All great leaders start somewhere and for those living in the Tampa Bay area, they can start with the Hope Cohen Barnett Leadership Institute. The program's main thrust is developing and mentoring young adults to become the Jewish community leaders of tomorrow. - Jonathan Ellis, Past President of the Tampa JCCs & Federation.


 

This year’s class is now full.

 

If you would like to join the waiting list for this year’s program,

please contact Lisa Robbins at 

lisa.robbins@jewishtampa.com


Are you a young Jewish adult ages 25-40 with a passion for making a difference? Experience the Hope Cohen Barnett Leadership Training Institute (HCBLI) and learn how to take a leadership role in making the Jewish community stronger!

 

The Tampa JCCs & Federation and the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast invite emerging young leaders from the Tampa Bay area to participate in this innovative leadership development experience.

 

Now in its 20th year, HCBLI is designed to inspire young professionals to get involved and take on leadership roles in the Tampa Bay Jewish community. Throughout the years, graduates have held leadership positions on boards and committees of local Jewish organizations and agencies on both sides of the Bay.

 

More than 300 young professionals have graduated from HCBLI, representing a cross-section of the region, both geographically and professionally.

 

Participation is limited to 18 people. Class sessions run 6:30-9:00 PM unless noted otherwise.

 

PROGRAM COST

• $99 (early bird) per person if you apply by Friday, September 1, 2023.

• $150 per person thereafter. Includes course materials. Dinner will be served during all sessions.

 

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Final deadline to apply is Monday, September 18, 2023. Applicants will be notified by email about the status of their applications by Monday, October 2, 2023.

Please contact Lisa Robbins at lisa.robbins@jewishtampa.com to learn more.

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an exclusive discussion with philanthropist Bryan Glazer, Co-chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Learn about the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator and Tampa’s innovation ecosystem

• Develop an understanding of the Tampa Bay Jewish community

• Experience the important work of our local beneficiary agencies

 

TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • Jewish Community 101
  • Leadership
  • Philanthropy
  • Our Jewish Future
  • Jewish Identity
  • Making a Difference

 

PROGRAM COMMITMENT

Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants are also committed to giving a meaningful gift* to the Annual Campaign of either the Tampa JCCs & Federation or the Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast. This gift is in addition to the registration cost for the program.

*A “meaningful gift” to the Annual Campaign is a donation that’s meaningful to you in any amount you choose.

 

 

For more information about the HCBLI please contact Lisa Robbins (Tampa JCCs & Federation - Hillsborough and East Pasco Counties) at 813.769.4723 or email lisa.robbins@jewishtampa.com  or Maxine Kaufman (Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast - Pinellas, West Pasco and Hernando Counties) at 727.333.3106 or email mkaufman@jewishgulfcoast.org.

PROGRAM DATES

 

Monday, October 16, 2023

Orientation & Jewish Community 101

5:30-9:00pm

 

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Special event. Details TBD.

 

Monday, October 30, 2023

Jewish Philanthropy

 

Friday, November 10, 2023

Shabbat Dinner (Private home)      

 

Monday, November 13, 2023

Leadership

 

Monday, November 27, 2023

Meet the Agencies: The Challenges Facing our Jewish Community

 

Monday, December 11, 2023

Allocations: Sustaining Our Community

 

Monday, December 18, 2023

Florida-Israel Business Accelerator – Connecting to Israel as the “Start-Up Nation”

 

Monday, January 8, 2024

Jewish Identity

 

Friday, January 26, 2024

Shabbat Dinner (University of South Florida Hillel)

 

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Tampa JCCs & Federation’s Annual President’s Dinner

 

Monday, February 5, 2024

One Person Can Make a Difference

 

Monday, February 26, 2024

What’s Next? Getting Involved in Your Community

 

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Graduation

 


 

Testimonials

 


 

"I would highly recommend the program for other future young leaders, as an accelerated launching point towards greater involvement in the Federation and all associated programs." -Alex Kanfer, HCBLI Class of 2023


 

I would highly recommend HCBLI for future emerging young Jewish leaders as it gives you an opportunity to learn about the Jewish Federations' impact and how we can make a meaningful contribution to the Jewish community, whether it be through advocacy, charitable donations, professional skills, or volunteerism.  Lina Kleinman, HCBLI Class of 2023


 

I recommend HCBLI to any young Jew in the area, particularly those who are new arrivals. I came to Tampa Bay not knowing anyone, and looked for opportunities in the Jewish community when I was recommended to apply for HCBLI. The program gave me a great overview of the community, involvement opportunities, and a way to meet new people. It was a great experience and I strongly recommend it to anyone interested. Jeff Miller, HCBLI Class of 2023


 

"This course opens your eyes up to all the good that we do as Jews in our area and around the world as well as for Jews and for all those who need help." – Jeff Benatar, HCBLI Class of 2022


 

"It is a great introduction to the Tampa Bay Jewish community and offers a gateway to become a more active member of our vibrant and compassionate community."  – Jon Philipson, HCBLI Class of 2022


 

"HCBLI is a great way to connect with young Jewish leaders in Tampa, and creates a sense of community - especially for those who are new to the area." - Dan Berman, HCBLI Class of 2022


 

"HCBLI was an incredible experience like I've never had before.  You get to meet with a variety of young Jews who all have the same goal in mind, to reinvigorate your love and passion for being Jewish.  This program allowed me to meet wonderful new friends, make amazing connections in the Tampa community and further my knowledge in our culture.  I felt lost in reconnecting with my Jewish people, and this was the most perfect place to come and start my journey." – Alexa Jasenof, HCBLI Class of 2022


 

"I would recommend HCBLI to any young Jewish adults looking for a chance to help their community. No matter what your passions are, there is an organization that could use you to do some good!" - Jesse Davidson, HCBLI Class of 2021


 

"It's a great opportunity to learn what opportunities exist in the Tampa Bay area to emerge as a young Jewish professional leader, and allows for great networking opportunities and building friendships."- Devon Francke, HCBLI Class of 2021


 

"This is a phenomenal way to build a community of Jewish peers interested in sustaining and developing Jewish life." - Cantor Katie Oringel, HCBLI Class of 2021


 

"This program allowed me to better understand the Jewish community around me as someone newer to the Tampa Bay area. It was inspiring to see how so many community members and guest speakers have contributed to the community in their own unique ways to make it a better place for all of us, and especially for those in need. I am thankful for this pathway into leadership and encourage future leaders to explore the program!" – Jen Caetano, HCBLI Class of 2021


 

"HCBLI created an educational and inclusive environment that gave me a greater appreciation for the Jewish community. I really enjoyed the variety of perspectives and diverse opinions from within the group, which helped foster thought-provoking discussions. I also loved our sessions about the federation’s various agencies, the allocations process, fundraising strategies, and opportunities for future involvement.  The program did an exemplary job of integrating Jewish learning with leadership skills, and I graduated with a network of friends and the tools to become a more effective leader in the Jewish community." – Andrea Cohen, 2018-2019 HCBLI Graduate, Volunteer with IMPACT Advisory Committee


 

"HCBLI gave me a broad picture and greater understanding of Jewish activity in the Tampa Bay area. HCBLI laid a foundation for me to grow within the Jewish community and my interest and involvement in the community has grown exponentially each year.”- Ashley Simon, 2013-2014 HCBLI Graduate, Board Member of the Tampa JCCs & Federation


 

"I felt it was my duty to give back to the Jewish community and bring a fresh approach to the local Jewish boards. We were encouraged to get involved and take the bull by the horns." -David Delrahim, 2011-2012 HCBLI Graduate, Menorah Manor Trustee and Treasurer


 

"As a board member and past president of Weinberg Village Living Residences, it was very meaningful to lead an organization that has a goal of caring for and enhancing the lives of the elderly, which is one of the biggest mitzvahs we can do. HCBLI introduced me to the variety of local Jewish organization and sparked my passion for Jewish involvement.”– Aaron Silberman, 2009-2010 HCBLI Graduate, Weinberg Village Past President and Board Member, Tampa JCCs & Federation Board Member and Treasurer


 

“HCBLI helped make Federation more tangible. I gained more exposure to the community and better understood how Federation helps and supports people in here in Tampa and around the world. I was also connected to other like-minded people who want to heal the world. Everyone who participates has the passion, drive and will to dedicate themselves to making the world a better place.”– Carlyn Neuman, 2007 HCBLI Graduate, Hillel of the Florida Suncoast Board Member, Weinberg Village Board Member, National Young Leadership Cabinet Member


 

A critical piece of HBCLI is that it introduced me to key leaders in the community, people who have been at the table a long time and gave me some insight into how decisions are made. It’s enabled me to create relationships with successful people who have been willing to be a sounding board as I’ve gotten more deeply involved and invested in the community. Joe Probasco, 2007 HCBLI Graduate, Past President of the Tampa JCCs & Federation