Orthodox Women In Leadership

The Orthodox Women In Leadership Cohort is a ten-month program designed to support, engage, and grow the leadership of Orthodox women in Jewish day schools and yeshivas.

A highly responsive leadership development program, Orthodox Women In Leadership Cohort provides a meaningful, cohort-based experience for Orthodox women who are navigating the complexities of their professional and personal roles.

Target Audience

Orthodox Women In Leadership Cohort is for Orthodox women currently serving as an educational leader in a supervisory role who are rising leaders in the field of Jewish education. The ideal candidate may hold a wide range of job titles (not including head of school), including, but not restricted to:

• Principals and assistant principals
• Judaic directors and assistant directors
• Directors of teaching and learning, student life, innovation, special education
• Department chairs
• School counselors and psychologists
• Curriculum coordinators
• Grade deans

The program aims to enroll twenty Orthodox women in the 2024-2025 cohort.

Time Commitment

Beginning in September 2024 and ending in June 2025, participants are required to attend two monthly one hour virtual sessions over the course of 10 months.

There will be a one day in-person gathering in the NY/NJ area in Fall 2024. Participants will also gather at The Prizmah Conference February 2-4, 2025 in Boston, MA.

How It Works

The first session each month is designed for the full cohort and covers topics including barriers and opportunities for Orthodox women in leadership, identifying personal strengths and professional trajectories, navigating difficult conversations, leading with empathy and strength, running productive meetings, the power of talent tapping, and more. The second monthly session is designed for smaller groups, with a focus on practical support from colleagues with similar professional experiences. 

Beyond these sessions, participants join our closed Reshet (an online peer to peer professional development community) where we share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate.

Additionally, we offer individual consulting sessions for each program participant.

The Prizmah Team

The Orthodox Women In Leadership Cohort is led by Mrs. Debra Shaffer Seeman and Dr. Oshra Cohen. For additional questions, you are welcome to contact Debra Shaffer Seeman at [email protected].

Timeline

Registration Fees

Payment is due upon acceptance into the program. It is important to us that every woman who is accepted to participate be able to participate fully. Please reach out for tuition assistance as needed. Tuition is generally covered by the participant’s school.

Please note that program participants are responsible for assuming the cost of travel and lodging for the one-day gathering.

Orthodox Women in Leadership applications are closed and will open in the winter for the 2025-2026 cohort.

Orthodox Women In Leadership Cohort is generously supported by Micah Philanthropies - Ann and Jeremy Pava, Trustees and the Walder Foundation