What is LEAD? 

LEAD (Lead, Educate, Act, Develop) is the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s leadership experience for Jewish professionals. It’s a way to get to know Jewish Cincinnati from the inside, meet the people and organizations that keep it strong, and find your own place in the community. 

Over eight months, you’ll meet community leaders, visit local agencies, explore your Jewish values, and build lasting friendships with a small group of peers. Many participants come in curious and leave ready to take on a role they never pictured for themselves, whether that’s a board seat, a committee, or simply a deeper connection to Jewish life here. 

The 2026–2027 class begins in October 2026. About 20 adults will complete eight sessions through May 2027. 

Who participates in LEAD? 

LEAD is open to any Jewish professional living in Greater Cincinnati who wants to learn more about the community and how to get involved. We build each class to reflect the community itself, balancing gender, background, relationship status, sexual orientation, level of Jewish involvement, and profession. Past participants live all over the city and work everywhere from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits, law, medicine, and education. 

What’s the time commitment? 

Eight sessions over eight months, October 2026 through May 2027, plus a welcome dinner to start. Sessions are a mix of weeknight evenings, and weekday and weekend mornings. Full dates are listed on the registration page. 

What employers have past participants come from? 

Procter & Gamble, Graydon Head, ArtWorks, LPK, Frost Brown Todd, Fifth Third Bank, the 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. 

How many people are in each class? 

Classes run 15 to 20 people, with a goal of 20. We keep it small on purpose, because that’s what makes real conversation and real friendships possible. 

How many people have been through LEAD? 

LEAD started in fall 2007 and has more than 200 alumni. Most still live in Cincinnati and stay active in the community. 

Do I have to attend every session? 

We ask you to attend all of them. A big part of LEAD is bonding with your cohort, and that happens when you show up. Life happens, so we understand the occasional conflict, but more than two absences may mean you can’t complete the program. You’d be welcome to join a future class. 

Are there costs associated with the program? 

There is a $36 application fee, refunded in full if you are not accepted into the cohort. 

We also invite every participant to make a gift to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign that’s meaningful to them. During LEAD, you’ll see firsthand where those dollars go and the people they reach. Many participants choose to give $1 a day, or $365 for the year, payable through December 31. A LEAD alum or committee member can meet with you one-on-one to talk it through privately. Giving is part of the experience, and it’s personal. You decide what’s right for you. 

What if I move during the program? 

Things change, and we get it. We just hope everyone who joins plans to stay in the Cincinnati area through the program. 

How do I apply? 

Applications open this summer and close July 31, 2026. 

Click here to apply or email Clara Babcock, Engagement Manager, at [email protected] with any questions.