May 12, 2026
The Francine R. Loeb Leadership Institute (LLI) is the Federation’s year-long training program that prepares emerging Jewish leaders for future service. LLI Fellows develop the skills to make a lasting impact in the community through board service, workshops, and personalized mentorship.
Meet Greg Shapiro, a member of the 2025-2026 LLI cohort, and learn how he’s making an impact in our community!
I wanted to deepen my involvement in the Seattle Jewish community and plant more intentional roots of engagement.
Working with a leadership coach has been especially meaningful. It’s helped me integrate what I’m learning in my board placement into my professional and personal life in a grounded, practical way. Because the program spans a full year, it has accompanied me through several seasons of change, and I’ve felt genuinely supported in my evolution.
Creating spaces for discussion, connection, and curiosity across differences has been a throughline in my life. Now I have more tools, frameworks, and strategies to bring that vision to life.
It’s shown me how powerful leadership is fueled by shared values and a sense of mutual responsibility. When those principles are paired with organization and collective action, the impact is magnified far beyond what any one person can do alone.
(Our LLI cohort) talked about how asking for help is actually a gift: an invitation for others to be part of your vision for the future. You never really know what’s possible until you ask.
Greg Shapiro brings a global and inclusive perspective to Jewish life, shaped by his experiences as a gay man and avid traveler. Originally from a New Jersey suburb of NYC, he graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Media Studies and additional studies in religion and anthropology. His career bridges travel and market research—beginning with preschool focus groups for Nickelodeon and later supporting cultural facilitation programs during cruise ship work, alongside travel to over 40 countries.
Greg is deeply spiritual, certified in both yoga and Reiki, and enjoys hiking, snowboarding, paddleboarding, meditating, and macrame. A lover of entertainment, he appeared on Netflix’s The Mole as its only LGBTQ+ cast member.
He’s active in Jewish life through Pride Shabbat, the JConnect steering committee, and JDC Entwine trips (including as trip co-chair). He also volunteers with the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes and values Seattle’s warm, connected Jewish community.
Greg Shapiro brings a global and inclusive perspective to Jewish life, shaped by his experiences as a gay man and avid traveler. Originally from a New Jersey suburb of NYC, he graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Media Studies and additional studies in religion and anthropology. His career bridges travel and market research—beginning with preschool focus groups for Nickelodeon and later supporting cultural facilitation programs during cruise ship work, alongside travel to over 40 countries.
Greg is deeply spiritual, certified in both yoga and Reiki, and enjoys hiking, snowboarding, paddleboarding, meditating, and macrame. A lover of entertainment, he appeared on Netflix’s The Mole as its only LGBTQ+ cast member.
He’s active in Jewish life through Pride Shabbat, the JConnect steering committee, and JDC Entwine trips (including as trip co-chair). He also volunteers with the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes and values Seattle’s warm, connected Jewish community.
Explore the Francine R. Loeb Leadership Institute
Learn about the program, meet more fellows, and find out how you can join next year’s cohort.
