Cambridge University Jewish Society
Leading through institutional crisis
Context
President of a 400-member society during an 8-week crisis period involving campus security, university administration, community expectations, and media attention.
What I Did
- Coordinated with five stakeholder groups to keep members safe and informed
- Maintained operations while negotiating security and logistical constraints
- Led communications across press, university, and community channels
Key Achievements
- 30% engagement increase during crisis period
- First Passover on campus in 17 years
- 10+ media appearances while preserving community trust
What I Learned
Crisis leadership is about clarity, cadence, and calm. Balancing safety, transparency, and empathy mattered more than any single decision. Negotiation only works when every party sees a path that respects their constraints.