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Generously funded by the A. Victor & Betty Rosenfeld Leadership Development Endowment Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation

PDX Pathways is your guide to creating stronger connections within your Jewish community! 


Whether you are new to town or a life-long Portlander, PDX Pathways is designed to provide you with what you need from the Jewish community.

PDX Pathways is an innovative program that provides Jewish young adults (21-35 years old) with networking opportunities, exposure to meaningful Jewish experiences, as well as access to and mentoring from prominent community and business leaders. Recognizing the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, this cohort will focus on community building with our group and engage in small groups with mentors. Between each session, mentees will be matched with 3-4 other participants in the group and a mentor.

 

You are:

 

  • A professional who identifies as Jewish in the Greater Portland community ages 21-35
  • Wanting to engage with the Portland Jewish community, ready to participate and hoping to engage further.
  • Enthusiastic learner with curiosity to know more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and the Portland Jewish community, as well as your potential role as a leader.
  • Open and receptive to new ways of learning and to trying new ideas

 

We are thrilled to welcome our newest cohort this summer. If you are interested in the next PDX Pathways Cohort, information will be posted in the fall. Feel free to reach out with any questions in the meantime to Sonia Marie Leikam at lauraj@jewishportland.org.

 

 

How will you launch your future?

How PDX Pathways works

Personal Growth & Group Mentorship

Participants will have the opportunity to work with a mentoring group that best fits their personal goals: young professional, for fellows new to their career; mid-level professionals, for those climbing the career ladder; leadership development, for fellows looking to expand their engagement in the Jewish community; and J-Pro, for participants who work or wish to work for a Jewish organization. Each group will have a mentor who specializes in that topic!

Relationship Building

PDX Pathways participants will have opportunities to network with their peers, meet program alumni, and make lifelong friends all throughout the process. From small group mentoring with like-minded groupmates, to fun social events with the entire cohort, PDX Pathways is an opportunity to create bonds with young professionals just like you. Participants will feel empowered to continue their involvement in the community and will be part of an exclusive network of program alumni.

Jewish Community Building

Fellows will graduate from the PDX Pathways program with an enhanced knowledge of everything the Greater Portland Jewish community has to offer. Participants will hear from community leaders and organizational professionals about the current landscapes at their organizations, from tackling allocations at the Jewish Federation to nourishing Shabbat dinners at OneTable. Pathways alumni go on to serve on boards and committees across the Jewish community, making a difference for years to come.

WHAT ARE PATHWAYS ALUMNI SAYING?

“I really enjoyed that I learned so much about all the programs and offerings available to Jews here in Portland. That was incredibly valuable!”

“I liked the overall rapport that the cohort had with each other. I think there were some dynamics that allowed to folks to gently be held accountable and challenged in productive ways.”

“It was awesome. I wish there could have been more group events with all of the mentors and all of the program participants.”

“We had an opportunity to share challenges in communicating at work. That was helpful in knowing that I am not alone in my experience!”

“I found that the affirmation from them surrounding my career path and my Jewish identity to be the most helpful. Plus, given that my groupmates came from different sectors of the human service/nonprofit world, I learned quite a bit about navigating different partnerships.”