Networking, Community-Building and Leadership
Federation’s Leadership, Education, and Discovery Series (LEADS) is a dynamic experience or young professionals ready to follow their curiosity, grow their leadership skills, and find their people.
Designed for young adults in San Diego with ten years or less of work experience, LEADS welcomes those who are new to the area or newly engaging in Jewish life. Throughout the program, participants explore leadership through a Jewish lens, gain insight into the dynamics of the San Diego Jewish community, and grapple with the broader challenges facing Jews today. The program also includes engaging experiences that introduce participants to local Jewish organizations and other nonprofits.
Program fee is $180, which covers catered dinner at every session.
Be part of a cohort that learns together, leads with purpose, and builds community.
Spring 2026 Program Dates: March–June
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Highlights
Throughout LEADS, you will:
- Build relationships with peers in your cohort
- Strengthen values-driven leadership skills to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose
- Develop tools to engage more meaningfully in the local Jewish community
- Gain insight into Jewish Federation of San Diego’s impact and priorities
Meet Our Facilitators:
Chelsea Lombrozo, a dedicated Los Angeles native who has called San Diego home for the past 11 years. Chelsea earned her Master’s in Postsecondary Educational Leadership from San Diego State University (SDSU) and her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Business from Sonoma State University. With over a decade of experience at SDSU, where she currently serves as the Assistant Director of Leadership and Community Service Programs, Chelsea brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the program. She is also a certified coach in CliftonStrengths, MBTI, and True Colors—tools that enhance leadership development and group dynamics. Chelsea is passionate about helping others discover and maximize their leadership potential, and when she’s not mentoring future leaders, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and traveling the world with her husband.
Josh Minzer oversees Jewish Federation of San Diego’s leadership portfolio, including CLI, the Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute, JPRO, LEADS, and the launch of Leadership Circles—a new initiative designed to engage alumni of Federation’s leadership programs. He also works closely with senior leadership on staff and professional development initiatives. Josh brings a diverse background in leadership development and training. He holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and joins Federation from Moishe House, where he served as West Coast Community Director. His professional experience also includes roles at BBYO and Camp Mountain Chai, as well as earlier work as a technical trainer in the aerospace engineering field.
