Changing Things Up

by Emma Dixon

Aviv Levi, a UCF student who recently completed the Jewish Changemakers Fellowship program.

In 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, live pivoted away from traditional gatherings spaces like college campuses, synagogues, and workplace boardrooms. It was abrupt and challenging to navigate. However, it also created opportunities for virtual Jewish networking and engagement that flourished then – and continue to thrive.

One success story to come out of the pandemic has been the Jewish Changemakers Fellowship, which launched, which launched in the summer of 2020. Developed by the Jewish Federation of North America, the program has created a nurturing space to assist young professionals as they begin their leadership journey.

The goal is to help Jewish adults ages 21 to 27 explore wo they are – and who they will become – as leaders working to improve their communities and the world. All this is done through a uniquely Jewish lens, and there is no fee to participate.

The first Jewish Changemakers Fellowship was a six-week, online learning experience. Three fellowship experiences were offered the first year drawing a total of 1,000 participants. The program – which remains a virtual one – continues to be offered on a regular basis, with the next one slated for this fall.

Making Key Connections

One new Changemaker is Aviv Levi, who saw an ad for the fellowship program on LinkedIn. The 24-year-old is a native of Israel who is now living in Orlando and studying accounting at the University of Central Florida.

“Jewish Changemakers was a great experience,” says Aviv.

“We met Jewish professionals form different fields, heard their stories, and connected with peers in small cohort groups.”

Participants attend twice-weekly Zoom meetings over the span of six weeks. Early sessions are geared toward self-reflection as participants explore their Jewish identities and collaborate with their peers. Other areas of focus include advocacy and community building, along with empowering participants to become effective leaders.

After graduating, participants receive a $350 stipend. They are also invited to join the Jewish Changemakers Network, a group of more than 2,500 alumni who can offer mentorship and support for newcomers to the fellowship program.

Essential for success

Lila Hruby, senior manager of community management and operations for Jewish Changemakers

Aviv’s experience helped him gain perspective and valuable insight.

“Changemakers give young Jewish students and professionals a platform to learn from leaders in their fields and to connect with their peers,” he says, “ which is essential in their journey of becoming involved and leading their communities.”

Lila Hruby, senior manager of community management and operations for Jewish Changemakers, agrees with Aviv She went through the program herself in 2022 and is a vocal advocate for its mission.

“This program is the beginning of many of our participants’ leadership journeys,” says Lila. “Changemakers is meant to be that next step, and throughout the program, they not only learn leadership skills, but also gain professional development and networking skills.”

Adds Aviv, “I gained a clearer vision of the Jewish leader I want to be and made a few new friends along the way. If you’re thinking about doing the program, go for it!”