This year’s J-Fellows program, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s premier leadership initiative for young adults, promises to offer meaningful connections and new professional experiences for emerging leaders in the community.

As Young Adult and Newcomer Engagement Associate Oren Baray steps into the role of overseeing the program, he is eager to see it continue to grow and evolve.

“Year to year, we’ve found new ways to integrate new community members and new initiatives that leave an impact on the people who do the program,” said Baray. “This impact was evident during Federation’s inaugural Dorot event, where we showcased last year’s cohort and their projects.”

Baray noted that the inaugural Dorot event underscored the ongoing importance of J-Fellows as one of the best ways to build the next generation of leaders in Jewish Ottawa. The evening brought together donors of all generations to foster intergenerational connections, with a highlight being the 2025 J-Fellows cohort presenting their projects.

This year’s program will be co-chaired by Thierry LaFontaine-Chicha and Elisabeth Levin, both J-Fellows alumni who remain deeply involved in young adult Jewish life in Ottawa. Their leadership will help guide and inspire the new participants as they begin their own journeys.

As projects from last year’s cohort continue to develop with support from donors and Federation, the results are already becoming clear.

“This year, we’re placing a lot more emphasis on our projects and honing more deeply into our mentorship program,” said Baray.

This enhanced focus will give participants more time to refine their project ideas and build stronger relationships with one another and their mentors before diving into implementation.

“We want our participants to come out of [J-Fellows] not only having become more equipped as leaders, but also to make friends and be put in a position to meet a lot of people in the community,” said Baray.

The upcoming cohort will begin before Hanukkah, with an introductory session planned ahead of the winter break. Sessions will continue into early 2026, culminating in a community celebration showcasing participant projects.

Baray hopes participants will see J-Fellows not just as a professional development opportunity, but as a chance to create lasting personal connections.

“This is about leadership, but it’s also about friendship,” he says. “You’re going to meet people who inspire you, who you mesh with, and who care about the same things you do. The real beauty of this program is stepping outside your comfort zone, opening yourself up to the community, and finding your place within it.”

Applications for the 2025 J-Fellows program are open now. Click here to learn more and apply.