At the Jews of Color Initiative, we invest in the growth of our team just as deeply as we invest in the growth of the field. As Rishona Thrasher, JoCI’s Assistant Director of Operations and Finance, began looking for opportunities to expand her leadership toolkit, she was drawn to the Certificate in Jewish Leadership at the Spertus Institute, offered in partnership with Northwestern University.
“It’s a pretty ambitious program — with weekly sessions in the evening from 7–10 p.m. — but the bonus is you’re done in just three months,” she shared. “It’s specifically geared toward people with experience in Jewish communal settings who want to increase their leadership abilities and skills. And it seemed like there were some pretty great people who were alumni from the program.”
Over the course of five modules, the cohort explored leadership topics ranging from communication styles and team dynamics to managing change. “Everybody in the program worked for a Jewish organization,” Thrasher explained, “so we all understood each other because of the similarities in missions of the work we do. That was really an added bonus of this program that I didn’t anticipate, but came to really value.”
A standout element of the program was the in-person retreat at the Spertus Institute in Chicago. “Being on site was a game changer,” she said. “On Zoom, some people don’t necessarily speak up, but in person you really get a feel for everyone’s personality and strengths. Being able to discuss Jewish communal work post-October 7th and talk about the uncertainties in the future of the Jewish communal landscape was especially meaningful.”
Although she had previously earned an MBA, this was Thrasher’s first formal leadership coursework in more than a decade. “There are books you can buy about leadership,” she said, “but it’s different when you have an instructor, a group to work with, and you go through the exercises together.”
The experience also shifted how she sees her role at the JoCI. “You don’t have to know it all to be a great leader. In a small organization like ours, at times you feel like you need to have every skill. But the program helped me see that a good leader knows their strengths and builds a team around them that fills in the gaps. That was a real ‘aha’ moment for me.”
“Rishona already had a brilliant operational mind, but the Spertus program and the network and mentorship she gained through it gave her even more space and confidence to step fully into her leadership,” said Gabi Kuhn, Managing Director of the JoCI and Thrasher’s supervisor. “She shows up every day with insight, energy, and vision in ways that truly inspire everyone around her. She’s a real rockstar, and our team and the community we serve are stronger because of her. She exemplifies why investing in leadership development matters,” Kuhn concluded.
For other Jews of Color considering professional development opportunities, Thrasher encourages stepping forward. “These opportunities aren’t closed off to us. We’re part of the Jewish community, and access to these programs is also ours. Sometimes imposter syndrome or feeling unwelcome can hold you back — but if you take initiative, it’s well worth it. This program was really a gem — curated, intentional, and full of people who understand what it’s like to work in this field.”
By participating in the Spertus program, Thrasher not only deepened her leadership skills—she also built a professional network of peers who understand the unique landscape of Jewish communal work. “I didn’t have much previous experience in the Jewish communal system before joining JoCI,” she reflected, “but this program really helped me get up to speed — and feel like I belong.”