By Leya Aronoff, Marketing Manager at J Leaders & J Leaders Academy ‘22-’23 Fellow
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Leah Palestrant, and I participated in the J Leaders Academy ‘22-’23. I’m based in Florida and currently work as the Executive Director of the Springboard Fellowship at Hillel International. My work focuses on leadership development for young Jewish professionals, helping them grow in their careers while building strong Jewish communities.
What inspired you to apply to J Leaders?
I’ve spent my entire career in leadership development, but when I transitioned into the Jewish nonprofit world, I realized I had never intentionally invested in my own leadership growth. I was always focused on developing others. J Leaders felt like the perfect opportunity to step back, reflect, and develop my own leadership in a Jewish space.
With so many options, why did you choose J Leaders?
The program deepened my understanding of leadership in a Jewish context. While I had developed leadership skills in my career, J Leaders gave me the space to explore how Jewish values could shape my approach. Beyond that, the relationships I built were invaluable — being part of a cohort of driven, thoughtful Jewish professionals from diverse industries made the experience even more meaningful. The mentorship, high-caliber speakers, and off-the-record conversations with industry leaders were also huge draws.
What was the most impactful part of your J Leaders experience?
What was the most impactful part of your J Leaders experience?The most impactful part was the community and the leadership development focus. The academy wasn’t just about professional skills; it was about growing as a Jewish leader, regardless of your profession. The program reinforced that leadership isn’t just about career success — it’s about bringing Jewish values into everything you do.
How has the program influenced your professional and Jewish life?
J Leaders solidified my commitment to Jewish leadership. It gave me the confidence to fully embrace my role in the Jewish professional world and helped me refine my story about why I do this work. It also reinforced the importance of investing in my own leadership, not just in developing others.
What’s an unexpected benefit or achievement from your J Leaders experience?
I came away with a much stronger network than I expected. The relationships I built during the academy continue to impact my career. In fact, a J Leaders connection helped me get into an executive leadership program for Jewish professionals — a direct example of how this network keeps giving back.
What advice would you give to Jewish young adults considering J Leaders?
If you’re considering J Leaders, think of it as an investment — not just in your career, but in your ability to lead with purpose. The experience will challenge you to grow, connect you with inspiring peers, and give you the confidence to embrace leadership in whatever way feels authentic to you.