Sep 25, 2013

The Young Leadership Division: Connecting Miami's Young Professionals to the Community and Beyond

On a hot Friday night this past June, more than 100 young Jewish professionals gathered for a Kabbalat Shabbat Service and dinner at Temple Emanu-El in Miami Beach, followed by drinks and socializing at a nearby South Beach club. The evening, called “Shabbat and the City,” was the latest in a long history of successful events presented by the Young Leadership Division, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s division for Jewish singles and couples ages 22 to 39.

For years, the Young Leadership Division has enjoyed a solid reputation for programming that is both entertaining and meaningful. In addition to its social and spiritual elements, “Shabbat and the City” incorporated a philanthropic component, asking participants to bring school supplies for donation to children in need.

Much of the success of programs like “Shabbat and the City” is due to the Young Leadership Divisions Board, comprising talented, passionate and dedicated young leaders from across Miami-Dade County.

The Network Executive Co-Chairs Josh Migdal and Scott Wagner

“The Young Leadership Division Board is dedicated to creating fun social events and meaningful volunteer opportunities that provide young leaders with avenues to work with their peers, become engaged in the work of Federation, and strengthen our Jewish community,” said Josh Migdal, Executive Co-Chair of the Young Leadership Division.

For its next social event, a Rush Hour of cocktails and networking at Blackbird Ordinary on Thursday, October 3, the Young Leadership Division is asking that participants bring a grocery card gift card for donation to the JCS Kosher Food Bank. “This is the ‘entry fee’ for the evening and while people can opt to pay $10 instead, we feel the request of a gift card donation reflects Federation’s Mission of caring for those in need,” said Migdal. “The Food Bank, operated by Federation’s local partner, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, is an important resource for the hungry in our community, and so many people depend on it every day.”

Another upcoming event, a Real Estate Speaker Series program, is a great example of the Young Leadership Division’s efforts to provide opportunities for interactions between Jewish professionals with similar interests. The Real Estate Network is made up of architects, brokers, builders, developers, contractors and other professionals affiliated with the real estate and construction trades. Its Real Estate Speaker Series will take place Thursday, October 10 at the offices of Akerman Senterfitt, and feature Stephen L. Owens of Swire Properties Inc., who will talk about Brickell CityCentre.

There are also Network affinity groups for women, legal and financial professionals, as well as those in their 20s.

“The Young Leadership Division consistently provides a wide variety of touch points for young people who want to connect with their community, their peers, their colleagues and their heritage all at once," said Scott Wagner, Executive Co-Chair. "We want to continue to capitalize on our momentum this year and offer opportunities to anyone and everyone who is interested in strengthening their bond with the community, those in need, and those willing to help others in need. And we are hoping to do that through fun, meaningful and exciting events and programs.”

Making a Difference Through Philanthropy and Volunteerism

Committed to fulfilling Federation’s Mission to mobilize human and financial resources to care for those in need and strengthen Jewish life, the Young Leadership Division works in many ways to educate members of the community about the work of Federation and its local and overseas partners. Programs with guest speakers – sometimes, recipients of services – and visits to partner agencies and funded projects – both in Miami and in Israel – demonstrate the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign at work. When asked to contribute to the Annual Campaign, Network members respond enthusiastically; collectively, the Young Leadership Division raises nearly $1 million each year. Network365 recognizes those Network members who contribute $365 (a dollar a day) to the Annual Campaign, and offers special events and benefits for these generous individuals.

Network members also look forward to opportunities to provide hands-on assistance in projects that help the vulnerable. Partnering with the Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Young Leadership Division has a strong presence at volunteer events offered throughout the year. At the highly popular Jewish Community Volunteer Day on December 25, for example, young professionals and their families served holiday meals and played with the children of residents of the Chapman Partnership shelter.

Missions to Israel and National Young Leadership conferences organized by The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) provide opportunities for volunteerism at Federation-funded programs in communities outside Miami, as well.

Leadership Development

Because the future of the Jewish community depends on the strength of its leaders, the Young Leadership Division provides training and resources to help develop young leaders realize their full potential. Its Leadership Development Institute (LDI) is an invitation-only opportunity for individuals to connect to a like-minded peer group, build professional and communal leadership skills, and gain a deeper understanding of Federation. Graduates of LDI join participants of other Network-sponsored leadership-development efforts to chair events and committees, become Network Board members and contribute to the overall work of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Many have also gone on to attain leadership roles with JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet.

Recently, the Young Leadership Division installed its new Board and Officers for 2013-2014. Click here for a full list.

To learn more about the Young Leadership Division, click here. To get connected, email [email protected] or call 786.866.8446.