Emily Bornstein, chief of staff at Jewish Federation of St. Louis, has always felt a strong drive to contribute to the collective good.

“I’ve always believed that one person can make a difference, and I do this work in our community because I believe that, together, we can change the world,” said Bornstein, 34.

It is this drive and their work since joining Federation in 2014 that is being nationally recognized. The Wexner Foundation announced Bornstein as one of 15 Jewish professionals across North America selected for Class 8 of the Wexner Field Fellowship. Bornstein, chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, will participate in a three-year intensive program learning from experienced faculty to develop tools for enhancing leadership while addressing pressing issues in the St. Louis Jewish community.

“I am most excited about building a diverse network of Jewish professionals across the country and immersing myself in Jewish learning,” said Bornstein.

The Wexner Field Fellowship is the most prestigious in the Jewish professional world.

“No one from St. Louis has ever been a recipient of this fellowship before,” said Brian Herstig, CEO and president of Jewish Federation of St. Louis. “Being recognized by your peers is one of the greatest honors one can receive. And being recognized nationally as one of the best from across the entire Jewish communal professional field is even more significant.”

As part of this program, Wexner Field Fellows will become part of a selective cohort of lifelong professional learners. This will be achieved with the guidance of leadership from renowned teachers and Jewish educators from around the United States. Each fellow will receive one-on-one professional coaching and Jewish learning, along with access to funds for customized professional development opportunities.

“Today’s Jewish leaders need a reservoir of courage, a cadre of wise colleagues and a reimagined set of scenarios for a vibrant and secure Jewish People tomorrow,” said Rabbi B. Elka Abrahamson, president of the Wexner Foundation. “Our Field Fellows are blessed with a cohort of peers, a circle of proud and determined Jewish professionals each prepared to exercise leadership for a strengthened Jewish community even when it is hard to see around the corner.”

To learn more about the Wexner Field Fellowship, click here.