What does it mean to lead as a Jewish woman today? In this honest conversation, Jessica Cohen shares her journey from a driven young girl with big dreams to a woman serving her community through public service. From law school and life pivots to confronting anti-Semitism and finding the courage to run for city councilwoman, Jessica reflects on how identity, resilience, and community shape leadership. This interview explores what it looks like to embrace ambition as a woman, balance multiple roles without shrinking yourself, and show up for your community, even when it's hard. Jessica also discusses the importance of Jewish visibility in public life, the role of technology in government, and why women should never apologize for wanting more. Whether you're a Jewish woman navigating leadership, considering public service, or searching for inspiration to step into your full potential, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and real-world wisdom. ✨ Topics include:

• Jewish women in leadership
• Facing anti-Semitism and turning adversity into action
• Law school, career pivots, and public service
• Balancing ambition, family, and community

For more on Jessica Cohen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacohen18/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/councilwomancohen/

This week's guest is Donna Griffit, world-renowned corporate storyteller and pitch alchemist. Donna shares how she became a storytelling expert, helping founders find their voice, cut through the noise, and own their narrative. We explore entrepreneurship, why self-promotion isn't bragging, and the unique dynamics women navigate, and the opportunities they can claim in building and funding companies. This conversation is about asking for what you want, telling your story with intention, and turning inflection points into opportunity.

Sound Bites

• "The storyteller has to tell her own story."

• "You have to find your company's story."

• "It's okay to freak out, but let's then be tactical."

• "It's all about your listener. It's not about you."

• "If you don't ask, the answer is always no."

More on Donna Griffit

Website: https://donnagriffit.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaabraham/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzkJG4mKRbHPe6XOZj_6rvyQVzlaZQoux

Book: Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups

Kylie Ora Lobell reflects on a childhood shaped by feeling unseen, the ways food and writing became coping mechanisms, and how those experiences ultimately led her to a deeper search for meaning. In this conversation, Kylie opens up about identity, faith, rejection, and the power of community, offering an honest and relatable perspective on what it means to find belonging and purpose. Whether you're navigating your own spiritual journey or simply looking for more meaning in your life, this episode has something for you.

Sound Bites "You have to keep trying whatever it is you want in life." "I hope it helps Jews from birth be proud of who you are."

'Choosing to be Chosen' is available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and out February 17: https://a.co/d/ba2YoR0

Handles X: @kylieoralobell IG: @kylieorawriter TikTok @kylieoralobell Website: https://koldigitalmarketing.com/

For Elissa Sagoskin, sports have always been more than a pastime; they're a part of who she is. Now, she's channeling that passion into coaching and representing Jewish female athletes on the world stage, with her sights set on the 2028 Olympics. Elissa is also a mother to her son, Amichai, who has cerebral pals, and through him, she's learned to flip the script on how we see bodies, movement, and minds. She challenges us to celebrate different ways of being in the world, reminding us that she doesn't see disability… she sees ability.

Sound Bites

• "I didn't see disability, I saw ability."

• "You can move in a different way."

Follow Elissa Sagoskin: https://www.instagram.com/elissa_sagoskin/

Israel Flag Football: https://www.instagram.com/israelflagfootball/

Elissa's blog: https://www.changeperceptions.net/

Elissa's TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/elissa_sagoskin_sagoskin_the_making_of_a_superhero

What happens when the whispers of your intuition are louder than you realize yet you still don't know how to listen? In this episode, Dr. Zahava Berkowitz, founder of Ima Acupuncture, reflects on the quiet signals she once brushed aside, the life-altering choices that followed, and the moment she finally understood her inner guidance had been trying to steer her all along. And when she did trust that inner voice, she went on to create a thriving, healing-centered practice helping others reconnect with themselves.

Sound Bites "I was really nervous, and I thought it was normal" "It was 100% my intuition, like, screaming at me" "I just didn't have the skill set to know that yet"

IMMA: website: https://helloimma.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imma.wellness/

Yael Dahan is the founder of Penny's Dance studio. Yael's dream of starting her own dance studio came to fruition when she decided to take control of her career path. She had limited resources but a burning passion. Penny's Dance Studio is named after and in honor of her grandmother Penny who shared her love for dance, hard work and helping others with her granddaughter. Yael shares the values that shaped her, the courage it took to follow her own path, and the joy she's found in building a community around movement and legacy.

Penny's Dance Studio

Website: https://pennysdance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennysdancestudio/

Yael's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaelsjournal/

What if networking wasn't just about collecting contacts, but about connecting with purpose? Welcome back to the TrailBLAZER Pod. In this episode, Lirone Glikman CEO of The Human Factor, author of The Super Connector's Playbook, speaker, and global networking expert, shares how authenticity, energy, and even rejection can become your greatest assets. From the power of asking for advice to building real community, Lirone reveals how true success starts with genuine human connection. Get ready to rethink how you build relationships and maybe, rediscover your purpose along the way.

Sound Bites

• "The world is your oyster mentality."
• "No is a part of the journey."
• "I want it to be actionable."
• "Women will do the visibility very well."
• "We will feel uncomfortable asking."

The Human Factor: https://lironeglikman.com/

The Super Connector's Playbook: https://lironeglikman.com/tscp-book/

The Lirone Glikman Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/0B6AmP249PG8vcyFdznFQ5

Lirone's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lirone_glikman/

Allison Chait, artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Shabbos Brushups ; the makeup line redefining faith and self-expression. In this episode, she shares her journey from a creative childhood to studying at FIT, finding spiritual inspiration in Israel, and launching a brand that blends beauty, identity, and community. She opens up about balancing business with belief, advocating for Israel, and how her products empower Jewish women to feel confident without compromise.

Sound Bites "I always felt good in my own skin." "You should really love what you do." "I want to share love, that's it."

Use code 'Brushups15' for 15% off when you shop at Shabbos Brushups: https://shabbosbrushups.com/pages/about

Follow Shabbos Brushups on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushupsbyallison/

Dr. Aimee Baron is the founder of I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, but her journey started long before that.

A lifelong dreamer of becoming a pediatrician, she built her career caring for other people's children all while silently grieving her own losses. After suffering six miscarriages, including four in the second trimester, she finally became pregnant with her twins. But even in her deepest pain, no one around her was talking about pregnancy loss or fertility treatment.

So instead of staying silent, she built what she needed: a community. I Was Supposed to Have a Baby was born so no one else would have to walk that road alone.

This conversation is raw, vulnerable, and a powerful reminder that you can hold heartbreak in one hand and hope in the other.

I Was Supposed to Have a Baby Website: https://iwassupposedtohaveababy.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwassupposedtohaveababy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iwassupposedtohaveababy

Maayan Aviv, the CEO of ⁠American Friends of Natal⁠, brings both American perspective and Israeli grit to her work in trauma support. Her military service gave her a front-row seat to resilience, and her nonprofit leadership demands it daily. She reflects on leadership, identity, and the hope that someday her organization won't need to exist.

American Friends of Natal supports Natal; Israel's Trauma and Resiliency Center.

Follow American Friends of Natal: https://www.instagram.com/americanfriendsofnatal/

Follow Maayan Aviv: https://www.instagram.com/maayanaviv28/