In September, The J celebrated the completion of the two-year pilot cohort of the Building Community Leadership Council (BCLC).
The program aims to strengthen leadership skills while fostering engagement, learning and meaningful connections among participants.
The BCLC was designed to develop the next generation of volunteer leaders by equipping members with tools, knowledge and relationships to make a lasting impact. Designed for adults ages 25 to 40, the program focuses on leadership skills and preparing participants for future volunteer and board roles within The J’s community.
Throughout the two-year cohort, members met with J leaders to learn about organizational operations, programming decisions and the balance between mission and financial sustainability. Sessions focused on The J’s core values, leadership development, personality profiling and community building, which later led to a capstone project where three groups presented ideas to strengthen The J. The project selected to move forward, “Shalom Baby,” will launch through Jewish Experiences in 2026.
When asked about his involvement with the BCLC, co-chair Andrew Kaplan said, “I agreed to co-chair the BCLC committee because I understand the importance of building a sense of community within our young families to help them build lifelong friendships, as well as develop a better understanding of the Jewish Community Center and its position in both the Jewish and secular communities.”
As a longtime J member and past board chair, Kaplan brings years of experience and perspective to his role as BCLC co-chair. Following years of leadership in community initiatives and partnerships, his focus has shifted to empowering the next generation of leaders to advance The J’s mission and enrich the broader community.
Emily Hirsekorn, a recent participant, earned a nomination and has since accepted a position on The J’s board of directors. She is an example of how BCLC can identify and develop emerging leaders for roles within the community.
“BCLC taught me about The J’s mission, values and operations while deepening my connection to its community,” Hirsekorn said. “Learning about the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games and the facility expansion inspired me to take on a larger leadership role during such an exciting time.”
Additional details about future participation opportunities will be announced at a later date. More information about the program is available at thejkc.org/bclc.