Networks

The NY-JCC Innovation Cohort

Facilitators: Ivy Schreiber, Mara Braunfeld
Format: In Person

About this Network:

The NY-JCC Innovation Cohort is a unique opportunity for JCC Jewish Education and Engagement professionals to come together, learn, and be supported in leading transformative change in their communities. 

What’s Included: 

  • Cohort Experience: Join a dynamic group of peers ready to explore new ideas, share best practices, and support one another in bringing meaningful innovation to NY-JCCs. This cohort experience builds a lasting network of collaborators to support you and your work after the cohort concludes.
  • In-Person Gatherings: Connect through 2 full-cohort convenings and 2 smaller, regional gatherings (in Westchester, NYC and Long Island) designed to foster collaboration and advance experimentation.
  • Individualized Consulting: Receive personalized, one-on-one coaching to move your projects forward and overcome challenges along the way.
  • Organizational Partnership - Because change doesn’t happen in isolation, each participant will engage a small team from their JCC (a senior colleague along with a lay leader) who will join for a regional gathering to ensure alignment and support.
     

Throughout the cohort, participants will: 

  • Advance leadership skills
  • Articulate a clear vision for innovation for their JCC.
  • Design and implement a project that brings that vision to life.
  • Develop strategies to measure success and sustain impact.
  • Deliver compelling Jewish Life initiatives that meet the evolving needs of your community.

 

Register now to join the cohort. This cohort launches on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 10am-2pm.

About the Facilitators:

Ivy headshot
Ivy Schreiber

Ivy Schreiber is the Managing Director, Professional Learning and Growth at The Jewish Education Project. Her current work focuses on supporting Jewish educators towards adopting new models that lead to thriving and are responsive to today’s learners and families. Prior to The Jewish Education Project, Ivy worked at B’nai Jeshurun (BJ) in NYC for a decade, where she served as the Education Director, and also has experience in Jewish camping and as a consultant to synagogues. Ivy holds an MA in Jewish Education from the Davidson School at JTS, is an alum of the Leadership Institute, and is a Wexner Field Fellow. Ivy lives in Westchester with her husband and three children.

 

Mara
Mara Braunfeld
Mara Braunfeld serves as Senior Manager of the Think-Action Lab at The Jewish Education Project, helping to innovate in structure, pedagogy, and content across diverse Jewish educational environments. A Jewish educator with two decades of experience, Mara has held leadership roles at Hadar, Temple Israel Center (White Plains), JCC Manhattan, and Temple Shaaray Tefila (Bedford Corners). She earned her B.A. from Brandeis University and a Master's in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Mara brings a deep commitment to progressive, pluralistic Jewish education and to building meaningful, relational communities.
When
January - August 2026
February 10: Launch, March - April: Regional Gatherings and Coaching, June: Final Gathering
Facilitators
Ivy Schreiber
Mara Braunfeld
Format
In Person
New members
Open
Area of work
After School Programming
Educator Training
Camp
Early Childhood
Family Engagement
Teen Engagement