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NoVA Leadership Cohort

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Northern Virginia Leadership Cohort

The Northern Virginia Leadership Cohort brings together emerging leaders from across the region’s Jewish organizations to build relationships, strengthen leadership skills, and collaborate around the opportunities and challenges shaping Jewish life today.

Federation is uniquely positioned to convene leaders from across the Jewish ecosystem. We see the full landscape, from synagogues and schools to agencies, camps, and community organizations, and help create the relationships that make collaboration possible. By bringing together leaders who might not otherwise sit around the same table, we help strengthen not just individual organizations, but the entire Northern Virginia Jewish community.

Through a thoughtfully designed cohort experience, participants develop practical skills in facilitation, communication, and collaborative leadership while building lasting relationships with peers from across the region. They leave with new tools, a broader perspective, and a trusted network of colleagues committed to working together for the future of Jewish Northern Virginia.

Grow as a Leader

Develop practical leadership, facilitation, and communication skills you can apply professionally and personally.

Build Lasting Relationships

Connect with emerging leaders representing diverse Jewish organizations and perspectives across Northern Virginia and become part of a growing network of alumni committed to strengthening Jewish life.

Strengthen Our Community

Gain a deeper understanding of the regional Jewish landscape while helping create a more connected Northern Virginia.

Who Should Apply?

The Northern Virginia Leadership Cohort is designed for emerging Jewish leaders who are actively involved in a Northern Virginia synagogue, agency, school, organization, or volunteer role and are looking to deepen their leadership skills while building meaningful relationships across the community.

Each cohort brings together 16–20 lay leaders for a collaborative learning experience featuring a kickoff event, monthly facilitated sessions, peer learning, and a closing celebration. Participants develop practical leadership skills while building lasting relationships with peers from across Northern Virginia’s Jewish community.

Know someone with the passion and potential to help shape the future of Jewish Northern Virginia? We encourage you to nominate them—or yourself—for a future cohort.

Applications for Cohort 3 (August 2026–May 2027) are currently open through July 24.

Nominate a leader

Past Cohorts

Cohort 1

  • Jordan Baker, Congregation Olam Tikvah
  • LaNitra Berger, Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia
  • Michael Drobnis, Agudas Achim Congregation
  • Staci Eichelbaum-Levine, Federation Women’s Philanthropy
  • Jordan Gross, Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation
  • Brett Isserow, Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia
  • Jen Jacobsen, Temple Rodef Shalom
  • Seth Kaplan, Makom
  • Diane Lowenthal, Congregation Beth Emeth
  • Carly Rubenstein, Beth El Hebrew Congregation
  • Chelsea Rubin, Temple Rodef Shalom
  • Ruth Ruskin, Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA)
  • Ilana Rothberg, Agudas Achim Congregation and Gesher Jewish Day School
  • David Selden, Federation Board and veteran NoVA lay leader

Cohort 2

  • Izzy Arbetter, Rodef 2100 (Temple Rodef Shalom)
  • Ellyn Fine, Congregation Olam Tikvah
  • David Goldman, Community Member
  • Andy Grabel, Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia
  • Jennifer Kulkin, Temple Rodef Shalom
  • Ken Lichtman, Agudas Achim Congregation
  • Ali Nadel, Temple Rodef Shalom
  • Steve Pregozen, Congregation Beth Emeth
  • Joel Regignano, The Network Council
  • Jesse Reisman, Beth El Hebrew Congregation
  • Joel Stillman, JSSA
  • Daniel Strouse, Gesher Jewish Day School
  • Irvin Varkonyi, George Mason University Hillel
  • Misha Vinokur, Agudas Achim Congregation
  • Michael Zalesne, AIPAC