Sisterhood, Discovery, and Leadership in Action

Highlights from the 2025 Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute Immersive Mission

Mexico City is known for its museums, ancient ruins, and vibrant cultural landscape, yet within this vast metropolitan center is a Jewish community of more than 40,000 people. It is a community rich in tradition, with kosher restaurants, active synagogues, thriving day schools, and a deep commitment to preserving Jewish life. This dynamic backdrop set the stage for the fifth Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute (PFWLI) cohort, which traveled there from November 6-10, 2025, to explore the city and build the foundation for a year of shared leadership and connection.

The immersive experience created an immediate sense of belonging within the cohort. What began as a group of women stepping into a new leadership journey quickly evolved into a community that felt grounded in trust, curiosity, and shared purpose. Participants returned to San Diego with a renewed eagerness to bring their leadership stories, questions, and commitments into each session.

Much of this impact came from the meaningful encounters woven throughout the trip. The cohort engaged with leaders across Mexico City’s Jewish community, gaining insight into how tradition, education, and innovation shape Jewish life there. Conversations with representatives from the Comité Central de la Comunidad Judía de México, Bet El’s Lions of Judah, and Yesod HaOlam revealed a community rooted in resilience and generosity. These moments offered a deeper understanding of what strong communal leadership looks like in practice.

Experiences that blended reflection, culture, and creativity added another layer of connection. Welcoming Shabbat alongside kindergarten students at Olami ORT became a joyful reminder of the continuity of Jewish education. Time spent in Xochimilko opened space for authentic relationship building, while a graffiti workshop offered a fresh expression of contemporary Jewish identity. Each setting, though distinct, created opportunities for the women to learn not only about Mexico City, but about one another.

Survey results following the trip reflected the depth of its impact. Participants reported significant personal growth, stronger Jewish connection, and deepened commitment to the broader community. Every respondent shared that they formed meaningful new friendships within the cohort, and many described the experience as transformative.

One participant, Stacey Wallach, captured the sentiment felt by many:

“My time in Mexico City was profoundly moving, a journey of connection, sisterhood, and shared spirit…It was truly a soulful experience that touched my heart in lasting ways.”

As the cohort moves forward in their year of learning, the relationships and insights shaped in Mexico City will guide their leadership development throughout the year, strengthening both their individual journeys and their collective impact.

For questions about the Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute or future opportunities to get involved, please reach out to Josh Minzer, Director of Leadership Development & Engagement.