By Avi Remetz, Director of Philanthropy and Engagement (NextGen)

The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond is proud to congratulate the 15 graduates of the most recent cohort of the Community Leadership Institute (CLI) for NextGen, a program designed to cultivate the next generation of Jewish communal leaders.

CLI provides emerging leaders with a deeper understanding of the Richmond Jewish community, its agencies, governance structures, funding processes, and the many ways individuals can make a meaningful impact through service and philanthropy. 

Through a series of educational sessions, relationship-building opportunities, and conversations with established community leaders, participants gain the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to take on leadership roles across our community. The program reflects Federation’s commitment to ensuring a strong and vibrant Jewish future by investing in talented individuals who are passionate about community building, Jewish values, and collective responsibility. 

Graduates leave CLI with a greater appreciation for the breadth of services and programs that strengthen Jewish life in Richmond, as well as a clearer pathway for becoming involved themselves.

We are especially excited that several graduates have already stepped into important leadership and volunteer positions throughout our community. Members of this year’s cohort have found placements with Jewish Family Services, and committees at JCFR: the Israel and Overseas Committee, the Allocations Committee, and the NextGen Committee. Their willingness to contribute their time, expertise, and energy demonstrates the success of the program in transforming learning into meaningful action.

As these graduates begin their leadership journeys, they join a growing network of CLI alumni who are helping to shape the future of Jewish Richmond through board service, committee involvement, volunteerism, and philanthropic leadership.

On behalf of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 15 graduates. We are grateful for your commitment to our community and look forward to seeing the many ways you will continue to lead, inspire, and strengthen Jewish life in Richmond for years to come.

Mazal tov to the Community Leadership Institute’s Class of 2026: 

Ariel Birnbaum

Rebekah Drucker

Nataly Estrin

Ethan Friedman

Nasiyah Isra-Ul

Jordan Joseph-Solomon

Jordan Joseph

Jason Markhoff

Jacob Morgan

Andy Neymit

Zoe Raine

Zach Rolfe

Daniel Saltzberg

Brandon Tepper

Shelby Trinagel

Your leadership journey is just beginning, and our community is stronger because of your dedication and engagement.

In the photo of the group from the recent Joint Annual Meeting, (From left) Avi Remez, Ariel Birnbaum (behind Avi), Bekah Drucker, Jordan Solomon, Zoe Raine, Brandon Tepper, Nasiyah Isra-Ul, Zach Rolfe, Nataly Estrin, Daniel Saltzberg, Jacob Morgan, and Jordan Joseph-Solomon (kneeling down).

Editor’s Note: Avi Remetz, the Federation’s Director of Philanthropy and Engagement (NextGen), directs and plans all the programs for the CLI group.