About WLI
Who We Are
The Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI), in partnership with PJ Library of Greater Phoenix, engages a diverse group of women throughout the greater Phoenix community. Through one-on-one mentor/mentee meetings and dynamic group learning sessions, participants develop powerful leadership skills and impactful social service initiatives for the Phoenix Jewish community!
What We Do
High-level, creative, accessible Jewish learning for women is provided in a warm and nurturing environment.
WLI looks for people who are open to growing Jewishly, open to growing as leaders and open to making connections with people outside of their own sphere.
Each participant joins together with Jewish women of all ages, from different synagogues and communities, to improve the social fabric of our shared community.
Mentorship
At the heart of the WLI is the act of mentorship. Pairing a young woman with a mentor who supports her personal, professional and communal goals creates meaningful connections.
The mentors and mentees meet during an opening retreat weekend. Initially, they are given a creative study assignment to facilitate meaningful dialogue. The focus shifts towards developing an impactful social service project and how the mentor can be of support.
The mentor-mentee relationship is intergenerational and serves to knit the fabric of the community together.
Our Focus
Social Action
Many of the mentees have a desire to do Tikkun Olam (to heal the world) and the WLI helps women find the right outlet to perform meaningful communal service. The mentees have completed projects that have broad and deep social impact. Highlights include:
- Breast cancer support group through a Jewish lens
- Family weekend camp experience with PJ Library
- Passover Seder for Jews with special needs
- EVJCC Teen Leadership Program
- Jewish Community-Wide Survey on Family Leave Policies
Leadership Development and Community Building
At its core, the WLI helps grow leaders for the community.
The program focuses on networking and relationship building. Many of the mentees are high-powered young women who run businesses, raise families and want to meet other like-minded Jewish women.
Mentees receive cutting-edge leadership training and are empowered to make a difference by using their unique skills and gifts.