JCC PresenTense Chicago, one of the region’s premier entrepreneurship programs, is pleased to present its 2015 Fellowship Cohort at a free community-wide kick-off event from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11 at Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway.

This casual event will include complimentary dinner, refreshments, whiskey tasting by Koval Distillery and presentations by PresenTense Group CEO Naomi Korb Weiss and keynote speaker Lisa Nigro,Founder of Inspiration Corporation and recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal. Those interested in entrepreneurship, venture capitalism or discovering new connections and ideas are invited to network with our 2015 PresenTense Cohort and affiliates and hear how their ideas will impact Chicago, and the world.

A largely volunteer-run community of entrepreneurs, mentors, coaches and Advisory Board members, JCC PresenTense Chicago is commencing its fourth year of fostering innovation by tapping into the talents and energy of everyday professionals. Over an intensive six-month program, Fellows work to develop their ideas into sustainable businesses.

“As both manager of the program and a past Fellow, I know that a supportive community of bold thinkers can change the status quo, improve the quality of life in Chicago and impact the world,” said Becky Adelberg, JCC PresenTense Chicago manager.

The 2015 Fellowship Cohort includes 14 entrepreneurs: Yoni Pruzansky, Rabbi Dan Rosenberg, Joseph Prosnitz, Becky Levinson, Naomi Konikoff, Amy Gorelow, Rebecca Crystal, Rabbi Barry Cohen, Elena Valentine, Dashell Bark-Huss and Rabbi Heather Altman, Rena Rosen, Metuka Hechtman, and Michelle Mantel.

From dance to literacy to health, the 2015 Fellowship Cohort ventures extend across many areas. Rebecca Crystal’s venture Interfaith in Motion will bring together Jewish and Muslim youth through dance to bridge a cultural gap and foster acceptance. And Joseph Prosnitz, founder of Prosnitz Solutions, is launching a product aimed to allow people with arthritis to enjoy the experience of running without the heavy impact on their joints.

For more information on JCC PresenTense Chicago, visit www.gojcc.org/presentense, or contact Becky at [email protected] or 847.763.3629.