A multi-faceted program to train, empower and prepare Orthodox female teens and women to assume professional leadership roles in the Jewish community. This grant allowed for an expansion of an existing fellowship for 15 students with enhancements outside the institutional budget and offer programs to the entire student body. Enhancements included an Israel-US video-conference and a range of outstanding speakers from a cross-section of the community.

Ignition Grantee Reflections: Impacts and Learnings:
“Where are we now, what did we accomplish, and what have we learned?”

“The willingness of communities to take a chance on women in leadership roles has exploded. They are taking a chance on the concept of women in religious leadership roles. It is cutting edge for religious women in areas of family purity and family law.”

—Sarah Helfand Emerson, Project Director

“The Ignition Grant is a great way for us to test the waters with a partner organization and it brings an extra level of moral support and power beyond the money within our institution, especially in this case with new and innovative programming such as this.”

—Marc Spear, Director, Leadership Training