Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute
Pauline Foster, z’’l, was a pioneer of the San Diego Jewish community. She was a founder of Federation’s Women Division (now known as Women’s Philanthropy), and was the first woman community member to chair both Women’s Philanthropy and Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Board of Directors.
The Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute is a selective 18-month program developed in honor of Pauline’s legacy to equip exceptional Jewish women in San Diego with the knowledge, skills, and passion to lead their organizations, the Jewish community, and beyond.
As San Diego’s premier women’s leadership program, the Institute offers a unique, holistic approach to leadership development with monthly learning sessions, mentorship opportunities with seasoned leaders in our community, cohort bond-building retreats, and immersive group experiences.
The Four Pillars of Our Program
Kehilah (Community)
Service to and for the greater community starts with a rich understanding of our community with its full diversity and complexity to support its need in the future.
Achrayut (Responsibility)
With leadership comes responsibility — responsibility to ourselves, others, and the community.
Chesed (Loving Kindness)
Leadership is giving oneself fully with love, compassion, and empathy.
Tzmicha (Growth)
Leadership is an evolution — we are pushed to develop, take risks and innovate.
Session topics include:
- Leadership Styles
- Navigating Change
- Positive and Productive Cultures
- Philanthropy, Influence and Activism
- Board and Committee Leadership
- Seeing our Jewish Community in Action
2024-2025 Session Dates:
All Sessions are from 6:30–9 p.m. unless otherwise specified.
2025
- January 7, 2025
- January 30, 2025 – February 2, 2025 (Weekend Immersive Travel Experience in Mexico City)
- March 11, 2025
- April 8, 2025
- May 20, 2025
2024
- September 5, 2024 (6–9 p.m.)
- September 22, 2024 (All Day Retreat)
- October 8, 2024
- November 12, 2024
- December 10, 2024
* Dates are subject to change
Apply for the Next Cohort
Cohort 4 begins September 2024
Nominate
Do you know an outstanding Jewish woman who should be a part of this program?
Nominations are now open!
