In 1984 Leslie Wexner developed a set of philanthropic ideas, then translated them into reality. His business, The Limited, Inc. (now Limited Brands), was structured around a belief in doing highly focused, exceptional work. His methodology was the "specialty store" as opposed to the "department store." As a retailer, he did not wish to be all things to all people, but rather to find compelling niches and address them with disciplined focus and an appetite for excellence.

The Wexner philanthropies, reflecting this early philosophy of disciplined focus and developed over the past decade with the added leadership of Abigail Wexner, devote themselves to the arena of "Jewish leadership." There are few philanthropies that could define their focus, their mission, in two words. We are such a foundation.

The focus on leadership led to the creation of three large-scale leadership initiatives, all seeking the best and the brightest individuals, and forging them into leadership communities and collaborations to tackle the emergent challenges of the Jewish people.

The Wexner Graduate Fellowship Program identifies, supports, and trains outstanding graduate students preparing for careers in the rabbinate, cantorate, Jewish education, Jewish communal leadership, and Jewish studies for the North American Jewish community. Through a partnership with William and Karen Davidson, 10 Wexner Fellows studying to be Jewish Educators or Jewish Communal Professional are designated as Davidson Scholars. To date, over 350 individuals are engaged in the Graduate Fellowship program as fellows or alumni, many of whom have already distinguished themselves among the most visionary and effective young professional leaders in Jewish community life.

The Wexner Israel Fellowship Program, co-sponsored by Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, annually brings up to ten mid-career Israeli public officials to Harvard for a yearlong MPA program coupled with intensive leadership development institutes. Over 180 Israeli officials have participated thus far. Many alumni of the Israel Fellowship program presently hold high offices in most Israeli government ministries and in the various branches of the Israel Defense Forces. In addition, the Israel Fellowship alumni association, as a whole, has emerged as a powerful new force in Israeli life.

The Wexner Heritage Program focuses upon volunteer leaders in the North American Jewish community and involves an intensive two-year study program as well as ongoing leadership institutes. To date, over 1500 individuals from 31 North American Jewish communities have participated in the program. Communities partner with The Wexner Foundation in order to bring this highly successful literacy and leadership program into their community. This summer Heritage groups from Chicago, Houston and San Francisco will complete the program in Aspen. They will be joined by groups from Boca Raton, Pittsburgh, and Westchester all at the mid-point of the program. Groups from Denver, MetroWest New Jersey, and San Francisco will participate in a new member institute, also in Aspen.  Groups from Montreal, Phoenix and Los Angeles will be selected in the coming months.

These three large-scale Wexner leadership programs address three critical constituencies essential to the revitalization of Jewish life: North American Jewish professional leaders, North American Jewish volunteer leaders, and Israeli public sector leaders. Increasingly, the participants and alumni of the three programs have begun to interact in a network of local, national, and international activities designed to develop greater communication and collaboration between the diverse leaders of Jewish life.

Beyond these three highly focused leadership programs, Leslie and Abigail Wexner are strongly active in civic and Jewish affairs in Central Ohio, and in a variety of national and international philanthropic causes and partnerships. (For a summary of the Wexners' broader Jewish philanthropic activities, please see the sections entitled "Central Ohio, National/International.")

Serving as President of The Wexner Foundation is a valued privilege and an extraordinary professional responsibility. Twenty years with the Foundation have provided me the opportunity to witness firsthand the leadership and partnership Leslie and Abigail Wexner exercise, and to apply the standards of integrity, professionalism, excellence, and best practices they seek for the Foundation and embody themselves. Jewish family foundations have come to occupy a special place in Jewish community life, capable of bringing new approaches and resources to meet the challenges of Jewish history and community. The Wexner Foundation strives to be a source of enduring benefit to humankind with a special commitment to strengthening Jewish leadership in North America and Israel. It is this most honorable mission that motivates and defines our work, a body of work continually inspired and shaped by our fellows, alumni, faculty, and professional staff.