Black and Jewish leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder to advance civil rights, strengthen American democracy, and expand opportunity for all – proving that when our communities work together, there is nothing we cannot achieve. This partnership helped shape the moral and civic backbone of modern America. Today, that alliance is under strain.
Rising antisemitism and anti-Black racism, deepening polarization, international conflicts, and a digital ecosystem that profits from division have sown misunderstanding and distrust between Black and Jewish leaders.
Rebuilding trust between Black and Jewish leaders is not just important for the health of our communities – it is essential for a well-functioning democracy.
Our two traditions hold extraordinary potential. Tikkun olam calls us to repair the world. ‘Justice for all’ demands we build it. Together, these values can drive progress from technological innovation to transformative businesses and beyond.
Our Approach
Co-Founded by Van Jones (Founder of the Exodus Leadership Forum and CNN Host) and Daniel Lubetzky (Founder of KIND Snacks and the Builders Movement), the Exodus Mentorship Alliance brings together an exclusive group of senior leaders to mentor the next generation of high potential Black and Jewish early-career professionals in small, industry-specific mentorship groups.
Mentors + Industries
Fellows Are
- High-performing professionals under 40 across business, media, finance, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
- Employed for at least two years at their current company and recognized not only for their professional achievements but for their character and community engagement.
- Exceptional rising leaders who believe their leadership carries a responsibility to strengthen relationships across communities and contribute to the health of our democracy.
Join the Founding Fellow Cohort
Join a select group of exceptional rising leaders whose relationships and leadership will help shape the future of this initiative.
Apply NowFellows Will
- Participate in the Exodus Mentorship Alliance between September 2026 and March 2027.
- Gain trusted mentorship from accomplished executives and entrepreneurs who will open doors and share hard-earned leadership lessons.
- Engage in monthly conversations with mentors and a small group of exceptional peers.
- Attend two high-level in-person convenings in November 2026 and February 2027.
- Help shape the future of this initiative as a founding Fellow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fellow applications for the Exodus Mentorship Alliance are due on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST.
Fellows should expect to dedicate approximately 4–6 hours per month to the program.
This includes:
- Monthly virtual Pod Meetings
- Monthly virtual Leadership Sessions
- Pre-session preparation. Prep materials, such as readings, videos, or reflection prompts, will be shared in advance to help ensure discussions are thoughtful, engaging, and productive.
Fellows are also required to attend two in-person convenings – November 15–17, 2026, and February 23–25, 2027.
Yes. Participation in both convenings is a core component of the Exodus Mentorship Alliance experience. Applicants should only apply if they can commit to attending both events.
All expenses for the in-person convenings, including travel, meals, and lodging, will be covered for selected Fellows.
All accepted Fellows will be placed into an industry-specific Mentorship Pod with two (2) Mentors and four (4) co-Fellows. Throughout the span of the program, you will have monthly virtual meetings with your Pods. You will also get to spend in-person time with your Mentors at the November convening!
The Exodus Mentorship Alliance is designed to help you grow as both a leader and a bridge-builder. As a Fellow, you can expect to:
- Build meaningful relationships with senior leaders and accomplished peers.
- Receive personalized mentorship and career guidance.
- Expand your professional network across industries and sectors.
- Join a lifelong community of leaders committed to collaboration, civic leadership, and strengthening relationships across communities.
While there is no single profile for a successful Fellow, ideal candidates typically:
- Have established themselves in their profession and are on a strong leadership trajectory.
- Have experience managing people, leading teams, or supervising direct reports.
- Have demonstrated leadership within their organization, industry, or community.
- Are eager to learn from accomplished mentors while also contributing their own experiences and perspectives to the cohort.
The cohort is only available to applicants who are currently residing in the United States.
Yes. Entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners are encouraged to apply. In fact, both Daniel Lubetzky and Van Jones are entrepreneurs themselves and understand the unique opportunities and challenges that come with building and leading their own ventures. The Exodus Mentorship Alliance is designed to support leaders from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including those founders and business owners.
Entrepreneurs should have a current client, investor, or Board member write their letter of recommendation.
The Exodus Mentorship Alliance is designed for emerging leaders who are actively building their careers and can immediately apply what they learn through the program. While many Fellows are currently employed full-time or leading their own businesses, we recognize that career paths are not always linear.
If you are in a career transition or currently enrolled in graduate school, we encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate a strong track record of professional leadership, are actively engaged in your next career step, and are able to fully participate in all aspects of the program. Each application is reviewed holistically, taking into account professional experience, leadership potential, and readiness to contribute to the cohort.
We designed the Exodus Mentorship Alliance with busy leaders in mind. We know our Fellows are balancing demanding careers, family commitments, community involvement, and personal responsibilities. This fellowship is intended to complement your leadership journey.
There are no lengthy assignments, final projects, or deliverables outside of the program. What we do ask is that Fellows make the most of the experience by showing up fully prepared, present, and intentional. This includes completing pre-session preparation, actively participating in monthly virtual sessions, and attending both in-person convenings.
There is no cost to participate in the program and all program fees and expenses will be covered. Fellows will not be compensated for their participation.
Yes. Fellows will become part of the Exodus Mentorship Alliance alumni network and will have opportunities for continued engagement, relationship-building, and future programming. As Founding Fellows, you also have the opportunity to help shape the program for future cohorts.
The Exodus Mentorship Alliance was co-founded by Daniel Lubetzky and Van Jones, who share the belief that durable alliances are built through sustained, trust-based relationships rooted in shared purpose and mutual investment.
By facilitating meaningful cross-community professional mentorship relationships, Mentors and Fellows develop personal trust, professional credibility, and lived understanding of one another’s experiences. These relationships serve as a catalyst for lasting allyship that extends beyond transactional business needs.
Please email mentorship@lubetzky.org with any additional questions about eligibility, the application process, or program participation.
For more information about being a Fellow or to nominate an exceptional rising leader, please contact:
Liz Lebeaux Vantine
mentorship@lubetzky.org