Kelley School of Business · IU Hillel · Est. 1998
BLI connects exceptional Jewish business students at Indiana University with leading Jewish executives from across the country — in small rooms, around real conversations.
Our recent speakers have led at
BLI is an exclusive Kelley School of Business club, in partnership with the IU Hillel Foundation, that connects exceptional Jewish business students at Indiana University with leading Jewish business executives from across the country.
Through small group settings, members have the unique opportunity to meet with these executives in a relaxed environment and engage in open, candid dialogue. These executives generously give their time because they are eager to get to know Kelley students and share how they built their own paths to success.
David Charney was one of the first students to get behind the new idea for Business Leadership Initiative. Since its founding in 1998 at IU Bloomington, the club's unique concept has caught the attention of other college Hillels across the U.S.
BLI has become a "stepping stone into the real world" for dozens of students each year and is a source of pride for the IU Hillel. It has a promising future thanks to the continued involvement of eager students and its guiding alumni.
"BLI provides a foundation for good business, and offers the cultural aspect which isn't often there."
— David Charney, Founding Member
"I encourage alumni to get involved, even remotely if needed, and to keep up with current student members. Even if it's just stepping in as a mentor and answering students' questions remotely, it's a great way to pass along job advice."
— David Charney
We've wrapped up events for this semester — exciting speakers and opportunities are always on the horizon. Follow us to be the first to know when new events are announced.
Every semester, BLI hosts executives at the top of their fields for candid, off-the-record conversations with our members. A selection from recent semesters:
The goal was to create a network with people who all have the same thing in mind — to learn and grow together.
— David Charney, BLI Founding Member
Shalom BLI Alumni,
Do you remember the delicious home-cooked Hillel meals and the great BLI speakers from your days at IU? What did BLI mean to you? I know that for me, BLI was and continues to be such a great opportunity to meet some of IU's best students. Your friendship, caring, and connection to BLI meant so much to me, and I enjoyed getting to know you. I and BLI miss you and would like to reconnect! I invite you to join our expanding BLI Alumni Network.
I have met so many BLI alumni who have shared with me what a difference BLI made to their time at IU — and for so many, it was their primary Jewish connection during their years at IU. I am proud to say that BLI has not only continued to thrive, but has grown tremendously over the past several years. We have over 100 members and speakers almost every week. Now, I am turning to you and asking you to get involved again through the BLI Alumni Network.
I would like to ask you to pay it forward and keep BLI free and meaningful for today's students.
— Rabbi Sue
IU Hillel Foundation
The Fall 2026 membership application is open, and we're still accepting new applications. The main application window closes at the end of September.
Applying later? We may still accept rolling applications after the main window closes.