Meet the Friedman Fellows: The Class of 2026–2028!

“I would love to continue my career with The Associated and advance into an executive leadership role. The Friedman Fellowship would help me strengthen my management and leadership skills while learning from the KADIMA cohort experience.”- Brooks Walters, The Associated

“I want to grow as a supervisor by becoming more assertive and communicating more effectively as a leader. The Fellowship will help me gain leadership and supervisory skills, professional development opportunities, and valuable networking relationships that will support my long-term career growth.”-Abigail Israel, Jewish Community Center

“As someone early in my career, I want to continue developing my educational philosophy, become a stronger facilitator, and grow as a Jewish communal leader.”-Carlos Domacasse, Jewish Community Center

“Through the KADIMA cohort, I hope to gain data-driven leadership strategies, conflict-resolution skills, mentorship, and stronger professional connections within Baltimore’s Jewish community.”-Elizabeth Hart, Chizuk Amuno Congregation

“Through the Friedman Fellowship, I hope to learn from the perspectives and lived experiences of my peers, deepen my leadership development, and continue growing as a social worker and advocate.”-Emily Merritt, Jewish Community Services

“The Fellowship would help me deepen my leadership and program management skills, learn from peers across the Jewish community, and build a professional network that will support my continued growth.”-Josh Singer, Jewish Community Center

“Through the Fellowship, I hope to strengthen my leadership, supervision, and management skills, gain new perspectives from peers and mentors, and expand my professional network across the Jewish community.”-Hilary Rappaport, University of Maryland Hillel

“Through the Fellowship, I hope to gain leadership, facilitation, and organizational development skills while learning from experienced leaders and building relationships with peers across the Baltimore Jewish community.”-Gabby Levine, Imadi

“Through the Fellowship, I hope to strengthen her leadership and fundraising expertise, learn best practices from nonprofit professionals, and grow her ability to inspire philanthropy and community impact.”-Sophie Cohen, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation

“Through the Fellowship and KADIMA cohort, I hope to strengthen my leadership style, build project management and nonprofit leadership skills, and learn alongside a diverse network of Jewish communal professionals.”-Olivia La Fiandra, The Associated

Sarah Simmons, Adamah

“The Fellowship would provide leadership training, nonprofit and management education, and a cohort of peers from whom I can learn, build relationships, and better understand Jewish culture and community.”-Sarah Simmons, Adamah

“I want to enhance my leadership skills and build a network of professionals in the Jewish communal field. Through the Fellowship, I hope to gain leadership coaching, professional development, and learning opportunities from peers and conferences.”-Amy Bittenger, Temple Isaiah

“Through the Friedman Fellowship and KADIMA cohort, I hope to build strong relationships across the Associated system, deepen my understanding of agency partners, and become a more strategic leader and storyteller for our community.”-Leah Kliegman, The Associated

“Through the Fellowship, I hope to gain leadership development, mentorship, professional connections, and a deeper understanding of Jewish communal leadership that will prepare me for future graduate study and leadership roles.”-Melanie Halbert, Goucher Hillel

“The Fellowship will help me learn from nonprofit professionals across the Jewish community, gain practical leadership tools, and expand my understanding of community engagement, belonging, and organizational leadership.”-Liza Koh, Elijah Cummings Youth Program

“Through the Friedman Fellowship, I hope to gain skills beyond education, particularly in working with lay leaders, strategic planning, and becoming more confident taking risks and stepping into leadership opportunities.”-Aliya Smelkinson, Chizuk Amuno Congregation