Leaders in Light is a group of diverse community leaders from across Cincinnati, bound together in propelling civility and strengthening democratic tradition. We connect to combat antisemitism, extremism and hate, and inspire community change. We learn from the unique challenges and opportunities each of our communities face, and come together in education and action to build towards an inclusive democracy. We leverage our extended networks to multiply influence and maximize impact, working together to create systemic change and empower positive outcomes.
 

Strong candidates for Leaders in Light are connected influencers in the business, religious, civic, arts, education, law enforcement, and nonprofit sectors, who have the credibility and reach to educate and inspire change within their own personal and professional networks. The Leaders in Light Institute is designed to connect and develop emerging leaders into tomorrow’s champions of inclusive democracy and stewards of civil society. Therefore, the ideal participant will be a lifelong learner who is committed to building a future free from the threat of extremism and is prepared and positioned to advance into leadership roles that will increase their influence, both in their respective communities/organizations and in the broader Cincinnati civic community.

The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious and action oriented with a track record of engaging and motivating others. They will be purposeful and persuasive, with the power to bring people together. They will be transformative, authentic, and thoughtful—and always leading and driving for lasting change. Leaders in Light is limited to participants who live and work in the Greater Cincinnati region and are planning to stay personally and professionally engaged in the Cincinnati community for the foreseeable future. Self-nominations are welcome. Nominees can be professionals working in established organizations or contractors, consultants, and those who are otherwise self-employed.

Each class will be comprised of a varied grouping of about 25 individuals, based on a range of attributes including gender, geography, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and political/ideological perspective. Candidates must be nominated in order to be considered for the Leaders in Light Institute. 

Nominations for the 2021-2022 Leaders in Light Institute are due by April 16, 2021. Finalists will be notified no later than May 28, 2021. Finalist interviews will take place during first three weeks of June. Selections will be made and the final cohort announced in early July.

For more information on the structure and timeline of the institute and who would be an ideal candidate, please refer to our FAQs. 

Please complete this form to submit your nomination for the Leaders in Light Institute. If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Congedo at jcongedo@jfedcin.org.