The Courage to Lead: Reflections from Cabinet Retreat
08/21/2026
By Leah Nierman
Attending my first National Young Leadership Cabinet Retreat was an incredibly meaningful way to begin this new chapter of my leadership journey. As a proud San Diego native, joining National Young Leadership Cabinet (Cabinet) has given me the opportunity to represent and give back to the community that played such an important role in shaping who I am. To step into this experience as a lay leader, while connecting with hundreds of young Jewish leaders from across the country, is both a privilege and an opportunity I’m deeply grateful for.
When I reflect on my retreat experience, two overarching themes come to mind: the power of community and the permission to lead.
At the opening ceremony, I stepped into a giant ballroom with the Israeli and United States flags flying high on stage. I was surrounded by 400 young, like-minded Jewish movers and shakers buzzing with energy, excitement, hope, and a desire to create authentic impact.
Every person in that room had chosen to pause their life, take time off work, and be away from spouses and children for the greater purpose of leadership. To me, that was a testament to the commitment of Cabinet members and the shared responsibility to step up.
Later that day, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke about what it means to be a leader. He explained that a true leader is someone willing to walk the path ahead without having all the answers. So often, myself included, we feel like we need to have it all figured out before we even start. His message reminded me that leadership is about listening to your internal voice and having the courage to follow it, even when you don’t know the final destination.
Mark Wilf, owner of the Minnesota Vikings, also spoke to us inside Vikings Stadium. He shared his American Dream story as the grandson of Holocaust survivors and spoke about hard work, consistency, dreams, and giving back. As a young boy, he rode with his grandfather to volunteer, and service became part of his character. We also learned that he is a Cabinet alumnus.
Standing inside his stadium and hearing his story was surreal. I was with two fellow Cabinet members, and we all had goosebumps. Hope, possibility, dreams, and a responsibility to serve were deeply embedded in his message.
One of the most meaningful parts of Cabinet is the caucus, where a small group comes together to share their personal connection to Cabinet and Jewish Federation. I had the opportunity to share how my great-grandfather, Eli Nierman, was the first to connect our family to Jewish Federation in Chicago.
Although my family has been connected to Jewish Federations for generations, my own connection happened much more recently. Allie Houser, who recruited me, always spoke about Cabinet with this expansive energy of hope, community, and possibility. Her energy was contagious and ultimately made me want to join. It wasn’t until I attended my first Cabinet retreat that I truly understood what she had been talking about all along. I am incredibly honored to be a part of this community and to carry its values forward.
The theme of retreat was Ometz, which means courage. Looking back, I realize how perfectly that word connects everything I experienced.
It takes courage to lead without having all the answers. It takes courage to step up, serve, and become an active part of your community. But perhaps what Cabinet showed me most is that we don’t have to find that courage alone.
