Next Gen leaders bring Jewish Boca’s voice, energy, and vision to a national gathering of emerging Jewish leaders
Jewish Boca’s next generation of leaders is stepping onto the national stage at a pivotal moment for South Florida’s Jewish community.
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is proud to welcome three first-year local members to Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet: Faina Spivak, Jake Grant and Alex Ray. They join second-year members Graham Miller, Harrison Barker, Jaclyn Schneider and Andria Aylyarov, as well as third-year members Natan Milgrom and Jenna Shapiro.
Established in 1963, the National Young Leadership Cabinet is Jewish Federation of North America’s premier five-year leadership development program for emerging volunteer leaders and philanthropists. Participants strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their philanthropic and communal engagement and build relationships with peers committed to advancing Jewish life across North America, in Israel and around the world.
Their participation comes as South Florida experiences unprecedented growth and Jewish Boca welcomes new individuals and families seeking connection, community and meaningful Jewish experiences. Responding to that growth will require innovative thinking, fresh perspectives and new strategies to ensure that local institutions and programs continue to meet the community’s evolving needs.
For first-year participant Faina Spivak, joining the program carries deeply personal meaning, connecting her family’s earliest experience with the Federation system to her commitment to Jewish Boca today.
“As a first-generation immigrant, I know firsthand the difference a strong Federation system can make. When my family and I immigrated to the United States in 1996, we received invaluable support as we worked to establish ourselves and build a new life,” Spivak said. “After relocating from Boston to Boca nearly a year ago, we were once again warmly welcomed by the Federation community. Joining the National Young Leadership Cabinet felt like a natural next step: a chance to give back, extend that same support and sense of belonging to others and help shape the rapidly growing Jewish community we are proud to call home.”
Through the National Young Leadership Cabinet, these nine leaders will gain knowledge, relationships and experiences that can directly inform Jewish Boca’s continued growth. By bringing ideas and proven approaches from communities across North America back home, they will help Federation identify new opportunities, deepen engagement and build an even stronger Jewish future in South Palm Beach County.
The Jewish Boca participants recently joined more than 300 emerging Jewish leaders in Minneapolis for a national gathering focused on their responsibility to strengthen Jewish life and help shape its future.
The gathering offered opportunities to connect with leaders from communities across North America, exchange ideas and consider how the lessons and relationships developed through the program can create meaningful impact at home.
“South Florida is changing quickly, and Jewish Boca must be prepared to grow with it,” said Andria Aylyarov, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and a second-year member of JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet who recently joined the Boca cohort.
“I was not fortunate enough to grow up with a strong Federation system in my small Ohio town. Now, as an adult, a mother, and a wife, I feel a responsibility to help protect and strengthen the vibrancy of greater Jewish Boca. Cabinet gives us the opportunity to learn from Jewish leaders across the continent, explore new ideas and bring home strategies that can strengthen our own community. We returned from Minneapolis inspired, connected and even more committed to building a Jewish Boca that is ready for what comes next.”
Throughout the five-year program, participants engage in leadership development opportunities, national gatherings, advocacy experiences and international study missions that demonstrate the reach and impact of the Federation system. They bring that knowledge back to their local communities, helping to build stronger institutions, inspire greater philanthropic participation and cultivate the leaders who will guide Jewish life for generations.
Natan Milgrom, a third-year member and co-chair of the program’s Israel & Overseas committee, unveiled the upcoming study mission at the retreat and will help lead fellow participants to Israel. Through the mission, the cohort will deepen its understanding of JFNA’s role in the country’s ongoing recovery and rebuilding, work that remains critical nearly three years after the October 7 massacre.
The participation of nine Jewish Boca leaders reflects Federation’s continued commitment to developing a strong leadership pipeline and ensuring that the perspectives, priorities and experiences of South Palm Beach County are represented in national conversations.
At a time of extraordinary growth and change, these leaders will help Jewish Boca transform new ideas into meaningful local impact and ensure that the community continues to flourish for generations to come.
Deepest thanks to Boca Pointe Federation Campaign Chairs and Committee Members for their continued dedication and leadership.
Learn more about our Federation and how you can help at http://www.jewishboca.org.
