J-Fellows:
The Premier Leadership Program for Young Professionals

J-Fellows is the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s flagship initiative for young professionals, designed to build your leadership skills, expand your professional network, and inspire impactful contributions to your workplace and the community.

Why Join J-Fellows?
This program offers:

• Skill Development: Gain valuable insights from accomplished Jewish professionals, with practical tools you can apply immediately to your career.
• Collaborative Action Opportunities: Work with peers on real-world challenges, building your confidence as a leader.
• Networking: Connect with a dynamic group of professionals and create a lasting network of like-minded individuals.

Program Highlights
Over three months, participants will take part in six interactive sessions led by seasoned professionals. Each session focuses on essential topics like workplace leadership, decision-making, and personal growth, providing leading-edge strategies and actionable takeaways.

Make an Impact
J-Fellows equips you to lead with purpose, contribute meaningfully, and drive positive change in your career and the broader community.

Mentorship 

Elevate your career with personalized one-on-one mentorship. Each participant will be matched with an experienced mentor in their field, meeting monthly to receive tailored advice and insights. These mentorship sessions are designed to help you overcome challenges, refine your skills, and excel in your profession.

Next Steps: How to Join

The 2025 J-Fellows program is highly selective. Candidates will go through an application and interview process to secure their spot in this exclusive program. To successfully complete J-Fellows, participants must:

• Attend at least five of the six core sessions.
• Participate in three to four one-on-one mentorship meetings.

Join J-Fellows and take your professional growth, leadership skills, and community impact to the next level.

Sorry, registration is now closed.

Questions? Please reach out to Michael at mreznik@jewishottawa.com

2025 Co-Chair: Thierry Lafontaine-Chicha
Thierry is looking forward to serving as the 2025 Co-Chair of the J-Fellows program.
As a past participant in the program, he is enthusiastic about sharing this valuable opportunity with a new cohort of young professionals. Thierry moved to Ottawa in 2022 and joined RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities as an Associate Wealth Advisor, bringing his expertise to high-net-worth clients. Since then, Thierry has been actively involved with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, namely by leading financial workshops and being a NextGen High Donor. Thierry believes J-Fellows will bring significant value to its participants on a personal and professional level. They will develop the tools and connections needed to launch their career or grow into well-rounded professionals who can then go on themselves giving back to the community.

2025 Senior Co-Chair: Michelle Jenicek Zilbergerts

Michelle is this year’s program’s senior chair and is looking forward to serving her second year after chairing the 2024 J-Fellows. As a former participant in the program (2023), she is eager to share this impactful opportunity with a new cohort of young professionals. Michelle moved to Ottawa in 2021 for her work as an economist in the federal government. Since then, she has actively engaged with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, notably co-chairing the 2023-2025 Young Adults campaign. Michelle is dedicated to creating an enriching environment where this year's J-Fellows can learn, lead, and make meaningful contributions to the community.