A New Leadership Initiative from Hillels of Georgia
Inspiring the next generation of Jewish leaders is a core component of Hillel International’s work. This fall, Hillels of Georgia brought that mission to the Empire State of the South with the launch of the Leven-Silberman Leadership Institute (LSLI) — a new statewide initiative designed to cultivate a connected network of Jewish student leaders and to empower students to lead with “purpose, passion, and Jewish pride.”
To launch LSLI, Hillels of Georgia hosted a statewide gathering in Atlanta open to all interested students and timed to coincide with the start of the new year. This full-day program offered students from 10 colleges and universities across Georgia an opportunity to learn practical skills designed to make them stronger, more confident leaders and advocates for their Jewish campus communities. Highlights of the program included time to meet and mingle with other student leaders, and to hear from LSLI co-founder Mike Leven, who served as the event’s keynote speaker.
Students also dove into skill-building workshops led by local and national Jewish educators and leaders. Ben Lefkowitz, Emory University alum and Middle East Institute executive assistant, guided students in developing strategies to engage respectfully and effectively with people they may not agree with, especially in conversations around Israel and Zionism.
Paige Simunek, chief leadership officer at Hillels of Georgia, introduced communication styles through the “True Colors Communication Styles” framework. Finally, Michael Kagan, Hillel international’s director of student engagement and experience, Sarah Foster, campus director at Kennesaw State University Hillel, and Danna Cook, marketing and development manager at Hillels of Georgia, shared practical tools for promoting and marketing events, rooted in a “relational first, digital second” approach.
One participant reflected on the sessions that were most impactful for them, saying, “The networking lunch helped me realize how many Jewish professionals are ready to support us.” Another student added, “[Through the sessions], I was encouraged to be unapologetically myself in expressing my Jewish identity and support for Israel.”
This flagship program is more than a single conference; it is the start of a new fellowship, run out of Hillels of Georgia, that is building the pipeline of Jewish leaders for tomorrow through immersive retreats, cohort gatherings, and one-on-one mentorship, and ultimately, a capstone project rooted in values-driven impact. The program hopes to help students develop core leadership skills, plan for a meaningful post-college path that incorporates Jewish wisdom and values, and create pathways for alumni, parents, and community members to play a role in shaping the future of Jewish life and leadership in Georgia.
Congratulations on the launch, Hillels of Georgia — we can’t wait to meet the incredible students who will form the first LSLI cohort, and to see what comes next for this new program!