Leah Palestrant
Community Leader
A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?
Although somewhat new in her professional life to the Jewish nonprofit sector, Leah Palestrant has been making an impact in her local Jewish community of Jacksonville, Florida since moving there 14 years ago. Her leadership and commitment to bridging divides within the Jewish community and beyond make her an exemplary candidate for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award. Her multifaceted efforts have focused on fostering unity, understanding, and collaboration across diverse communities, which is evident through her work in several key areas.
As the youngest and first Jewish Board Member of the Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida, Leah has played a pivotal role in promoting dialogue and cooperation among people of different faiths. Her involvement in this organization has been instrumental in creating platforms for interfaith communication, understanding, and mutual respect. Leah's approach emphasizes the shared values and common goals among various religious groups, which has helped build stronger relationships and foster a sense of community across different faiths.
Leah's work with the Interfaith Center has included organizing events and initiatives that bring together people from various religious backgrounds to discuss pressing social issues, celebrate cultural diversity, and engage in community service. Through these efforts, she has successfully helped to break down barriers and build bridges between different faith communities, promoting a more inclusive and harmonious society.
In addition to her various Steering Committee and Chair positions within the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida, Leah was recently asked to be a member of the first ever Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) here in Jacksonville, where she has been at the forefront of efforts to unite the Jewish community and bridge gaps between Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Her leadership within the JCRC has been crucial in addressing issues that affect the Jewish community while also fostering relationships with other communities to build understanding and cooperation.
With Leah’s participation, the JCRC focuses on creating partnerships with other faith-based organizations, advocacy groups, and community leaders to address shared concerns, such as combating antisemitism, promoting social justice, and advocating for the rights of all marginalized groups. In addition to her ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds making her a valuable asset in these efforts, ensuring that the Jewish community's voice is heard and respected in broader conversations, her work as a nominated position on the Ethics Commission with the City of Jacksonville is helping to bridge gaps into the civic community as well.
In addition to her work with the Interfaith Center and the JCRC, Leah has been actively involved in supporting multifaith families. Understanding the unique challenges that these families face, Leah has dedicated herself to creating spaces where they feel welcomed, understood, and supported. Her work has included organizing educational programs, family events, and discussion groups that provide resources and guidance for multifaith families navigating their diverse religious identities.
Leah's approach to supporting multifaith families is rooted in her belief that diversity should be celebrated and that different religious traditions can coexist harmoniously within a single family unit. By fostering an environment of acceptance and inclusion, Leah has helped multifaith families feel more connected to both their Jewish heritage and the broader community.
As the Executive Director of the Springboard Fellowship at Hillel International, Leah is deeply committed to ensuring a pipeline of diverse and inclusive leaders in the Jewish nonprofit sector and beyond. Her work in this role involves mentoring and developing early career Jewish professionals, providing them with the tools, skills, and experiences necessary to become effective leaders within their communities.
Leah's leadership in this area has been transformative, not only for the fellows she mentors but also for the broader Jewish community. By focusing on inclusivity and diversity, Leah is helping to shape the next generation of Jewish leaders who are equipped to bridge divides, foster understanding, and lead with empathy and compassion. Her efforts have ensured that the Jewish community will continue to have strong, dynamic leaders who are committed to building a more unified and inclusive society.
Leah's work within the Jewish community and beyond has consistently focused on bridging divides, fostering unity, and promoting understanding. Whether through her leadership on the board of the Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida, her involvement with the Northeast Florida Jewish Community Relations Council, her support for multifaith families, or her commitment to developing early career Jewish professionals, Leah has demonstrated the qualities that make her deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award. Her efforts have not only strengthened the Jewish community but have also contributed to a more inclusive and connected society as a whole.
B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?
Leah has demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to bridging divides across various facets of her work. Her approach to leadership is characterized by her ability to bring people together, her dedication to fostering understanding and inclusion, and her passion for empowering others to become leaders in their own right. Below are several key ways in which Leah has exemplified these qualities:
Strategic Vision and Leadership at the Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida
As a board member of the Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida, Leah has been a driving force behind initiatives that promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation. Her strategic vision has been instrumental in shaping the center's approach to addressing complex social issues through the lens of faith and community. Leah has led efforts to organize events that bring together people from different religious backgrounds to discuss topics such as social justice, environmental stewardship, and peacebuilding. Her leadership has helped to create a safe and welcoming space for dialogue, where individuals can explore their differences and find common ground.
Leah's commitment to interfaith work goes beyond mere participation; she actively seeks out opportunities to collaborate with leaders from other faith communities, recognizing that true unity comes from understanding and respect. Her ability to listen, empathize, and engage with others has made her a respected leader within the interfaith community and a key figure in building bridges between diverse religious groups.Innovative Approaches to Community Building with the Northeast Florida Jewish Community Relations Council
In her role as the youngest member of the inaugural Northeast Florida Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Leah has brought fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to community building. She has been at the forefront of efforts to unite the Jewish community while also reaching out to other faith-based and secular communities to foster collaboration and mutual understanding. Leah's leadership within the JCRC has been marked by her ability to identify common goals and work towards them in a way that brings people together rather than divides them.
One of Leah's notable achievements has been her work in developing programs and initiatives that address the concerns of both the Jewish community and the broader population. Whether advocating for social justice, combating antisemitism, or promoting human rights, Leah has shown exceptional leadership in ensuring that the Jewish community's voice is heard and respected. Her efforts have helped to build stronger relationships between the Jewish community and other groups, paving the way for greater cooperation and unity.Support for Multifaith Families
Leah's commitment to inclusion and diversity is perhaps most evident in her work with multi faith families. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by families that navigate multiple religious identities, Leah has dedicated herself to providing support and resources that help these families thrive. She has led initiatives that create spaces for multi faith families to connect, share their experiences, and find support within the community. Leah's work in this area is driven by her belief that diversity should be celebrated and that different religious traditions can coexist harmoniously within a single family unit.
Through her leadership, Leah has helped to ensure that multi faith families feel welcomed and valued within the Jewish community and beyond. Her efforts have not only provided much-needed support to these families but have also helped to foster a more inclusive and accepting community as a whole.Mentorship and Development of Early Career Jewish Professionals
As the Executive Director of the Springboard Fellowship at Hillel International, Leah has demonstrated exceptional leadership in mentoring and developing early career Jewish professionals. Her commitment to creating a pipeline of diverse and inclusive leaders is evident in the way she approaches her work with the fellows she mentors. Leah provides guidance, support, and opportunities for growth, helping these young professionals develop the skills and experiences they need to become effective leaders within their communities.
Leah's leadership in this area extends beyond her direct work with fellows; she is also a strong advocate for the importance of leadership development within the Jewish nonprofit sector. She has been instrumental in shaping the Springboard Fellowship's approach to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that the next generation of Jewish leaders is equipped to bridge divides and foster understanding in an increasingly complex world.
5. Commitment to Ethical Leadership and Community Service
Leah's leadership is grounded in a strong commitment to ethical principles and community service. Her recent appointment to the Ethics Commission with the Jacksonville City Council is a testament to her dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity in her work. Leah's involvement in this role reflects her belief that leadership is not just about achieving goals, but about doing so in a way that is fair, transparent, and accountable.
In addition to her work with the Ethics Commission, Leah is also deeply involved in her local community, where she volunteers with organizations such as Special Olympics, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida. Her commitment to service is an integral part of her leadership, as she continually seeks to give back to her community and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Leah's exceptional leadership and commitment to bridging divides are evident in every aspect of her work. Whether through her strategic vision at the Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida, her innovative approaches to community building with the JCRC, her support for multi faith families, her mentorship of early career Jewish professionals, or her dedication to ethical leadership and community service, Leah has consistently demonstrated the qualities that make her deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award. Her efforts have not only strengthened the Jewish community but have also contributed to a more inclusive, understanding, and connected society.
C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?
Leah’s resume reads as a person who has more than 24 hours in a day, more than 7 days in a week, and has been around much longer than her 37 years. In addition to the areas of impact listed above, Leah is not only involved with, but intimately committed and demonstrates impassioned leadership in all areas of her life, some of which include…..
Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida
Women’s Philanthropy Steering Committee Member
Young Professionals and Families Steering Committee Member
Co-Chair of LEAD
Previous Co-Chair of Super Sunday
Jewish Community Relations Council Member
Jewish Grantmaking Committee Member
Ilene San Selevan Young Leadership Award, 2023
Mandel Executive Leadership Cohort V
Helped start the Hillel branch at the University of North Florida
Serves on the Ethics Commission with the City of Jacksonville (a City Council appointed position)
Jeremiah Fellow, 2020, Bend the Arc
REALITY Participant, 2014, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
Charles Bronfman Convener, 2019, Israel Policy Forum
Emerging Leader Fellowship, 2018, Association for Reform Zionists of America
Klal Yisrael Fellow, 2017, Union for Reform Judaism
Founding Board Member for T3, the Temple 20’s and 30’s Young Professionals group out of The Temple, Congregation Ahavath Chesed
Coach for Special Olympics (soccer, basketball, flag football)
Awarded as First Coast News 12 Who Care Nominee, 2024
Hightower Fellowship, Class of 2022, Jacksonville Chamber
Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2020
Stein Fellow, Class of 2017, United Way
Advisor to the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Alpha Chi Omega at the University of North Florida
Big Sister, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northeast Florida
Halverson Alumni Fellowship, Teach For America
Captain, Jacksonville Roller Derby