Mandel Center for Leadership Development
The Mandel Center’s Leadership, Engagement, Action, & Planning (LEAP) program is your gateway to connection and growth within Jewish Palm Beach for Jewish young adults (20s & 30s).
A Federation program dedicated to the development of exceptional volunteer and professional leadership for the Jewish Community of the Palm Beaches.
LEADERSHIP, ENGAGEMENT, ACTION, & PLANNING
Dive into dynamic leadership sessions, engaging social events, and hands-on experiences that will deepen your understanding of Jewish life and elevate your leadership in Palm Beach County.
What you’ll gain:
LEADERSHIP, ENGAGEMENT, ACTION, & PLANNING
2026-2027 Cohort Dates
November 2026 – May 2027
Eligibility
Young Jewish professionals and community builders in their 20s and 30s
Average Cohort Size
12 – 15 highly motivated individuals
Locations
Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County & Mandel JCC
Additional Information
LEAP Cohort 3
Meet Your Guides
Assistant Director of Emerging Leadership
Kiki Baxter joined the Mandel Center as the Assistant Director of Emerging leadership in October of 2025. In her role, she oversees young adult leadership development and connects alumni to community efforts. Prior to joining the team, Kiki built an exciting career in experiential education—leading immersive travel programs in Nepal for National Geographic, and in Japan, Fiji, Hawai’i, and Italy for other educational organizations. She brings an extensive marketing background and has supported strategic collaborations with renowned institutions such as National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institution, The New Y ork Times, and many Ivy League universities. Kiki got involved with Nova Heaven as a volunteer last year and has since redeveloped the volunteer and engagement experience, in addition to supporting fundraising initiatives. Outside of work, Kiki enjoys travel, photography, and
practicing yoga.
Co-Facilitator
David Levy has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, working with a diverse range of large and grassroots social service, arts, health and community development agencies. His areas of expertise include professional/volunteer relations, financial resource development and leadership. A passionate teacher and engaging trainer, David has worked with organizations throughout the country on fundraising, governance, organizational problem solving, capacity building and strategic planning. David is skilled at helping individuals and organizations harnessing their unique skills and talents for success. Serving on the faculty of the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management, David enjoys working with a diverse group of graduate students who are truly committed to making a positive difference in their community and in the world.
Assistant Director of Emerging Leadership
Co-Facilitator
LEAP Cohort 3
Our Network
Meet the alumni who are shaping our community with their leadership, creativity, and impact.
“LEAP gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader while building meaningful connections within our Jewish community. I’m honored to chair this program and help create that same experience for the next generation of leaders.”
LEAP JCC Cohort 1 | Chair – LEAP JCC Cohort 2
“The LEAP Fellowship at the Mandel Center for Leadership Development pushed me to think critically about who I am as a leader and how I show up for my community. From the moment I joined, I was surrounded by a network of driven, like-minded peers and given real opportunities to engage with issues I care about. Most importantly, it’s given me the ongoing opportunity to give back to the Jewish Federation, from volunteering to board service and beyond.”
LEAP Cohort 3
“LEAP is a wonderful experience for anyone looking to build leadership skills, expand their professional network, and make new friends in Palm Beach County’s Jewish community.”
LEAP Cohort 3
“LEAP gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader while building meaningful connections within our Jewish community. I’m honored to chair this program and help create that same experience for the next generation of leaders.”
LEAP Cohort 2 | Chair-LEAP Cohort 3
“The LEAP Fellowship at the Mandel Center for Leadership Development pushed me to think critically about who I am as a leader and how I show up for my community. From the moment I joined, I was surrounded by a network of driven, like-minded peers and given real opportunities to engage with issues I care about. Most importantly, it’s given me the ongoing opportunity to give back to the Jewish Federation, from volunteering to board service and beyond.”
LEAP Cohort 2
“LEAP is a wonderful experience for anyone looking to build leadership skills, expand their professional network, and make new friends in Palm Beach County’s Jewish community.”
LEAP Cohort 2
Explore the Mandel Center
Discover more leadership opportunities and programs that
empower Jewish leaders in the Palm Beaches.
Join our interest list for recruitment events, application deadlines, and networking opportunities.
