New Fellowship for Emerging Leaders Welcomes Inaugural Class

New York, New York – OneTable’s Ely Benhamo, Senior Director of Major Gifts, has been one of just 15 young Jewish professionals across the United States and Canada to be selected to the inaugural cohort of the Wexner Davidson Fellowship.

The Wexner Foundation, in partnership with the William Davidson Foundation, proudly announced this month this three-year Fellowship, designed for Jewish professionals aged 26-36 working full-time in North American Jewish organizations.

“It is particularly meaningful to launch the Wexner Davidson Fellowship in this time when emerging Jewish leaders need a deep reservoir of courage and sharp leadership skills. This diverse cohort will generate a vision for our strong and vibrant future!” said Rabbi B. Elka Abrahamson, President of The Wexner Foundation. “The opportunity to nurture a rising generation of professional talent is one the Wexner and Davidson Foundations, partners for nearly two decades, cherish. The inaugural class of the Wexner Davidson Fellowship represent the best of us today and tomorrow.”

Benhamo, who has been with OneTable for three years, is based in Phoenix, AZ. As Senior Director of Major Gifts at OneTable, she plays a pivotal role in developing and overseeing OneTable’s national individual giving program, ultimately enabling more people to build community and connection through Shabbat. Previously, Ely spent six years working to grow AIPAC’s donor base in both the Pacific Northwest and Florida regions and served as their East Bay and Sacramento Area Director. She actively contributes to various community engagement and diversity initiatives, is the board chair of Jewtina y Co. and co-chairs DLead’s Senior Major Gifts cohort. 

Ely will join the 14 other selected Jewish professionals for cohort-based learning, peer networking, mentorship, and immersive experiences, including a week in Israel. All Fellows will also benefit from coaching, personalized learning, and additional funding for professional development. 

“We’re so honored that a member of the OneTable team was selected for this important leadership opportunity, and we are certain that the ways in which Ely grows and the skills she attains from this Fellowship will only benefit OneTable and the goals we have set out for ourselves,” noted OneTable’s Chief Advancement Officer Irit Gross. 

Wexner Davidson Fellows will join the Wexner Foundation’s network of over 3,000 professional and volunteer leaders in North America and Israel.

“We are pleased to welcome the inaugural class of the Wexner Davidson Fellowship. We look forward to working together to ensure that the next generation of American Jewish leaders are prepared with the skills, deep Jewish learning, and the support of a strong cohort of peers,” said Darin McKeever, President and CEO, William Davidson Foundation. “This program builds on the work of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship/Davidson Scholars Program and the Field Fellowship, all of which continue to enhance and impact Jewish leadership.”

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