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The course has equipped me with many of the skills I will need’
A PROGRAMME instituted in memory of young community leader who died in a car accident 28 years ago has celebrated its latest group of graduates.
The 12 people have come through Lead’s Adam Science scheme, providing emerging leaders with an insight into the key issues facing British Jewry while simultaneously developing their leadership skills.
This year’s cohort covers the communal spectrum and features a mix of lay and professional leaders.
It includes 24-year-old Londoner Josh Harris. By day a civil servant leading a small team working on customs-related Brexit issues, he co-chairs the recently formed young committee of mental health charity Jami.
Through the programme, he had met “a wonderful group of like-minded individuals and got to know more about my community and the opportunities for improvement. It has equipped me with many of the skills I will need as I continue my leadership journey.
“Going forward, I am committed to building a successful Young Jami committee and raising awareness of mental health issues.
“In the longer term, I hope to help foster trust and greater collaboration among the future leaders of our community while we are still young and impressionable.”
For Natacha Woodcock, 26, operations manager at the Union of Jewish Students, being a leader means having a vision and wanting to make a difference.
“With that in mind, I hope to have an impact, be a role model and encourage adaptive leadership.
“Through employment and as a volunteer, I want to consistently develop new leaders for the Jewish community.”
The daughter of a rabbi, Aviva Braunold has worked for Kisharon, supporting those with learning disabilities, for 17 years.
Her parents had showed her the importance of participation in communal life — “every person can make a difference” — and she is also involved in her shul and a committee co-ordinating events for young professionals.
She said the Adam Science graduates had learned a lot from each other.
Community leaders joined family, friends and mentors of the 12 at the graduation ceremony. The guest speaker was Camden councillor Georgia Gould, one of the youngest UK council leaders.
Course director Miriam Lorie said afterwards that “at a time when maintaining a future of strong, informed, skilled leadership is of paramount importance, Lead is proud to have invested in the journeys of these talented individuals”.