Comings & Goings, Spring 2026
A grateful farewell to Dena Farber Schoenfeld
Over a decade ago, the newly-founded Leading Edge sought to create a CEO onboarding program for the Jewish nonprofit sector. Who did we call? A brilliant consultant named Dena Farber Schoenfeld. Working with us first as a key consulting partner, Dena spearheaded the creation and development of what became Leading Executives, our signature executive leadership development program. In March 2020, she joined the team full time as our Chief Program Officer, overseeing the evolution of Leading Edge’s entire suite of programs and tools since.
With admiration and gratitude, we bid a bittersweet farewell to Dena, who has stepped down from her role at Leading Edge and back into a consulting role, where she will continue to bring her no-nonsense, all-excellence approach to leadership in the Jewish nonprofit field. And we are thrilled to share that in that capacity she will remain involved at Leading Edge, taking on a key role in planning JPro27. We’re deeply grateful to Dena for the profound and positive ways she has shaped Leading Edge, from our earliest beginnings to our new strategy focused on leveling up the entire sector, from our earliest career professionals to our board and executive leaders.
Welcome to the C-Suite: Dana Childress, Chief Program Officer
We’re excited to announce that Dana Childress has stepped into the role of Chief Program Officer at Leading Edge!
After 15 years developing and leading talent acquisition at Teach for America, Dana first joined Leading Edge in 2021. She has served since then as a Vice President in the Program department, shepherding the development and rapid growth of Leading Edge’s programming around HR and talent professionals, organizational culture, board leadership, and more. Dana has also played a key role in shaping our emerging new strategy across this past year.
Now, as Chief Program Officer, she will bring her sharp insights and deep experience to bear in guiding the further evolution of Leading Edge’s programmatic interventions to raise the standard of performance for the field.
Welcome to the Team: Four New Associates
We’re also thrilled to welcome to the team four new associates, hired and onboarded together as a cohort.
Sammy Angelina, Associate, Operations
What does a “great place to work” mean to you?
A great place to work means being surrounded by people who communicate openly, bring a solutions-first mindset, and genuinely care about each other as whole people, not just colleagues.
What’s your favorite place to travel?
My favorite place to travel is a colorful coastal fishing town in Ireland called Dingle. There's always live music and dancing in the pubs, beautiful beaches, delicious ice cream and even a famous town dolphin! Everyone is so friendly and it's the perfect mix of calm scenery and adventure.
Yzabel Breboneria, Associate, Program
What are you looking forward to most about joining Leading Edge?
The opportunity to join an organization with a great mission and people at a time when so many exciting things are happening!
What's the best TV show, movie, book, or podcast you've enjoyed in the last year?
The Broski Report with Brittany Broski
Emma Canter, Associate, Outreach & Engagement
What’s something you’re excited about right now?
I'm excited to meet the whole Leading Edge team in person at our team retreat in Philly, and to continue learning about the Jewish non-profit sector from a national bird's eye view.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
As an early career professional, especially in the Jewish non-profit world, there are no 'wrong' career moves, just new challenges to face head on.
Yaffa Englander, Associate, Advancement
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Lead with curiosity!
What's one thing that can instantly make your day better?
A great cup of coffee!
About the Author
Leading Edge raises the standard for talent, culture, and leadership across the Jewish nonprofit sector. We work with professionals, executives, and board leaders to build stronger organizations and drive their missions forward.
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