Empowering Jewish women with the relationships, experiences, and support they need to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact.
Pauline Foster, z"l, was a visionary philanthropist and mentor who redefined leadership in San Diego's Jewish and civic communities. At a time when communal leadership was largely male-led, she helped establish the Women's Division of the United Jewish Federation and founded The Young Matrons to give women a voice. She went on to become the first woman board president of the Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Foundation, and United Way, and contributed her leadership to numerous other organizations.
The Pauline Foster Women's Leadership Institute continues her legacy by empowering Jewish women with the relationships, experiences, and support needed to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact.
The Pauline Foster Women's Leadership Institute offers an immersive experience that blends leadership development, Jewish learning, mentorship, and exposure to influential community voices. Rooted in connection and shared growth, the program is designed to foster lasting relationships among women from diverse backgrounds that serve as a source of support, inspiration, and collaboration throughout their leadership journeys.
The Pauline Foster Women's Leadership Institute is designed for Jewish women in the early to mid-stages of their leadership journey, typically in their 30s to 50s. Ideal candidates have already stepped into leadership roles — whether in their careers, through volunteer work, or within the Jewish community — and are ready to deepen their impact.
This program is for women who:
The program is grounded in Jewish leadership values:
Leadership is centered on the individual, recognizing the value each leader brings to the community.
Leadership is expansive, creative, and grounded in collaboration between professionals and lay leaders to solve communal challenges.
Active philanthropy flows from actively engaged leadership.
We take a community-wide approach to leadership for the betterment of the Jewish present and future.
$2,250 per participant. Tuition includes an immersive experience in Mexico City; airfare is not included.
More information about our next cohort and application cycle is coming soon. Check back for details, or reach out and we'll keep you posted.
