Hillels of GA Gathers Leaders for Statewide Conference

At a time when misinformation, polarization, and antisemitism are shaping campus life, Jewish student leadership carries heightened responsibility. Addressing student leaders from eight Georgia colleges and universities across the state, renowned speakers like Josh Levs (former CNN fact-checker and current journalist and author), challenged students to understand the broader impact of their leadership.

Levs told students, “A group like this can have a massive effect well beyond the Jewish community and well beyond any individual small community. I want you to understand what you’re up against … and how you all can become essential in the fight for truth.”

That message framed the second Leven-Silberman Leadership Institute (LSLI) Statewide Leadership Conference, hosted by Hillels of Georgia on Jan. 18–19 in Midtown Atlanta. The two-day gathering brought together close to 80 Jewish student leaders, campus professionals, and distinguished guests for an immersive experience focused on relationship-driven leadership, belonging, and Jewish purpose.

Unlike traditional leadership conferences, LSLI is designed to return leadership development to its foundations. Through interactive learning, Jewish wisdom, skill-building, and peer and professional engagement, students explored how authentic relationships (not programs alone) sustain vibrant Jewish life on campus.

A defining feature of the conference was its four leadership tracks, each led by industry professionals and Jewish communal leaders who brought real-world expertise into the learning.

The Content Creators track focused on authentic Jewish storytelling and ethical digital presence. TikTok Creator, Chloe Hechter (@chloehecterr), who addressed creating Jewish content without reinforcing harmful antisemitic stereotypes, and Jewish creator, Alyssa Fagien (@atlbucketlist), guided students in creating authentic, values-aligned media.

In the Community Builders track, students learned how belonging is built through active listening and hospitality, with sessions led by Shelly Danz (Atlanta Party Connection) and Paige Simunek (Hillels of Georgia Chief Leadership Officer), emphasizing relationship-based engagement as a leadership skill.

The Bridge-Builders track, led by Sara Slag of Repair the World, explored coalition-building and service as tools for strengthening Jewish presence across campus communities, including a hands-on project assembling hygiene kits for those in need during the MLK Day of Service.

The Israel Learners track was facilitated by Maddi Trick of Hillel International, alongside Israel Fellows from Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Kennesaw State University, with sessions by Ben Lefkowitz (Middle East Institute’s Policy Center and Emory alumnus) focused on engaging Israel education with nuance, confidence, and relationship-building. Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, Eitan Weiss, delivered his address on leadership and global Jewish peoplehood.

The conference also marked a milestone for the Leven-Silberman Leadership Institute with the launch of its inaugural LSLI Fellows cohort — a select group of student leaders chosen for their commitment to relational leadership and strengthening Jewish life on campus.

LSLI Fellows will participate in year-long leadership development and mentorship training, receiving structured guidance in relationship-building, peer engagement, and leading with Jewish values. Fellows will be paired with mentors and professional staff, gaining ongoing support as they apply conference learning in real time on their campuses.

The Fellows program reflects Hillels of Georgia’s long-term investment in cultivating leaders who not only take initiative, but who know how to listen, build trust, and sustain vibrant Jewish communities.

Students also received practical professional training from Arthur Povlot, who led workshops on crafting and delivering effective elevator pitches; teaching students how best to articulate their values, leadership experiences, and goals with clarity and confidence.

A highlight of the weekend was the L’Dor V’Dor (From Generation to Generation) Networking Event, which connected students with Atlanta-area Jewish professionals — many of whom are alumni from Hillels of Georgia schools — for mentorship, career exploration, and networking opportunities. This event marks the launch of a larger Hillels of Georgia initiative providing career development for our students.

As students return to campuses across Georgia, they do so equipped not only with new skills, but with a renewed understanding that leadership rooted in relationships, integrity, and Jewish values has impact far beyond campus.

The Hillels of Georgia’s Leven-Silberman Leadership Institute January statewide conference was made possible by generous supporters, including LSLI co-founders, Mike and Andrea Leven and Mark and Linda Silberman; Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta; and The Marcus Foundation.

For more information and to support future Jewish leaders, visit hillelsofgeorgia.org/lsli.