Connection, Community, and Leadership Through LEADS

On June 3, Jewish Federation of San Diego celebrated the graduation of its Leadership, Education, and Discovery Series (LEADS) cohort, marking the culmination of several months of learning, relationship-building, and leadership development for a group of emerging Jewish professionals.

Created for young adults with ten years or less of work experience, LEADS helps participants strengthen their connection to Jewish life while gaining a greater understanding of the organizations, values, and relationships that shape the San Diego Jewish community.

Throughout the program, cohort members engaged with community leaders and local organizations, explored leadership through a Jewish lens, and examined some of the opportunities and challenges facing Jewish communities today.

Building Meaningful Connections

A defining feature of LEADS is its emphasis on connection. Participants joined the cohort from a variety of professional backgrounds and personal experiences, creating opportunities for thoughtful dialogue, peer learning, and relationship-building. What began as a group of individuals with a shared interest in leadership and community evolved into a network of peers connected by common values and a commitment to Jewish life in San Diego.

At the same time, participants were encouraged to explore leadership as more than a position or title. Through conversations centered on Jewish values, personal strengths, wellbeing, and responsibility, cohort members reflected on how they show up for others and role they hope to play within their communities.

“I’ve been involved with the San Diego Jewish community since college and my experience has transformed over the years,” said participant Miranda Koster. “But what I’ve found is that there is a gap for our age group in what currently exists. LEADS to me is the creation of a space for our age group to build attachment to the community and foster engagement.”

Learning Through Community

Beyond the classroom, LEADS connects participants with organizations and experiences that bring Jewish values to life throughout San Diego. From kayaking on the bay with Ocean Connectors and exploring environmental stewardship through the lens of tikkun olam to volunteering with the Kindness Initiative’s Kindness G’Mach Closet, participants engage directly with the people and programs working to strengthen the community. Cohort members also helped plan and host a Shine A Light Shabbat dinner that welcomed 120 members of a local church community, creating an opportunity for meaningful conversation and interfaith connection.

“I’ve been wanting to volunteer in the Jewish community and this program gave me that chance,” said participant Jacob Banuelos. “The feeling of giving was very rewarding and I’m thankful that this program exposed me to that.”

The cohort also explored topics including resilience, security, and combating antisemitism, gaining insight into both the challenges facing Jewish communities and the collective responsibility to address them. Along the way, participants developed a deeper understanding of Federation’s work and the broader network of organizations that help sustain Jewish life across the region.

Investing in a Vibrant Jewish Future

The graduation of this year’s LEADS cohort marks an important milestone for both the participants and the broader San Diego Jewish community. Through months of learning, dialogue, and engagement, cohort members have deepened their understanding of Jewish communal life while building relationships that extend beyond the program itself.

More than the completion of a cohort, the evening reflected an ongoing investment in leaders who are committed to strengthening Jewish life and helping shape a vibrant Jewish future in San Diego.

Learn more about how Federation is Building a Vibrant Jewish Future here.