Last December, we introduced readers to the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute (GLI)—a program empowering young professionals to challenge antisemitism, dismantle bias and reshape their communities. Now, ADL Heartland is deepening that commitment with an expanded version of the program for the Class of 2026.

The new format stretches over five months—beginning in late October and ending in March—and includes both locally focused and nationally connected sessions. The program still culminates at the National Leadership Summit in New York, but new sessions will also dive deeper into topics like antisemitism in the workplace and sustained grassroots advocacy.

“The expansion is in response to extensive alumni feedback,” said Jordan Kadosh, regional director of ADL Heartland. “We’re going to have the opportunity to have both locally focused sessions and participate in national sessions to examine our various topics with a multifaceted approach. It should also help foster connection among participants from different regions, which is a highlight of the program.”

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The program is geared toward emerging leaders across sectors —educators, nonprofit staff, civic organizers and early-to-mid-career professionals—who are eager to confront bias and lead change in their communities.

According to Kadosh, the expansion also responds to a growing demand for action and deeper guidance in the face of rising hate.

“People want to know what they can do about antisemitism,” he said. “Expanded sessions will push beyond successful advocacy to address critical topics like antisemitism in the workplace and how to address it.”

With antisemitic incidents reaching historic highs, Kadosh says the Heartland region is leaning into the relationships GLI helps build.

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“We spend a tremendous amount of time documenting the hate directed at the Jewish community,” he said. “In these trying times, we want to lean into fostering the relationships among GLI participants in order to build resilience for the work ahead of us. We want to empower the next cohort of leaders to make change on their own.”

Nominations and applications are now open for the 2026 cohort. If you know someone who might be ready to lead with courage, now’s the time to raise your hand.

• Nominate a participant: ADL Glass Leadership Institute Nomination | ADL
• Apply directly: Join the Glass Leadership Institute | ADL
• 2025–2026 schedule: ADL Glass Leadership Institute – 2025 Schedule | Heartland

For more on how GLI is reshaping leadership in St. Louis and beyond, revisit our original feature: “From Bias to Bravery.”