The Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute (PFWLI) is now accepting applications for its fifth cohort. This selective program, developed to honor Pauline Foster’s legacy, equips Jewish women in San Diego with the knowledge, skills, and passion to lead our community. Beginning in August 2025, the program includes monthly learning sessions, learning experiences with our community's leaders, and an exclusive weekend immersive travel experience.

By taking part in the Pauline Foster Women's Leadership Institute, participants will:

• Increase their awareness, knowledge and understanding of effective leadership, of themselves, and of the greater San Diego Jewish community,
• Develop the skills necessary to be a resilient, successful, innovative, and ethical leaders, and
• Join a network of communal leaders, supporting each other, and working to make a positive and lasting impact on our community. 

The Institute was created in memory of Pauline Foster (z’’l), a pioneering San Diego Jewish community leader. She was a founder of Federation’s Women’s Division and the first woman in our community to chair both the Women’s Philanthropy and the Board of Directors for Jewish Federation of San Diego.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this prestigious program is highly subsidized. The program cost is $2,250, and covers the program fee and the land-only expenses for the immersive travel experience (flights not included). If the program cost is a barrier, please contact Carly Ezell Lobenstein at carlye@jewishinsandiego.org. Payment plans can also be arranged.