leaders of Cohort 18 of the Certificate in Jewish Leadership!
Spanning North America, Cohort 18 reflects the geographic and organizational diversity of Jewish leadership today. Participants represent a range of communities and institutions, underscoring the program’s far-reaching impact.
Their contributions to their organizations and the broader Jewish community exemplify the program’s mission to inspire and support effective, dynamic leadership.
Elisa Aranoff – Interim Youth Educator, Congregation KAM Isaiah Israel
Chicago, IL
Mali Bires – Director of Programming and Engagement (former), Anshe Emet Synagogue
Chicago, IL
Rachel Bray – Director of Communications & Engagement, Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis
Hazelwood, MO
Lauren Dworkin – Director, Community Engagement and Social Action, Bender JCC
Kensington, MD
Amichay Findling – Israel / Overseas Manager, Shaliach teacher, Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor and Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
Amber Giddings – Executive Director, Temple Beth Sholom
Salem, OR
Donald Kent – Principal, Wealth Advisor, Alliance Bernstein
New York, NY
Eric Leiderman – IsraelLINK National Associate Director of Communications, Partnerships, & Professional Development, StandWithUs
Chicago, IL
Ruth Penan – Donor Recognition Manager, JDC
Brooklyn, NY
Lori Rubin – Director of Leadership Development and Governance, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Rydal, PA
Amy Schulman – Director of Development and Communications, Gateways: Access to Jewish Education
Needham, MA
Nicki Stratford – Program Officer, The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
Rishona Thrasher – Assistant Director of Operations and Finance, Jews of Color Initiative
South Euclid, OH
We are proud to add Cohort 18 to the Spertus community of changemakers and look forward to their continued contributions.
Transformative Learning
Throughout their three-month journey, these professionals adopted new leadership practices and built lasting relationships with peers from across the continent. Participants engaged in online and in-person coursework, including Jewish leadership models, communication strategies, leading through change, and collaboration and power sharing. In addition, they learned from their personalized leadership assessments for self-reflection and goal setting. As they advance in their careers, they bring with them an invaluable network of peer leaders, supportive faculty, and invested mentors.
Engaging and connecting with my fellow CJL cohort members has taught me the value of understanding how our unique and powerful strengths coexist with other traits that we are thoughtfully striving to improve. It’s ok to not be a ‘perfect’ leader. What matters is that by learning to recognize and balance our own strengths and challenges, we can become leaders who are not only more effective, but also more compassionate, and who appreciate the importance of preserving space for growth for ourselves and our teams.
– Amy Schulman, Director of Development and Communications,
Gateways: Access to Jewish Education, Needham, MA
Learn More
Discover how the Certificate in Jewish Leadership program can shape your leadership journey.