Fed-U is an introductory program designed to educate Jewish young adults seeking leadership and philanthropic development skills through a comprehensive program on how the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston operates and supports our community. Cohorts of 8-12 young professionals will be selected to participate in a five-session intensive and interactive program, following a curriculum led by Federation staff, board members and lay leaders, highlighting everything from understanding the organization’s history to having the opportunity to simulate funding allocation to our partner agencies. Our goal is to provide our future leaders with a fundamental understanding of and passion for the work of the Federation, and ultimately, guide them on their own leadership journey either within the Federation or another partner agency within the Houston Jewish community.
Questions? Contact Emily Feinstein at efeinstein@houstonjewish.org.
Our Fall 2023 Fed-U Cohort
The second cohort of Fed–U, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s young adult leadership development programkicked off with its first session on October 2. This program is part of the Federation’s Jerome Robinson Family Young Adult Division (YAD) and aims to give participants a broad understanding of how the Federation operates and supports the local and global Jewish community.
Fed-U follows a curriculum of six intensive and interactive sessions led by Federation staff, board members and lay leaders, highlighting everything from understanding the organization’s history to having the opportunity to simulate funding allocation to partner agencies. It is designed to educate Jewish young adults who are seeking leadership and philanthropic development skills.
“Our goal is to provide our future leaders with a fundamental understanding of and passion for the work of the Federation, and ultimately, guide them on their own leadership journey either within the Federation or another partner agency within the Houston Jewish community,” said YAD Engagement Manager Emily Feinstein.
Participants must be nominated and then submit an application process and this second group has grown from 10 to 16 participants. They range in background and level of involvement from Honeymoon Israel alumni, Houston National Young Leadership Cabinet members, YAD Advisory Committee members, to members of the Federation’s Hineni Communications Committee.
Participants include Allison Bott Ashford, Ali Bamberger, Jason Busch, Marissa Finkelman, Matt Frogel, Liza Hirsch, David Husid, Rose Kreditor, Jess Levenson, Aaron Lipman, Sandy Lorch, Marissa Meador, Mike Miles, Dustin Palmer, Lauren Rubenstein, and Jennifer Varadi.
The program concludes with a capstone project where participants will plan and facilitate the young adult programming they would like to see in the community. The first Fed-U cohort created two programs: Shabbat Candle Rolling and brunch at Alexander Jewish Family Service and a Challah Bake.