Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet is proud to announce Stephanie Shujman (Seattle) and Steven Paletz (Colorado) as its incoming Co-Chairs for 2026-2027. 

 

In a term beginning July 1, 2026, they will build on the work of current Cabinet Co-Chairs, Alex Feinstein (Greater MetroWest NJ), and Scott Goldin (New York), with a commitment to furthering Cabinet’s impact and participants’ ability to serve the Jewish community in a moment where leadership is needed to face once-in-a-generation challenges. 

 

Cabinet is Jewish Federations’ premier leadership development program and inspires the next generation of global Jewish leaders towards philanthropy, communal engagement, and activism in support of Jewish people and community everywhere. Cabinet has helped form more than six decades of Jewish leaders and philanthropists. It has more than 510 current members and 4,350 alumni who foster flourishing Jewish communities around the globe.  

 

“Stephanie and Steven have the experience and commitment to excel in carrying forward Cabinet’s remarkable work of supporting emerging lay leaders to serve global Jewry,” said Ben Schindler, Associate Vice President of Cabinet. “As we work to Rebuild Israel, secure our communities, and ensure flourishing Jewish life in North America and around the world, their passion for inspiring and connecting Cabinet members leaders to Federations’ mission is evident in everything they do. I am proud that these two remarkable leaders are taking on this role and will represent Cabinet and Jewish Federations to the Jewish community.” 

 

Read more about the 2026-2027 co-chairs: 

 

Stephanie Shujman currently serves as Campaign Chair for the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and has been a passionate and dedicated leader within the Jewish community for many years. She joined the Federation Board in 2023 and also serves as a Board Observer for the Jewish Agency for Israel. 

 

A member of the Jewish Federations of North America National Young Leadership Cabinet since 2022, Stephanie has held numerous key local leadership roles, including Chairing Connections in 2023, Chair of the inaugural Ben Gurion Society, and Chair of the reinstated Federation Fall Fundraiser in 2024. She is an active member of Herzl Ner Tamid, where she serves on the Membership Committee, and previously chaired the Parent Teacher Committee at the Jewish Community Center (JCC). 

 

Beyond her Jewish community involvement, Stephanie is also engaged in the public school system, contributing her time and energy as a member of the PTSA board. 

 

Stephanie and her husband, David, are the proud parents of two daughters, Aviva and Ariela. She is deeply committed to her family, friends, and community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and walking with her dog, Shine. 

 

Steven Paletz is a 4th year in the Jewish Federation of North America's Young Leadership Cabinet where he serves on the executive board as the Vice-Chair of Belonging. Steven also serves as a board member on the Jewish Agency for Israel's North American Council and on Colorado’s Jewish Community Relations Council. He recently co-chaired JEWISHColorado’s JCRC Public Officials Mission to Israel.  

 

In addition to his Jewish communal work, Steven serves as a commissioner on the Colorado Economic Development Commission, where he has served since November of 2021 and is the Chair of Legal Redress for the Rocky Mountain NAACP.  

 

Steven Paletz is a Real Estate Attorney at Akerman LLP. He represents developers, investors, and lenders throughout the lifecycle of a commercial real estate transaction.  

 

Steven graduated from Yeshiva University with a degree focused on the U.S. Political System. He earned his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center.   

 

Steven and his wife, Laura, live with their two children in Denver, Colorado, where they are actively involved in numerous synagogues, Jewish day schools, and other non-profits.