FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS LEAD?

LEAD (Lead, Educate, Act and Develop) was created by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati as a way to educate young professionals in Cincinnati about all that the community offers, ultimately preparing each participant to take a leadership position within the Jewish community. In addition, the program is a great way for LEAD members to bond with their class members and form lasting relationships.

The program gives participants hands-on opportunities to meet community leaders and learn about the numerous agencies and organizations that make up Jewish Cincinnati. This selective program is designed to prepare future Jewish communal leaders by creating meaningful connections to community organizations and each other, equipping them with relevant information, and empowering them to obtain positions on mutually suitable boards and committees.  

The upcoming LEAD class will start in the fall of 2024. Fifteen young professionals will complete several sessions over an 9-month period, including community leader lectures, a day of team building, Shabbat dinners and hands on social action, to name a few.

For more information, contact Tess Cohan at tcohan@jfedcin.org.

Who participates in LEAD?

LEAD is open to any Jewish young adult between the ages of 25-45 living in Cincinnati who is interested in learning more about Jewish Cincinnati and how to get involved in the numerous agencies and organizations.   We strive to create a diverse class that balances gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religious involvement, and industries.  Our past participants live all over Cincinnati and have full-time careers spanning from Fortune 500 companies to non-profits, law, and education. Here's what they say about LEAD: 

• "LEAD is essential to the young Jewish professional experience in Cincinnati." 
• "I learned a lot about organizations I had no idea were so influential in the Cincinnati Jewish community.”
• "Great opportunity to meet Jewish young professionals with similar attitudes and goals."

What employers have been represented by past participants?

Procter and Gamble, Graydon Head, ArtWorks, LPK, Frost Brown Todd, Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati Bengals, Children’s Home of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Madison Wealth Management, Crayons to Computers and Superior Dealer Group are a sampling of the organizations represented. 

What is the average age of participants?

Thirty. However, equal consideration is given to all applicants

How many people participate per class?

Classes are between 14-18 people, with a goal of 15 participants per class. We choose a small group because we find that promotes the most class participation and bonding.

How many people have participated in LEAD so far?

LEAD started in the fall of 2007 and has over 150 alumni; most alumni still live in Cincinnati and are very involved in the Jewish community. 

Am I required to attend all of the classes?

In order to benefit from the full experience of the program, participants should attend all scheduled sessions. A large part of the experience is bonding with fellow participants, which happens best when you attend all sessions. We understand that circumstances out of your control may occur. For that reason, an individual may have two excused absences and still complete the program. 

Are there costs associated with the program?

There is a non-refundable $18 application fee. 

We encourage everyone in the community to make a gift that is meaningful to them. Through your experience in the LEAD program, you'll be able to learn about our community's dollars at work first-hand. We hope that this will inspire you to take part in the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati's campaign. Participants will be asked to make a gift of $1 a day, or a total gift of $365. The gift is payable over the course of a year (final due date December 31). A LEAD alumni or committee member will meet with you individually to confidentially discuss giving during the program. 

What if I move out of town during the program?

We understand that personal situations change and some things are beyond our control. However, we hope that everyone participating to LEAD has an intention to stay in the Cincinnati area.