The 2026 cohort of the J-Fellows gathered earlier this month for their first session, marking the beginning of a five-month journey in leadership, learning, and community impact. The session was led by Young Adults Engagement and Newcomers Associate Oren Baray, alongside co-chairs Elisabeth Levin and Thierry Lafontaine-Chicha.

The evening was anchored by two thought-provoking presentations from Jewish Federation of Ottawa President and CEO Adam Silver and EY Partner Aaron Smith. Drawing on their experiences across multiple sectors, both speakers explored leadership and organizational theory, setting a strong foundation for the months ahead.

J-Fellows is the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s flagship professional development and leadership program for young adults. Through mentorship, teamwork, and experiential learning, the program helps shape the next generation of Jewish leaders.

“The level of interest in this year’s J-Fellows program was incredibly exciting,” said Oren Baray, Young Adults Engagement and Newcomers Associate at the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. “We had an outstanding number of applications, and while we are thrilled with the cohort selected, we are genuinely proud of every candidate who put themselves forward. That kind of engagement speaks volumes about the passion and leadership potential within our young adult community.”

Running from December to May, the program brings participants together to develop innovative initiatives that respond to pressing needs within Ottawa’s Jewish community. Each session features insights from respected leaders in both the Jewish and professional spheres, followed by dedicated time for collaboration and group work.

In upcoming sessions, fellows will hear from Lawry Trevor-Deutsch, President of Strathmere Associates International; Adam Aronson, Associate Partner and CPA at GGFL; David Sachs, Community Relations and Antisemitism Specialist at the Jewish Federation of Ottawa; and Charlie Segal, Chief Revenue Officer at NotaryPro.

A core component of the J-Fellows experience is one-on-one mentorship. Each fellow is paired with a mentor in their field of interest and is expected to meet at least three times over the course of the program. This relationship is critical, offering guidance, perspective, and support as participants refine their leadership skills and professional goals.

Fellows will also work in small groups on a project as part of the Tikkun Ottawa challenge. Translating to “improve Ottawa”, this initiative encourages participants to identify a specific need within the Jewish community and develop a practical, impactful solution. Each project must clearly articulate what can be improved and how the proposed idea effectively addresses that need.

From March through April, participants will focus on refining their group projects in preparation for the Tikkun Ottawa competition. In May, teams will present their proposals to community leaders, mentors, and board representatives at the Dorot legacy reception in a competition-style format. Projects will be evaluated based on feasibility and potential impact, with the winning team receiving a grant to bring their idea to life.

Through leadership development, mentorship, and hands-on project work, the J-Fellows program continues to strengthen Ottawa’s Jewish community by investing in emerging leaders committed to making a lasting and meaningful difference.

“This year’s program already feels especially dynamic and meaningful,” Baray said. “We are deeply grateful to the donors who make J-Fellows possible and to the mentors who give their time, energy, and insight with such dedication and enthusiasm. J-Fellows is a powerful launchpad for emerging leaders, and we are excited to see how this cohort will shape the future of Jewish life in Ottawa.”