Our Mission
The Solomon Leadership Program is dedicated to nurturing the leadership potential of today's teenagers, cultivating a new generation of leaders guided by an unswerving moral compass. We accomplish this mission through a comprehensive, values-driven program consisting of:
- Holistic Curriculum: We offer a dynamic, real-life, situation-based curriculum that equips our students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for moral leadership.
- Mentorship: We provide robust community-supported mentoring, pairing our students with experienced mentors who guide and inspire them throughout their journey.
- Inspiring Case Studies: We organize live case-history presentations by local leaders, offering valuable insights and practical lessons for our students.
Our program encourages exchanging ideas, fostering self-confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration. We deliver a college-level experience that complements their high school education, preparing them for a future marked by ethical leadership.
Established in 2016, Solomon operates as a nonsectarian educational program under the 501(c)(3) status. It was founded through a partnership between Palm Beach Synagogue and The Sosnow Foundation. Our commitment to success is reflected in the overwhelming 91.3% parental approval rate, driving us forward in achieving our mission.
Our Vision
The Solomon Leadership Program envisions a society where leaders are distinguished by their unwavering commitment to ethical principles and moral values. We aspire to empower these leaders to understand their unique potential and to prioritize the well-being of others in their pursuit of a just and harmonious world.
Our Story
In 2015, Mr. Larry Sosnow, a successful businessman and philanthropist living in Palm Beach, who was already deeply involved in the community, as he had been when he lived in New York years ago, joined the Palm Beach Synagogue.
Rabbi Moshe Scheiner suggested his becoming active with youth and teens, realizing that only by influencing the children of today can change be affected over the long term.
Recognizing the problems seen in all areas of leadership today, Mr. Sosnow and Rabbi Scheiner together created the concept of a leadership program geared towards tomorrow’s leaders— the teens who already exhibit leadership potential and are active in their communities.
Drawing on his college years, when a mentor took the young Larry under his wing and ultimately influenced his career path to success, Mr. Sosnow sought to combine the concepts of ethical leadership and mentor guidance, specifically geared towards teens. By joining forces with Rabbi Scheiner and the Palm Beach Synagogue, the Peres Leadership Program, now known as the Solomon Leadership Program, was born.
In addition to the Pilot Chapter in the Palm Beach Synagogue serving Palm Beach County, Florida, since 2016, new chapters have opened in Bal Harbour, Ft. Lauderdale, and Parkland, Florida. As the program looks towards the future, it anticipates opening chapters across the country in the next few years in congregations looking to serve teenage leaders in their communities.
The Solomon Leadership Program operates as a partnership of The Sosnow Foundation and Palm Beach Synagogue. Students, known as Fellows within the program, join at no cost. This allows teens from all demographics the opportunity to apply and participate without financial stress.
Board Of Directors
Rabbi Moshe Scheiner
Founder, Chairman, & Spiritual Director
Rabbi Moshe Scheiner
Founder, Chairman, & Spiritual Director
The founding Rabbi of Palm Beach Synagogue and the Maimonides Leadership Institute, Rabbi Scheiner holds a Masters degree in Talmudic studies and Jewish philosophy from the Rabbinical College of America. He also holds an honorary Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the Rabbinical College of America. He received his rabbinic ordination at the United Lubavitcher Yeshiva.
Lawrence Sosnow
Founder & Chairman Emeritus
Lawrence Sosnow
A successful entrepreneur, Mr. Sosnow founded or helped develop ventures in health care services and technology, from start-up to their IPO or sale. Also involved in community work, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Norton Art Museum from 2015-2022. As co-chairman of its Physical Facilities Committee, he oversaw the expansion of the Norton’s new Norman Foster-designed award-winning museum.
Marc Abramowitz
Executive Chairman
Marc Abramowitz
Executive Chairman
Marc has been an investor in venture capital, real estate and private equity for many years, following a career as CEO of a public company.
Marc is currently on the Board of Governors of Tel Aviv University and supports various Jewish and community charitable efforts.
Stephen G. Canton
Chairman
Stephen G. Canton
Stephen Canton is currently the Managing Partner of Anacostia Ventures, a top-rated Merchant Bank which specializes in acting as the primary capital source for its portfolio companies, which provide advanced technology and software products to the US market. Steve currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Lux Speed, a leading provider of advanced technology and high-speed internet
access to multi-dwelling units and developers in the South Florida marketplace. He is the former Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Advisory Committee. Steve resides in Palm Beach and Washington, DC, with his wife, Susie, and three daughters.
Sarah Dworcan
President & CEO
Sarah Dworcan
President & CEO
Born and raised in South Africa, Sarah Dworcan has been involved in education and leadership training for over a decade. She co-founded Jnetic, an organization focused on education and awareness of genetic diseases. With her love for knowledge, growth, achievement, and excellence, she has grown Solomon into what it is today. Sarah lives in West Palm Beach with her husband and two sons.
Eileen Berman
Board Member
Eileen Berman
Eileen Berman is Managing Partner at UBS Private Wealth Management. She and her team manage assets for ultra-high net-worth multi-generational families, corporate executives, and not-for-profits. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for educating and empowering women to take an active role in all financial matters. Eileen is the Founder of the Jewish Women’s Foundation
of the Greater Palm Beaches and is involved in many other community organizations. Eileen served as a mentor at Solomon from 2016-2018.
Todd Michael Glaser
Board Member
Todd Michael Glaser
Todd Michael Glaser grew up in Miami Beach, Florida, where he was exposed to the designs of Morris Lapidus and the beauty of the Mediterranean homes of Miami Beach, Palm Beach, and Coral Gables. Todd has developed condominiums, renovated masterpieces like the Carl Fisher Estate and Cher’s Estate on La Gorce Island, as well as sold or developed homes for celebrities and public figures.
Todd’s development efficiency, organizational skills, and determination make him stand apart from others. Mr. Glaser gave the commencement speech at the Solomon Palm Beach graduation in 2021.
Dr. Debra A. Schwinn
Board Member
Dr. Debra A. Schwinn
Dr. Debra A. Schwinn became Palm Beach Atlantic (PBA) University’s ninth President on May 4, 2020.
Previously she was Associate Vice President for Medical Affairs, Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, and Professor of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry at the University of Iowa. Prior to those appointments, Dr. Schwinn served in senior leadership roles at the University of Washington and Duke University.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of Wooster in her native Ohio, Dr. Schwinn earned a medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine where she has also been honored as a distinguished alumna. A physician scientist and member of the National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Schwinn’s laboratory was funded for 27 years by the National Institutes of Health.
Admiral Thomas C. Lynch
Board Member
Admiral Thomas C. Lynch
Board Member
Admiral Lynch retired from the U.S. Navy after a decorated 32-year career. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, his Naval assignments included Chief, Navy Legislative Affairs, Commander of the Eisenhower Battle Group during Operation Desert Shield, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy from 1991 to 1994, and Director of the Navy Staff at the Pentagon from 1994 to 1995. He was also the captain of the 1963 Navy Cotton Bowl team with teammate Roger Staubach, its Heisman winning Quarterback. In 2010, Lynch was awarded the USNA Distinguished Graduate Award. After retiring from the Navy, Lynch served as a Senior Vice President for Safeguard Scientifics, where he was responsible for operations, mergers and acquisitions, and oversight of emerging partnership companies, including CompuCom Systems, where he became President and COO. Following that, Lynch became a Senior Vice President for Staubach Company and later Managing Director for the Musser Group. Admiral Lynch is Co-Chairman of the NewDay USA Foundation.
Tami Lesser
Board Member
Tami Lesser
Tami is an attorney, nonprofit leader, consultant and advocate. She has dedicated her professional and volunteer life to building community, advocating for gender equity and creating a better world for all people. Tami was the Founding CEO of Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches and Director of Major Gifts at American Jewish World Service. She also served as Executive Director of the West Palm Beach Library Foundation and Vice President at MorseLife Foundation. Tami was selected for the first cohort of 11 CEO’s from across the U.S. to participate in the Leading Edge CEO Onboarding Program. She has held numerous senior volunteer leadership positions in communal and national organizations and received leadership awards for past community service. Tami has consulted and given presentations at a variety of nonprofit organizations and at Hebrew University’s graduate program in nonprofit management. A second generation Florida native, she is a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania and The George Washington School of Law and spent a year of study abroad at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Thomas Iovino
Board Member
Thomas Iovino
Thomas Iovino has over 40 years of experience as a visionary leader in the construction and infrastructure industry. He currently serves as Chairman and Founder of Iovino Enterprises, a family of companies providing major civil and specialty construction services in six states. Mr. Iovino is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization, the Chief Executives Organization, Construction
Industry Roundtable, and The Moles. He was a Trustee on the Board of Directors of the Norton Museum. Mr. Iovino founded the IF Foundation, which empowers families in Haiti to create their own pathway out of poverty.
Paul J. Kozloff
Board Member
Paul J. Kozloff
Paul Kozloff was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Temple University, and owned or operated several businesses in Reading. He was extremely involved in communal affairs, serving as the president of the JCC and Jewish Federation, board member of Temple Oheb Shalom, vice president of Lancaster Country Day School, and member of several Boards of Trustees. He
was a founding member of the board of the Berks County Foundation. Mr. Kozloff served on the Fox Business School Council at Temple University. He currently resides in Palm Beach. Mr. Kozloff has served as a mentor at Solomon from 2016 to the present.
Mordy Touger
Board Member
Mordy Touger
Mordy Touger is a serial entrepreneur and investor who has founded and co-founded multiple successful businesses. As the current CEO of Ice Liquidation, Mordy's wealth of experience and entrepreneurial skills drive the company's success and innovation in the liquidation industry. Through the Touger Family Foundation, Mordy and his wife, Chana, demonstrate their commitment to philanthropy by actively contributing to many local and global initiatives and charities. They are dedicated to fostering a positive and meaningful impact in the world. Based in Parkland, Florida, Mordy and Chana cherish their roles as parents to three vibrant girls.
Robert Posner
Board Member
Robert Posner
Robert Posner is the CEO of NewDay USA and Chrysalis Holdings, LLC. Rob has been the architect of the company’s information technology and analytics strategy, as well as the Company’s training and development capabilities at NewDay USA University. Today, he has built NewDay USA into one of the nation’s leading VA mortgage lenders to serve Veteran families. Rob serves on the Board
of Directors for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, the Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets, and serves as Co-Chairman of the NewDay USA Foundation.
Ronnie C. Simpson
Board Member
Ronnie C. Simpson
Ronnie Simpson is a chartered retirement planning counselor, first vice president, and senior portfolio manager. Ronnie entered the financial services industry in 2001, and after spending the last 12 years at UBS, he joined Morgan Stanley in 2020. Ronnie attended the University of Florida, where he earned a B.S. in biological systems management. Ronnie enjoys tennis, boating, and
spending time with his family in his free time. Ronnie is a lifelong Florida resident and resides in West Palm Beach with his wife, Sari, and children, Sophia and Charlie. Mr. Simpson has been a Solomon mentor in the Palm Beach Chapter since 2020.
Lester Woerner
Board Member
Lester Woerner
Lester Woerner is the Chairman of Woerner Holdings, LP. a company based in West Palm Beach Florida with investments in real estate, agriculture and financial securities. An entrepreneur since the age of 13, he was the youngest person, at age 27, to be appointed by a governor of Alabama to the State Board of Agriculture and Industries. Mr. Woerner was the 2001 American Free Enterprise medalist, an annual award given by Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach. In 2010 Mr. Woerner was honored by the Weizmann Institute of Science for his philanthropy. Lester is a resident of Palm Beach, Florida.
Management Team
Miriam Taylor
Educational Director
Miriam Taylor
Educational Director
Originally from New York, Miriam Taylor has worked as a counselor, leader, and teacher to middle and high school age students for over 15 years. She has written numerous programming and academic curricula that are nationally recognized. Miriam established and directed the Therapy Program for the largest Jewish day school in the Southeast for five years, and recently moved over to the Solomon Leadership Program full-time. She lives in Plantation, Florida with her husband and seven children.
Chana Touger
Director of Operations
Chana Touger
Director of Operations
Before joining the Solomon Leadership Program, Chana Touger worked as a corporate event planner, creating and organizing a wide range of events in both Los Angeles, California and South Florida. Chana brings her organizational expertise to the Solomon Leadership Program, and utilizes her role as Director of Operations to positively impact the Fellows and future leaders. She lives in Parkland, Florida with her husband, Mordy, and her two daughters.
Dr. Art Johnson
Dr. Art Johnson
Emeritus Professor of Leadership & Organizational Development, The Catherine T. MacArthur School of Leadership, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Dr. Johnson has worked in many higher education settings in his career, holding various positions of responsibility. He has taught for eight universities and is the owner of a successful consulting business. His firm has provided consulting services to the healthcare, manufacturing, insurance, law enforcement, transportation, banking, non-profit and service industries. He is also known to make a great cheesecake.
Brookie Blasberg
Chapter Liaison
Brookie Blasberg
Born and raised in Australia, Brookie grew up very involved in the Sydney Jewish community. Brookie served for ten years as a youth leader and then youth director at one of the largest and prominent synagogues in Sydney, where she created and facilitated a full calendar of youth programs and events. Upon moving to New York, Brookie pivoted to the corporate field, where she worked as a website and project manager for an electronics e-commerce company. Now living in Florida, Brookie is once again working in the non-profit sector, using her project management skills in her role as the Chapter Liaison at Solomon Leadership Program. She lives in Parkland with her husband and two children.