In May, the fourth cohort of Jewish Federation of San Diego’s Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute will graduate, continuing a proud legacy of cultivating Jewish women leaders in San Diego. Since its inception in 2019, the Institute has been a cornerstone of Federation’s commitment to building a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive Jewish future – by investing in the power of women’s leadership.
Named for the indomitable Pauline Foster, z’’l, the Institute was founded to honor her extraordinary life as a community trailblazer. Pauline redefined what it meant to be a Jewish leader in San Diego. As the first woman to chair both Federation’s Board of Directors and its Women’s Division (now known as Women’s Philanthropy), she transformed the role of women in Jewish communal life. Her courage, tenacity, and philanthropic spirit continue to inspire generations. That legacy is lovingly sustained by her daughters, Lisa Foster, Marcia Hazan and Karen Silverman, whose generosity ensures this program thrives.
Each year, a carefully selected group of exceptional Jewish women come together through the Institute to explore what it means to lead with Jewish values. Monthly learning sessions, intimate mentorship from community leaders, immersive retreats, and hands-on experiences create a holistic journey of growth, connection, and impact.
This year’s cohort of 17 women exemplifies the program’s depth and power. In February, the group traveled to Mexico City, where they visited a number of local programs – including WomPower, a pioneering organization that elevates female changemakers – and engaged with the city’s vibrant Jewish institutions and rich cultural history. They explored themes of resilience and identity through the lens of Frida Kahlo’s life and art, returning home with new perspectives and deeper bonds.
Participant Allison Wolpoff described the journey as life changing. “I have been a part of many leadership courses in the past, but none focused on Jewish women,” she shared with GB Magazine. “It was a unique opportunity to make new friends, deepen my connection with Jewish leaders, and strengthen my own leadership skills. As a result of the program, I am more in touch with my strengths as a leader and my sense of purpose as a Jewish woman.”
This powerful sense of purpose is at the heart of Federation’s strategy. The challenges facing Jewish communities – including rising antisemitism, polarization, and disconnection – require strong, insightful leadership rooted in Jewish values and committed to unity. The Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute is answering that call, one cohort at a time.
Graduates of the Institute go on to lead synagogues, schools, and nonprofit boards, bringing with them wisdom, confidence, and community cultivated through the program. They are not just the future of Jewish leadership – they are shaping its present. Pauline Foster once said, “You learned that sharing with other people is truly gratifying.” Today, through the leadership of women inspired by her example, that spirit lives on.
To learn more about the Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute and Jewish Federation of San Diego’s work to build a stronger, more resilient Jewish community, visit www.jewishinsandiego.org.
