Meet the President

I joined the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) as a young mother. My boys were 3 and 1 years old. I was also young in my career and still relatively new to Charlotte. I felt like I was trying to juggle the world. I found my attention torn between work deadlines, daycare drop offs and pickups, doctor’s appointments and somehow trying to carve out space for my own growth and advancement. Like many women in this phase of life, I felt consumed by the day-to-day and wondered how I would make it all work. As strange as it may sound, this was the perfect time for me to join the JLC.

Despite everything on my plate, it became clear that something was missing from my life. I come from a family of servant leaders. My mom was an educator. My dad was an educator and a pastor. I even married into a family of educators. Yet, I was not feeding the part of myself that needed to serve and connect with other women. The JLC afforded me a safe space to do just that.

Over the years, I have met and learned from many diverse and amazing women who are impacting our community, advancing their careers and encouraging one another along the way. I’ve learned a great deal from these women and gained new relationships, mentors, mentees and friends. In fact, it was another member who encouraged me to take a more active role in the JLC and give back through leadership. This encouragement afforded me the privilege of serving other women on their League journey—helping them form connections and learn about ways to further their reach in the organization and community. I gained experiences that not only helped me grow as a Junior League member, but helped me develop professionally and in my leadership roles in the broader Charlotte community. This was made possible because of the encouragement I received as a new League member and the lessons I learned from our many, diverse and talented women.

This is what we do. We empower women who change our community.

Over the course of our 96-year history, the Junior League of Charlotte has touched countless lives. We have helped establish many of the organizations that continue to impact our community-such as Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, Teen Health Connection, Discovery Place and the Council for Children’s Rights. We have donated over 1.6 million hours of volunteer service in the Charlotte community and championed important issues, such as school readiness.

We are Change Agents. When women join this organization and commit to it, it empowers them. Our members build connections, start non-profits and businesses of their own, hold public office, serve on other community boards, advance in their careers and obtain educational degrees and certifications. The list goes on.

This past year has been met with numerous challenges for our community. However, it’s precisely because of these challenges that our work is more important now than ever. This work would not be possible without all of you. Whether you are a member, donor, advocate or community partner, your support enables us to continue our 96-year history of service, initiatives and campaigns. You help to empower women so they can change their community. You are Change Agents.

As the 2021-2022 President of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc., it is my privilege and honor to thank you for your continued support. As you read this edition of The CRIER, I invite you to learn more about our organization and engage with us further. I am confident you will receive a meaningful return on your investment.

Yours in service,

When women join this organization and commit to it, it empowers them.

Kellie H. Lofton President, 2021-2022