The Charlotte Jewish News- February 2026- Page 5
Charting the Future: Voices from the Bernstein Leadership Group
By Elizabeth Johnson
Leadership rarely announces itself loudly. More often, it takes shape through listening, learning and a willingness to step forward when the moment calls.
The Bernstein Leadership Group( BLG) is an 18-month Jewish leadership development program sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte( JFGC) through the generosity of Don) and Bobbi Bernstein. It was designed to cultivate emerging leaders and strengthen engagement across Charlotte’ s Jewish community.
Through education, relationship-building and firsthand learning, the program equips participants with the tools to lead with intention and impact. This year, the transformational program has returned with its 13th cohort, guided by the theme“ Chart Your Course.”
Allie Michel, a Charlotte native and a current BLG participant, brings both fresh perspective and deep personal connection to this work. Following several years in New York City, she returned to Charlotte with a renewed sense of responsibility and a desire to help shape the future of Jewish life in the city she calls home. In this conversation, she reflects on the values she inherited, the communities that shaped her and the leadership journey she continues today.
Your grandmother helped shape the early years of The Charlotte Jewish News. When you think about her role, what does it feel like to now be stepping into leadership yourself? It feels both deeply meaningful and humbling. My grandmother, Rita Mond, founded the Charlotte Jewish News when Jewish voices and communal storytelling were especially vital. She modeled quiet, consistent service to the Jewish community, not for recognition, but because the work mattered.
My grandfather, Irving Mond, whom I called Papa, was a Holocaust survivor whose life story
Mazel Tov: Allie and her fiance Ryan underscored the importance of Jewish life, visibility, and legacy. My parents carried those values forward through their involvement in Charlotte’ s Jewish community, where connection felt like a natural part of everyday life.
With this foundation, I found my own entry point early through BBYO, where leadership and service took root. Stepping into my current role feels less like something new and more like carrying forward the work of those who came before me.
Was there a particular moment, mentor or experience that first made you think,“ I want to help build Jewish life in Charlotte?” During the pandemic, I returned to Charlotte after working in Manhattan. As in-person life slowly returned, I noticed how many young Jewish professionals were living in neighborhoods such as South End, Uptown, Plaza Midwood and NoDa, and how many were finding connection through Chabad Young Professionals( CYP), led by Chaya and Motti Groner. By creating accessible, welcoming Jewish experiences where people already live and gather, the Groners have strengthened bonds and fostered a strong sense of belonging.
My involvement with CYP highlighted both an opportunity and a responsibility. It has given me a deeper appreciation of the role that visibility, collaboration, and relationship-building play in sustaining Jewish life, and for how organizations like JFGC and its partners can support and uplift one another in reaching young adults and ensuring longterm continuity.
The BLG is known for developing emerging Jewish leaders. What drew you to apply, and what has surprised you most about the program so far? I applied to the BLG because I wanted to continue finding impactful ways to contribute to the Jewish community. I was eager to gain a deeper understanding of the work of JFGC, to support their tireless efforts and to share my own experiences with others. I also hoped to develop new skills and grow personally.
What I did not anticipate was the incredible strength of the group itself. Through this experience, I have met some of my closest friends. The trust, relationships and shared purposes have been among the most meaningful aspects of the program.
You’ re part of a diverse cohort of peers. What have you learned from one another that you might not have learned otherwise? Our class includes people from many different stages of life and a wide range of
2011: Allie( L), her grandmother Rita Mond, CJN founder, and sister Mara
backgrounds. Some are single, others are married with children. Some are new to Charlotte, while others, like me, are lifelong residents.
What unites us is a shared commitment to building a strong, engaged and connected Jewish community in Charlotte. Most of us would not have crossed paths without this program, and that has been one of its greatest gifts.
Time together, during sessions
and beyond, has deepened my appreciation for the perspectives each person brings to the program. And it has reinforced how our community is strongest when differences are embraced with intention.
Leadership often requires stepping outside our comfort zones. Can you share a moment in the program that stretched you? The BLG weekend at Wildacres Retreat pushed me well outside my comfort zone. When I joined the program, I knew few people. Two months later, I found myself heading into a weekend gathering without knowing what to expect. Even though I’ m naturally outgoing, approaching the unknown still
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
brings a sense of apprehension.
By the end of the weekend, however, that uncertainty gave way to a profound sense of belonging. I left with transformed purpose, new lifelong friends, and the feeling that I am exactly where I needed to be. As a bonus, I also learned how to play Mahjong.
Overall, the experience reminded me that stepping into ambiguity can open the door to
growth, and unexpected joy.
As you continue learning more about JFGC and its partner organizations, what inspires you most about Charlotte’ s Jewish ecosystem? I’ m inspired by our community’ s deep commitment to both remembrance and renewal. Across educational institutions, social services, and Jewish life, there is a shared understanding that honoring the past and investing in the future go hand in hand.
And this powerful balance feels especially resonant given my family’ s history in Charlotte. I’ m excited to continue carving my path with JFGC while finding new ways to contribute my time and talents.
When you imagine Charlotte’ s Jewish community 10 to 15 years from now, what do you hope will be true? I hope our community continues its current path, where people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of participation feel seen, heard, valued, and included.
Given my background in Charlotte, I’ m excited to build my life here with my fiance, Ryan, and raise our future children. I see my generation playing a key role in building bridges between institutions and emerging leaders as well as across neighborhoods and generations.
Our responsibility is to ensure longevity while keeping Jewish life accessible and relevant. Ultimately, I hope we leave Charlotte stronger, more connected and prepared to thrive, l’ dor v’ dor.
Charting the Future: Voices from the Bernstein Leadership Group( BLG) highlights emerging leaders who are helping shape the next chapter of Jewish life in greater Charlotte. Through personal reflection and thoughtful conversation, the series offers insight into how a new generation understands community, responsibility, and continuity, and how they are preparing to carry that work forward.