The CRIER Summer 2023

PROMOTING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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We proudly support the The Junior League of Charlotte.

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Letter from the President

We begin so many sentences about the Junior League of Charlotte with the phrase “since 1926.”

Since 1926 we have made an impact in our community.

Since 1926 we have trained volunteers.

Since 1926 we have developed women leaders.

The history that built the JLC continues today, and those key focus areas have not changed, however our mission statement has. While many begin the new year with a resolution or word of the year, the JLC began the new year with a vote on a new mission statement at our January General Membership Meeting:

The Junior League of Charlotte is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women's leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) adopted this new mission statement last May and bringing it to Charlotte was the next step. Over the next year you will see this mission statement weave its way across our organization. You’ll see the words and we will continue to show our commitment to those words with our actions.

For now, you can learn more about our volunteer action and collaboration in the Renaissance West community, as well as our training with the Leadership Support Task Force in this edition of The CRIER.

Support us and join us as we move our mission forward and enjoy this edition of The CRIER.

Cheering for you all,

Christina Gratrix President, 2022-2023

Letter from the Editor

I am a sucker for trivia — you can find me every couple of weeks at one of the many breweries that dot the city, wracking my brain in hopes of figuring out the 33rd U.S. president (it’s Harry S. Truman, by the way). So, when I saw that the January Willingness to Serve Workshop was ending with a quiz show experience, I knew I had to attend. What does this have to do with The CRIER theme of “Together Again?”

Well, I sat down at a table by my lonesome and slowly, people started to trickle in and join me. By the night’s end, we were cackling with our answers and … we won — please see the photo of how proud we were to win logoed blankets. I had never met the people I sat with (although maybe one was on a Zoom at some point), and when I think back to that night, I love how together we were in everything we did.

This edition of The CRIER has me feeling incredibly proud of our reporters. In this issue’s pages, you’ll learn a lot about the history of our League. Briana Rinaldo spoke to many of our Black members on the impact Black women have had in creating our organization. Madison Baer takes us back in history on the Provisional bus tour, something that makes me wish I was a provisional back in 2019. Laura Blake interviewed members who are getting Working Lunch going again post-pandemic. Jessica James-Hill worked on finding ways to give back to the JLC. Our guest reporters will teach you about JLC’s impact over the years, what happened during the Little Black Dress Initiative and more.

I highly recommend you make yourself an iced beverage of your choice — summer is feeling so good, y’all — and read this magazine coverto-cover. I guarantee you; you’ll learn something and be excited to experience next year, together

Hayden Pigott Editor, 2022-2023

P.S. We were inspired by the aforementioned trivia to make one of our own — you’ll see questions throughout the issue. The answers are in the back!

Meet the Reporters

Hayden Pigott, Editor

Hailing from Fort Myers, Florida, Hayden received her Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and is a huge Longhorn fan. After spending four years in the Mile High City (Denver, CO) — three of those in the Junior League — she traded the Rockies for the Appalachians and moved to Charlotte in August of 2022. Hayden spent her childhood summers in Linville, NC , so the Queen City felt like the right change up as she now works from home permanently. Hayden works for Miles Partnership, a marketing agency for the travel and hospitality industry. She is their TikTok Platform Manager — a fancy title to say she runs strategy for clients on how they should use the fastest-growing social media platform. Before that, she was a travel writer at the same company. Hayden runs BestEatsCharlotte on TikTok and Instagram, so you can always find her trying a new CLT restaurant. Right now, she’s searching for the best tacos and her next mystery novel.

Best place to meet JLC members for coffee: Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden

Elysa Graham, Reporter

Elysa joined the JLC in 2022, soon after moving to Charlotte, as a Transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro (JLG), which she joined in 2019. Her last two placements have been on Fund Development, specifically the Day of Giving. She is from Miami, Florida and went to school at a Historically Black university: Florida A & M University, affectionately known as FAMU, during her freshman year before joining the U.S. Army. During Elysa’s 13 years of service, she found an opportunity to complete her education through the doctoral level at Troy University with a concentration in nursing. Elysa has one younger sister and has been married to her husband, Mike, since she was 19. They have two school-age boys. Elysa and her family moved to Charlotte for her husband's work. She currently manages a healthcare clinic that provides comprehensive and compassionate healthcare using a direct care model, which focuses on affordable monthly memberships instead of insurance. In her free time, Elysa likes to watch crime shows and historical dramas, she loves a good Disney trip (Florida girl) and a Florida beach is her happy place.

Favorite walkable neighborhood: South End

Jessica James-Hill, Reporter

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Science in Sports Management and a graduate certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Florida (UF). She worked for the Florida Gators athletic department in ticketing, compliance, student-athlete development, marketing and donor/sponsor relations. Jessica switched to academics as a full-time fundraiser for UF's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where she joined the Junior League of Gainesville in 2015. In 2018, her husband Mike became the athletic director for the Charlotte 49ers, which moved them to the Queen City. In 2021, while seven and a half months pregnant, Jessica landed a dream role fundraising for the Wikimedia Foundation, the parent company of Wikipedia. She has three children — Luke, Ellie and Bobby.

Favorite restaurant: Fin and Fino

Laura Shintay Blake, Reporter

Laura Shintay Blake, a Charlotte native, graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2015 with a degree in Business Administration. Being a devoted Tar Heel, she spent another year at UNC to complete the Master of Accounting program. She then moved to New York and began her career in public accounting. In 2017, Laura joined the New York Junior League and spent her time there volunteering with children. She moved back to Charlotte during the pandemic and transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte, joining the Renaissance West/Kids in the Kitchen committee. This is Laura's first year as a reporter for The CRIER and she is excited to put her love of writing to use! Laura enjoys being with family and friends, exercising and participating in a book club. She now works as an accountant for a hedge fund and is happily settled in Charlotte with her husband, Alex and their Corgi puppy, Carl.

Best place to meet JLC members for drinks: Foxcroft Wine

Briana Rinaldo, Reporter

Briana relocated to Charlotte from Syracuse, New York, in 2017, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Master of Science in Public Relations. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, she’s always been curious about diverse spaces and different cultures. Being surrounded by classmates, neighbors, coworkers and friends from all over the world, she sought to get to know as much as she could from all of them. This led her to make storytelling a crucial part of her career, working in communications for a study abroad organization, a marketing firm focused on psychology and now a Charlotte financial company. Outside work, Briana is a semi-professional samba dancer, amateur painter, part-time music journalist and dog parent alongside her wonderfully supportive fiancé. Favorite walkable neighborhood: Chantilly in Elizabeth

Madison Baer, Reporter

Madison Baer joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 2019. She is an aspiring novelist, self-help author and published poet, as well as a stay-at-home mom to a new baby girl, Elizabeth. She is a yoga teacher (Lavender Mat Yoga), avid crafter, knitter and tennis enthusiast.

Favorite Restaurant: Basil Thai

Mallory Pearce Guest Reporters

Mallory came home to Charlotte in 2018 after living in Paris, France. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees from Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina and Master of Science degrees from East Carolina University. She is happy to bring her archival knowledge to cover some of the most unique parts of history throughout the last 96 years of the JLC. Mallory has been in the JLC for four years and her current placement is asMarketing & PR chair. Mallory works as a process engineer for Wells Fargo to fund her traveling habit. In her spare time, she enjoys college and NFL football, volunteering for Second Harvest Food Bank, running (slowly) and trying new breweries. Mallory lives in the Oakhurst area with her fiancé, Rob and their blended family of three dogs: Baker, Millie and Homer.

Megan Smith

Megan has been a member of the Junior League since 2002. She has served in a variety of roles as a member of the Raleigh, Wilmington, NC, Atlanta, GA and the Junior League of Charlotte. She is currently the co-chair of the 100th Anniversary Task Force, a member of the Service Together Task Force and President-Elect effective June 1, 2023. Megan currently works as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Sociology and Criminology and Undergraduate Coordinator of the Gerontology Program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her teaching, research and publications are in the areas of mental health, physical health, loneliness and deviant behavior. She holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in the field of Sociology from NC State, UNCC and Emory, respectively. When she is not teaching, conducting research or volunteering with the JLC, Megan teaches needlepoint at the national level, travels around the country (she is very close to visiting all 50 states!) and spends time with her beloved nieces and nephews.

Provisional Spotlight Jordan Jones

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Winchester, KY

Job: Divisional Manager of The Portico Collection (a wholesale gift showroom)

How long have you lived in Charlotte? Since June 2022

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in Kentucky, moved to North Carolina for school (I graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh), moved to Texas to start my career as a sales manager for a wholesale gift agency, and now I’m happily back in NC. I love to cook, travel with my husband and cuddle my two cats!

What made you want to join the JLC?

After going to an all-women’s college and currently working in an all-women company, I’ve learned that I love to be surrounded by strong, smart and fun-loving women! The JLC seemed like the perfect fit for me to build a strong foundation with a new set of ladies in Charlotte.

What are you most looking forward to in the JLC this year?

I’m excited to learn more about my new city through volunteer opportunities in places I haven’t explored yet.

Tell us your favorite …

Charlotte Restaurant: Reid’s in Southpark

Coffee Shop: Undercurrent

N IT Y

Community Partner Highlight: Renaissance West

By: Laura Blake

Pop quiz: what do frozen turkeys, DVDs and 40 cans of whipped cream have in common? They are all things that the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) has provided to the Renaissance West Community Initiative (RWCI) during this League year! More on those later, but first, let’s learn a bit about RWCI and the JLC’s work with this innovative community partner.

Gina Spinelli, chair of the JLC committee for RWCI, describes the RWCI as a school and housing community that’s focused on an initiative to overcome intergenerational poverty.

“We partner with them to provide funding for additional activities, the kids’ learning opportunities and more,” she explained.

Within the grounds of RWCI, children live, attend school and participate in activities that support their education and well-being.

The JLC committee holds monthly cooking demonstrations with RWCI. These demonstrations stem from Kids in the Kitchen, an initiative used by many Junior League chapters to encourage healthy cooking and nutrition.

“It’s really rewarding seeing kids learn healthy habits and new techniques through fun recipes and time in the kitchen with friends and family,” said committee member Amanda Herring.

Gina said that the demonstrations are getting really great turnout. “The kids love it and have a lot of fun,” she said.

The committee also tries to do an activity with the children around every holiday. For example, they carved pumpkins for Halloween and provided frozen turkeys to families at Thanksgiving. For Easter, the committee hosted an Easter egg coloring event — what makes that one even more special is that it was one of the first inperson events the committee has done with RWCI since the pandemic began.

Apart from the set plans to help RWCI, the JLC also seeks to provide support as needed. A prime example of that from this year is when the League donated a new library box to the school filled with books and DVDs for the kids to enjoy. Those 40 cans of whipped cream referenced earlier were used for a fun event that incentivized students to perform well in their studies. If they met certain academic requirements, they got to pie the principal in the face. Talk about motivation!

The JLC has contributed to the overarching goal of RWCI to end intergenerational poverty while supporting the JLC’s own initiative around school readiness. The donations and experiences provided by JLC members have helped to provide kids with opportunities that they may otherwise not have.

People Who Lunch

By: Laura Blake

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is excited to bring back the fundraising speaker series, JLC Working Lunch: Working together to improve our community. The fundraiser idea originated from a Fundraising Task Force created by the JLC Board of Directors in 201617. The first luncheon was held in 2018, but as with many in-person events, the series had to be paused when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Now that people are gathering again, the JLC is eager to pick the series back up.

When the Working Lunch began, a primary idea behind it was to create a different way to raise money for the JLC.

“The goal for this event was to diversify our fundraisers,” said Alicia Morris-Rudd, who served as JLC President-Elect and then President in the early days of Working Lunch. “Our target audience for Working Lunch was our Sustainers and corporate sponsors, as the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) and other fundraisers were primarily designed for our Provisional and Active members.”

Working Lunch provides a platform for JLC members and nonmembers alike to support the JLC’s efforts in the Charlotte area.

“Working Lunch gives us a brand-building opportunity,” stated Jennifer Emerson, Fund Development Manager. “We open it to the entire community.”

The annual event, held during a weekday lunch hour, has featured nationally renowned speakers. Gretchen Rubin, author of “The Happiness Project” and several other books, spoke at the inaugural Working Lunch in 2018. Elizabeth Smart, child abduction survivor and author, spoke at the second event the following year. Attendees could purchase general admission or VIP tickets for additional perks, such as a signed copy of the speaker’s book and a meetand-greet. Working Lunch sold out during its first two years.

“The hope was that it would continue to grow, and then COVID came,” Alicia said.

But now, the JLC is actively discussing the logistics and timing of bringing Working Lunch back to our members and the community. After a few years of putting things on hold and talking to people through screens, Working Lunch will serve as a warm welcome back to what we knew as normal.

“Being virtual is so easy and comfortable, but we realized how much we miss out,” Jennifer said. “To be able to do something in person is a totally different feel.”

Keep an eye on jlcharlotte.org or jlcharlotteblog.org for updates and details on when the JLC Working Lunch will make its third appearance and spread the word!

Trivia Trivia

1. What year was the JLC founded?

2. When was Junior League of Charlotte Day as pronounced by the city?

3. Who was the 2022–2023 JLC President?

4. What street is the JLC headquarters on?

5. What does AJLI stand for?

6. Who was the first JLC President?

7. How many women came together to establish the Junior League Baby Home?

answers on page 42

Transfer Spotlight Laura Wendt

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Adelaide, South Australia

Job: HR Business Partner, Ford Motor Company

How long have you lived in Charlotte? 1 year

What League did you transfer from? London, England

What is your favorite Junior League memory?

I’ve made some wonderful friends in each of the Leagues I’ve been in (Chicago, DC and London). We formed a dinner and book club at the London League and many of us are still in contact even though many of us have since moved away.

What is your current placement in the JLC (if you have one)?

Internal Events and Social Committee

How has your membership in the JLC impacted your personal and/or professional life?

I love being surrounded by strong, passionate, empowered women who are forces for positive change in their communities. It’s an inspiration, both personally and professionally!

What advice would you give to Provisional Members?

You get out of the League what you put it, so be intentional and proactive about engaging and you might surprise yourself!

What are you most looking forward to in the JLC this year?

Since I’m so new to Charlotte, I’m looking forward to meeting other members and working alongside them in the service of our local community.

What has been your favorite discovery since moving to Charlotte?

I like to say that Charlotte is the perfect mix of Midwest nice and Southern hospitality. The people make the place!

Into the JLC Archives

By: Madison Baer

Nestled in a small room in the back of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) mailroom are shelves and shelves of records. The JLC’s Archives span all the way back to the League’s inception in 1926. The Research Library is accessible to any League member by appointment during regular JLC Building operating hours. All you need to do is call the main office and make an appointment.

I sat down with Sustainer and Archives Committee member Suzy Garvey to chat about what you can find in the archives.

Flipping through the many files housed in the library, you will find scrapbooks with original newspaper clippings, house blueprints, photographs, the original deed to the Berryhill Preservation Project in 1976, JLC newspapers, a backlog of all printed versions of The CRIER, published Junior League Cookbooks, News Releases, “Red Books” (1974-1992) and “Blue Books” (19922009) and much more.

Until 2009, physical directories that illustrated everything you needed to know about the JLC that year, were printed in compact blue and red binders, which are all stored in the archives. These red and blue books gave general information, lists of each committee and board, all annual reports, Bylaws, policies and procedures and contact information for all members along with their pictures.

The most exciting part about the archives is the JLC’s future plans. In the next JLC year, we will have a volunteer focused on making more archive materials available digitally to not only members, but the general public as well. Currently, 17 issues of The CRIER are available to the public online at https://issuu.com/ jlcharlotteinc and the JLC has plans to make all past issues of The CRIER available online in the future as well. While they may not be accessible online yet, all past publications of The CRIER are currently stored on a hard drive kept in the main office.

It was so much fun to look through the scrapbooks and imagine the grandeur of the JLC in the 40s and 50s. Skimming through the organized index of each scrapbook, I was able to see just how much the JLC has accomplished since its establishment in 1926. If you want to begin learning more today you can find an online summary of our history at https://www.jlcharlotte.org/ our-history/.

In Remembrance

By: Briana Rinaldo

We remember those Junior League of Charlotte members that we lost over the past year:

Jane Berry

Jane Bobbitt

Emily Booth

Jean Carrington

Ann Collawn

May Crawford

Sarah Dagenhart

Sylvia Dalton

Elizabeth Elliott

Elizabeth Garner

Ann Glover

Lavenia Williams Griffin

Betsy Hoak

Nancy Jewell

Helen Jones

Elizabeth Malloy

Bettie McLaughlin

Phyllis Melton

Mary Purvis

Marilyn Ranson

Carol Saville

Betsy Sherard

Mary Anne Boone Thomas

Sally Van Allen

Donate to the Annual Fund!

The Annual Fund plays a vital role in the JLC’s ability to sustain and advance our mission as an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

We hope that you consider supporting the JLC's mission and donating to the Annual Fund to allow us to continue to support the JLC's community partners and programs.

To make a donation to the Annual Fund, checks can be mailed to:

Junior League of Charlotte 1332 Maryland Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209 or go to jlcharlotte.org/annual-fund/

Thank you

to the JLC Legacy Foundation

The JLC Legacy Foundation is a critical part of the JLC’s ability to sustain financial giving to community and special program needs.

Active members and sustainer trustees are appointed to sit on the Foundation Board and have a critical role in managing the health of the current endowment funds, as well ensuring the long-term strategy and growth of these dollars to support the JLC.

Sustainer Spotlight Peggy Ransone

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Job: Retired, after a lengthy career in human resources

Number of years lived in Charlotte: 35

Current Placement: Sustainer Board President

Number of years as a member of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC): 19

What is your favorite JLC memory?

Honestly, I’ve had so many wonderful memories over the years that I can’t say I have a favorite.

What was your favorite JLC placement as an Active Member?

Serving in the role of Education and Training Manager on the Management Team.

How has your membership in the JLC impacted your personal and/or professional life?

From a personal standpoint, I’ve been able to establish wonderful friendships within an organization that aligns with my goals of volunteering to serve our community and helping to develop the potential of women. The training I’ve received and leadership positions I’ve held have definitely had a positive impact in my professional career and relationships.

What advice would you give to Provisional and Active Members?

Take advantage as much as possible of the wonderful service and learning opportunities the JLC provides to support its mission and vision. Your engagement will provide many meaningful memories, life experiences and contribute to your personal and professional growth.

What inspires you to stay involved with the JLC?

I value and respect the organization’s focus on long-term strategic planning and collaboration across member groups to ensure it stays relevant and ready to serve within a changing environment.

What is your ideal day in Charlotte?

Being outdoors and enjoying the wonderful cuisine and entertainment opportunities with family and friends.

JLC President-Elect Jonell Logan

By: Briana Rinaldo

The Junior League’s emphasis on leadership is a long-held tradition that allows women nationwide to explore and flex their ability to lead. Whether in the community, at work or at home, leadership is a key component of service in the Charlotte community.

Fitting right into our culture of leadership is Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) President-Elect Jonell Logan. We sat down with her to learn about her journey serving her community, navigating League roles and empowering the next generation of women in leadership.

What motivated you to join the League?

I had been in Charlotte for about two years and was meeting people, but I wasn’t finding my social needs met. I participated in the Leadership Charlotte program, which encouraged us to commit to making a difference in the community through leadership. During that time, I was having that existential moment of wondering if Charlotte was even the right city for me, but I thought, “You know what? If I’m going to stay, I need to commit.” So I started thinking about how to actually serve in Charlotte and find like-minded people with the same drive for service I had. The Junior League of Charlotte fit that need.

Where did your philanthropic drive begin?

I think my first introduction to service was through my grandmother while growing up in Harlem. She had foster kids, so I grew up watching her open up her home to young people who needed support. That was transformative to see it come so naturally to her. From that point, I could not divorce community service from my daily life because it was just something we did.

Additionally, I grew up in art spaces going to shows and seeing exhibits. When I ventured out into the world, though, I learned so many kids had never been to a museum or a show or a gallery. This is what led to my brand of service taking root in building peace for people through access to culture and art spaces. Ultimately that leads to empowering them to tell their own stories through art. That’s had a lingering impact because the work I do now has so much to do with helping people feel a sense of ownership over their voice and identity.

When was the first time you realized you had the potential to lead?

In high school, I realized I could make an impact and create change through rallying people together. That has since been my approach to leadership: bringing people together to figure something out. More formally, I think I was in my first leadership role before I realized that I was actively leading. I found myself in that role doing what I knew how to do again, bringing people together to reimagine what we were doing. I tend to call that servant leadership, finding out what the need is and working alongside a group to get to our destination.

What’s also important to remember is that while we are all capable of leadership, not everyone wants to be a change agent in the same way. We have to remember there are different ways to lead and drive change. Could you imagine a room full of people who all want to go in different directions? We’d never get anywhere! It’s the different traits and strengths in each of us that come together to make something beautiful. Part of leadership is understanding when to step in and out as needed.

What has your leadership journey looked like in the League?

Once I made my commitment with Leadership Charlotte, I was excited to find ways to lead in Charlotte. The JLC was the perfect place to start, given its established place in the community. I hadn’t planned on my first leadership role; someone saw something in me and asked me to step up into leadership. That’s been the theme through the rest of my leadership here, stepping up when people ask me to or believe I can. That’s how my role as President-Elect came to be: someone putting my name forward, believing I could lead. It’s really important for me to honor someone’s belief in me, bringing something to the table when they assert I have something to contribute.

When I’m confronted with a role, I think about the questions I have answers to and what experience I could think back on that can inform how I would push us forward. My background leads me to lean into telling our story to our community, showing how we serve and engage. Coincidentally, I’ve also mostly led in times of transition, which has afforded me a valuable skill set. I’m not afraid of change; I welcome it!

How has your League experience helped you in your life outside of the League?

Professionally, I work in nonprofit and art spaces, so the League has helped me become more aware of the challenges in our community as it relates to those spaces in which I specialize. I’ve been able to think about how to engage with, partner with and motivate different people from diverse backgrounds when I lean into what I know and am good at. Additionally, it’s easy to fall in with people we know and are comfortable with, but what does it mean to work with this larger group of women collectively unifying over an idea? This is where I’ve learned it’s so important to look for what unifies us across differences, and the League helped me build that skill.

Why is serving in internal League roles just as important as community project placements?

When working toward community impact, we have to think about the structures we have in place that support the people doing the work - it’s a process that operates inside and outside. The work in the community has to be supported by organization in the background. What that also provides is an inclusive experience. Many of us may want to volunteer but don’t have the privilege of time, so we have opportunities within the League to support the whole foundation of our work. That internal work also prepares us for the future and what it means to be an institution serving Charlotte.

How does your identity play into your leadership approach and service?

I’m a Black woman and I’ve always seen that Black women lead through changes and challenges. Over generations, we have opened our homes, schools, churches and centers to anyone who needs a place or a resource. There’s so much going on socially, politically and economically, and I still see Black women leading and moving forward despite everything happening around us. My concern, though, is that we - well, I — tend to take this work so heavily that we have to remember to save ourselves through the work of serving others. I hope that we can cultivate, inspire, and challenge each other to ensure we can thrive in community leadership and service.

Provisional Spotlight Karen Wrancher

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Jamaica, NY (Queens)

How long have you lived in Charlotte? A little under two years

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a retired Colonel with 31 years of service in the Army. I was a logistician and because I excelled in that field, I was selected to be an Inspector General. In that position, I did compliance assessments and investigations into credible allegations of wrongdoing. My last job in the Army was working as a Division Chief (Director of Operations), working for the 66th Inspector General (Chief Operating Officer for Compliance) with a team of 60 full-time equivalents at the Pentagon. I now work for Wells Fargo as an Internal Auditor.

What made you want to join the JLC?

Two reasons:

1) The JLC has an impressive history of developing and supporting women for close to a century.

2) The JLC has a proficient use of resources such as ladies, time, talent and money. These help form partnerships and collaborate with other altruistic organizations to meet people at their area or point of need in the community.

What are you most looking forward to in the JLC this year?

I’m looking forward to developing great relationships while helping to make things better in the community where I live now.

Tell us your favorite …

Charlotte Restaurant: It depends. Overall it’s Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, but my favorite steakhouse is Capital Grille, hands down. For soul food it’s Mert’s Heart and Soul and for Jamaican food, it’s Roy’s Kitchen and Patio.

Coffee Shop: Queen City Grounds

Store: KK Bloom Boutique

What is the Leadership Support Task Force?

By: Laura Blake

There is a cooking show called “Reverse Engineering” in which a chef tries to recreate a dish. The kicker is that they can only gather information on the original dish by touching, tasting and smelling it — they can’t look at it or the recipe. Their recreation is always remarkably close, but you can imagine how much closer it’d be if they could use all their senses and see the recipe!

Resources and knowledge go a long way in helping anyone succeed at a task, whether you’re making a recipe or, in the case of Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) members, stepping into a leadership role. The JLC has accumulated various documented processes and materials over time to help its leaders. Most of these resources have been digitized, which makes them more accessible. However, this process has brought to light the challenge that these materials are not always consolidated. As JLC Board Member at Large Kathryn Anderson describes it, “we’ve continuously had a lot of reliance on individual members to understand what their expectations are when they take on a leadership role. There wasn’t really a handbook or uniform League-wide tool kit to refer to, so there was lots of learning on the fly.”

In response to these observations and feedback from members, the JLC created the Leadership Support Task Force to better support and develop its members as leaders. Kathryn and Chrissy Horwedel are co-chairs of the Task Force.

The Leadership Support Task Force is basing its work on what are known as “competencies.” There are three competencies around volunteer action, community impact and women’s leadership. Chrissy explained that the competencies “help JLC members identify what they want to grow in. They are goals and indicators that directly tie into our mission.”

The JLC already offers many resources and events to develop its members as leaders. The task force is identifying how JLC members can engage with these existing offerings to develop skills within each competency. For example, it may recommend that a member attends Training Tuesdays or events hosted by a particular committee. “There’s a lot of collective knowledge out there,” Kathryn said. “It’s just making people aware of it and making it more accessible. Competencies should be embedded in the culture of the JLC.”

The task force is still ongoing, but the group has already made great strides in building out the competencies and surrounding framework. “Everyone’s collective perspective has been great,” Kathryn said. Their efforts will help members develop long-lasting, widely applicable talent and knowledge. “I’m most excited to provide members with skills that they can use inside and outside the JLC,” Chrissy said. For a group of women committed to serving and leading in their community, the results of the task force will be extremely valuable.

Active Spotlight Alyssa Bowker

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Hope Mills, NC

Job: Audit Director, Ally Bank and CEO and Accountant, Wildcat Contractors Inc.

How long have you lived in Charlotte? Six years

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I met my husband, Kyle, at an NC State tailgate while I was in undergrad. We’re both alumni and huge fans of the Wolfpack!

We have two cats (Arnold and Amelia) and a border collie/Aussie mix (Jacqueline), all adopted from Carolina Pet Adoption and Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) rescue. We also foster cats/kittens through CPAWS. We’re a rotating petting zoo! My current foster kitten was found at only a week-and-a-half old and requires bottle feeding; you can follow my IG stories to watch his growth (@a.s.bowker).

I’m a big girls-girl and love hanging out with my gal pals. I play in a Sunday Funday ladies’ golf league where we dress in theme and kick off our rounds with jello shots. I also took up tennis during the pandemic — mostly for the cute outfits!

When it gets cold out, I trade the cute skirts for my snowboard and hit the slopes — but usually, just the blue designated hills (easy with slope gradients between 25% and 45%) as I’m naturally pretty risk averse (I am an auditor, after all). As you can see, I like to stay busy! I’ll sleep when I’m dead, as they say.

Tell us what inspired you to join the JLC.

Growing up, my mom was very involved in philanthropy and took my sister and me along with her. The Junior League feels like a post-grad sorority with a mix of volunteer and social events. Joining the Junior League just felt like the obvious next step after college.

What roles have you held throughout your time in the League and what was your favorite?

I’ve been in a number of placements and positions, including Service Saturday Chair, Done in a Day Chair and I’m currently Risk Manager. I really enjoyed my time as Service Saturday Chair. It was a special task force in 2019–2020 that united the Provisionals, Actives and Sustainers. It was a great experience getting to connect with so many membership categories of the League.

What skills have you learned in your time in the JLC and how have you leveraged them outside the League?

So many skills! I’ve been in the Junior League since 2013 when I began in the Raleigh League. The League has taught me about the need to stay organized and structured when possible. Templates and lists are your friends! These tools help manage the chaos, make it easier to delegate and help me to be more efficient with my time. I use these tools at work and in my personal life where applicable.

Tell us your favorite JLC experience or memory.

This is super nerdy, but I really love the training that the JLC provides. My favorite was about Enneagrams and how to flex or use personality traits to your benefit. The training instructor was really knowledgeable and the topic was so fun and interesting.

What is the best advice you’ve received from a JLC member?

Another tough question, as I’ve received so much great advice! Someone told me that others will be happy to get involved if you just ask them. I often feel like I’m imposing on others or they won’t be interested, so I have to consciously implement this advice.

What is your ideal day in Charlotte?

My ideal day starts with a lazy morning cuddling with my pets and foster kitties. Then I’ll get in a morning round of golf or tennis and lunch. I’m a homebody and love hosting, so I would have the girls over for a pool day and drinks in the afternoon. The day would end with a nice little date night with my husband, followed by a movie at home and cuddling with the pets to round out the day.

Trivia Trivia

8. During what League year was The CRIER established?

9. True or false: The JLC brought the first trained social service worker to Mecklenburg County?

10. The JLC helped build a Girl Scout camp on this lake.

11. What was one of the names of a JLC cookbook?

12. What issue did JLC take its first public stand on politically?

13. What were Hotlines?

14. True or false: TV Programs on Local History was once a focus area of the JLC.

answers on page 42

How Black Women Influenced the Junior League of Charlotte

By: Briana Rinaldo

Since 1926, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) has been a haven for friendship, professional development and community service in the Charlotte community. In recent history, however, the League has become more inclusive than ever, namely through the involvement and achievements of Black women joining — and leading — the League.

To celebrate our rich Black history, we spoke with Black League members who provided some perspective on the Black history of JLC.

Service

Service has been, and continues to be, a strongly-held tenant across the Black community. JLC President-Elect Jonell Logan asserts there is a strong sense of philanthropy in Black families, including her own. “It ranges from the church, grassroots organizations and our homes,” Jonell says, adding, “I think the JLC is a piece of that philanthropic journey.”

The first Black woman to join the JLC was Pat Heard in 1977. Since she joined, the League has seen a rise in Black membership and, thus, representation in the Charlotte community. Based on JLC’s current priority areas, a large number of residents self-identify as Black or African American (28205: 29.6 percent, 28206: 47.2 percent, 28208: 47.9 percent, 28212: 33.2 percent, 28216: 48.2 percent, 28217: 32.8 percent), so seeing people who look like them in positions of leadership and service provides more than funds, goods and acts. Representation provides the vision for Black youth to see that they can give back to better themselves and their community. Pat joining 46 years ago kicked off decades of Black women expanding their network of service and bringing their stories and experience directly back to the community.

“We have to tell our own stories and see ourselves in our own community,” Jonell says. “Through direct service, we can teach our kids about the value of our communities so they can learn to serve as well.”

Leadership

Since 1977, Black women have stepped up and into leadership roles across the League. The League’s first Black president, Toni Freeman, took office in 2003 after years of connection with and leadership from Black members. “When Toni became the first Black President we were thrilled,” remembers current JLC Sustainer, Linda Lockman-Brooks. “That wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t started coming together and talking about the barriers that needed to come down — and we made it happen.”

Black Presidents of the League:

2003-2004: Toni Freeman

2007-2008: Antoinette “Twan” Crawford

2012-2013: Whitni Wilson-Wertz

2015-2016: Lisa Johnson

2020-2021: Charlitta Hatch

2021-2022: Kellie Lofton

2023-2024: Jonell Logan

Once part of the League, Black women find leadership opportunities everywhere. Former President Charlitta Hatch remembers being in League leadership roles consistently for the past 15 years. “I saw representation in key roles where Black women had a voice and I wanted to make sure I was carrying the torch,” she says. “DE&I has always been part of the League strategy, so to see us now assert we are an anti-racist organization shows we are true champions of DE&I, that our leadership has truly meant something.”

Uplifting

A throughline among Black women is the tenant of sisterhood. Whether it’s through the church, a sorority or a community organization, Black women always look for ways to support one another. JLC Sustainer and Judge Rickye McKoy-Mitchell remembers joining during the days when you needed multiple sponsors to enter the League. “I didn’t know enough people yet, but the active Black members took me in and told me, ‘It’s okay, we’re going to get you what you need.’”

Once they began joining the League, Black members hosted their own mixers, dinner parties and other social events to connect potential members with sponsors. Such activity and feedback led the League to amend the sponsorship requirement to one, but that outreach and those connections continue to this day.

“I was young and hungry and wanted to do everything,” remembers VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Tifferney White. “I saw a job opportunity open up out of state and three of my League sisters made phone calls — I had a job shortly thereafter.” This sort of sisterhood is part of what makes the League. The collective work to uplift each other knows no limit or age and even continues beyond active League membership. “What has been wonderful is that you all have not forgotten about us,” remarks Judge McKoy-Mitchell. “My sisters have made me proud and kept me in the loop on projects. It’s wonderful.”

Promoting Change

The League has been on a diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) journey long before many organizations and companies in the Charlotte area. The JLC first began seriously documenting a focus on DE&I in the early 1990s with a concerted effort to increase member diversity and representation. This was followed by a diversity vision statement and Diversity Action Plan taking shape in the mid-1990s. A focus on leadership came in the early 2000s, with an emphasis on diversity workshops for leaders, culminating in our first Black President: Toni Freeman.

“We can’t forget that Toni becoming the first Black President came after years of hard work,” remembers Linda. “We’re fortunate, though, that all of us in the League seemed to understand inclusion back then — we just didn’t call it that yet.”

There also were initially age limits to remain in the League. Linda recalls that the age cap was in the 30s when she joined and she was among the women making a case for pushing it back or eliminating it. “I told them you are missing us!” Linda says. “Black women spend so many of our formative years setting up our lives and careers, we may not have time to join the League until our 30s and then it’s too late.” Removing barriers like this allowed for more representation in the League, especially among Black women.

In 2021, a formal DE&I Committee was formed after years of work from a DE&I Task Force. Committee Member Mary Behler describes the work as “advisory in many ways, educational in others.” The committee now hosts events and opportunities for members to grow, learn and provide feedback. “The committee also seeks to understand what we should be doing or highlighting,” Mary says. “Hearing from members about what’s important to them drives a lot of our work.”

Looking Ahead

Linda remembers in the early-2000s, Pat Heard returned to the League for an event after being away for some time. “She was thrilled,” Linda remembers. “That’s when things really started to gel — we’re doing it.”

We’ve come a long way and we have so much more work to do. The DE&I Committee spearheads much of this work today through its four overarching goals:

1. Attract and retain a committed membership with a desire to work in an inclusive and respectful manner with one another and with the Charlotte community.

2. Have a membership broadly reflective of the Charlotte Community.

3. Create trainings, processes, policies, plans and programs that meet the diverse needs of the JLC’s membership.

4. Identify and address barriers to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within current organizational systems.

DE&I Committee Chief Sherri Belfield says the DE&I Committee hopes to weave DE&I into everything the League does. “It isn’t intended to be a standalone group,” Sherri says, “but a group to ensure DE&I reaches into our committees, programming, trainings and members.” After the committee’s official start in the 2021-2022 League year, the DE&I Committee has:

• Worked with the finance committee to make dues and the fundraising model more accessible

• Partnered with the Community Impact Council to make the application process more inclusive

• Hired an outside consultant to provide trainings for board members, as well as the DE&I and Nominating Committees

• Ensured the Presidents keep diverse Community Advisory Board members

• Worked to ensure the JLC staff received DE&I training in some capacity

The work is energizing and exciting and provides so much potential for all League members. “The diversity and inclusion will continue to make us stronger,” Sherri continues, “and I think that as we continue moving forward, the work is going to get easier and become more organic - that’s the point!”

DE&I Efforts Through the Years

1976

Raised the age cap to 35

1993

Documented focus on diversity through HR Council and a membership push

1995

Created a diversity vision statement and a Diversity Action Plan, which was taken into the the overall Strategic Plan

1998-2000

JLC attends diversity workshops and actively looking at diversity in leadership

2017

Implemented Equity Impact Circles and strengthened affinity groups

2003

JLC names first Black president

2020

Joined AJLI in becoming an antiracist organization

2021

First official JLC DE&I committee begins work

As we remember the history of the League, we have to celebrate the contributions of our Black members and look to their experiences to guide us into the future. Beyond uplifting one another, many women remarked how we can always do better to represent other marginalized groups: different ethnicities, sexualities, gender expressions, abilities and so many more. There is no doubt that this League is up to the task.

As far as the future, there is an overwhelming feeling of joy and hope from the Black community in the League. We’ll let them speak to those feelings themselves:

“ I think as organizations, we have to change and be flexible enough to move people in the direction we all want to go. What we used to do may not work for women in the future. I’m glad to be part of an organization that knows that and understands how to move with its members and society.” —

Sherri Johnson, Board of Directors Member at Large

“ Sometimes women of color don’t have the advantage that other women do when it comes to professional development. That’s where the Junior League comes in. There aren’t many other organizations this size where you have the opportunity to serve in the leadership capacity that can be equivalent to a nonprofit corporate experience. The League is positioning women for opportunity, and I’m excited to see what comes next for us.”

— Dr. Monique Perry-Graves, Sustainer

“ So many women have paved the way for me in this organization and it comes so naturally. We find joy in uplifting one another. I’m so thankful that we can keep doing so for years to come.” —

Kellie Lofton, 2021-2022 JLC President

“ We’ve done great work over the years and it stands on its own. A lot of times, DE&I is out-of-sight, out-ofmind, so there’s always room for improvement and opportunity for change. But we’re doing good work and we should be proud.” —

Tanitra Seibles, DE&I Committee Member

“ There’s so much going on politically and economically right now. I think, in Charlotte, we are seeing amazing women step up and lead to build a world that we want — all the while not letting anyone fall behind us.”

— Jonell Logan, 2022-2023 President-Elect

“ Beyond DE&I is intersectionality. All of us have more than one identity, right? I’m not just a Black woman, I’m a Black woman made up of so much more. I think as we move on, we’re going to see this intersectionality help us grow more inclusive of women from all backgrounds.” — Sherri

Belfield, DE&I Committee Chief

“ I think the League has done a massive job rebranding who we are and keeping the organization relevant. I imagine that we will continue to be an organization where Black women can find their home. I only see the League growing more representative of our community.” —

Charlitta Hatch, 2020-2021 JLC President

Highlighting JLC Community Impact through the Years: Part 4, 2001- 2010

By: Mallory Pearce

During her time as Junior League volunteer, former First Lady Barbara Bush stated that “giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.” As we wrap this four-part historical series covering community impact since the JLC’s inception, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Junior League of Charlotte’s giving spirit as we close in on nearly 100 years of the service.

It’s 2001, and the JLC has fully transitioned into the 21st century. At the urging of the Community Advisory Board, the League decided to embark on a more visible advocacy role in the community on behalf of children and families. The membership committed to building a “Foundation for the Future” in all JLC areas. With regard to continued success and viability, the JLC launched an endowment campaign in September 2001 to secure the League’s longterm financial security and give the JLC freedom to place more volunteers in the community instead of the internal preoccupation of fundraising.

Subsequently, the United States was shaken by the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. JLC members elected to pivot and reevaluate funding based on the need for support in New York City. A drive for disaster victims raised money to donate to the Junior League of New York’s 9-11 Fund. Culminated the end of year meeting as an inspirational event for both our members and community partners called “Celebrating Community and Volunteerism” with special keynote speaker, former First Lady, Mrs. Barbara Bush

It’s important to mention that a sense of patriotism and desire to serve after 9/11 may have spurred an uptick in membership and volunteer numbers. Almost 1,000 Active members volunteered for the JLC in the 2002-2003 year. Compared to the size of other Leagues, the JLC was in the top 10 as the ninth-largest League with Active and Provisional members and the seventh-largest with Sustaining members. 77 women also transferred into the JLC that same year. Membership, and in turn community involvement, were prospering.

In the mid-2000s, the Community Impact Council moved to provide updates at each General Membership Meeting (GMM) to foster visibility on community involvement to the JLC membership. Additionally, at a 2004 GMM, a new policy was implemented requiring Provisional members to select community placements for their first Active year. This effort helped effectively fulfill the League’s mission to promote voluntarism and partner with nonprofit agencies to support their programs with passionate, trained volunteers.

The 2000s were record years during which the JLC appropriated 15 grants totaling $125,000 and more than $400,000 in volunteer time value to nearly 20 community programs. The JLC’s thrift and consignment store (the WearHouse), managed by League volunteers and JLC staff, had sales that soared to almost $600,000 - which was

a sales record over WearHouse’s 68-year history. Hard work, contributions from our members and leadership from JLC staff and volunteers helped us reach this new milestone. Similar assistance from League members helped the organization extend our WearHouse lease so it would remain at its site for five more years and within budget.

That same year, the League achieved the third largest endowment of all 294 Leagues around the world, raising $950,000. By 2010, the League’s endowment surpassed $1 million — at $1,100,000! Keep in mind this was during a time where the economy experienced a major recession. The JLC held strong, proving its resiliency and relevancy in a rapidly changing period.

Junior League of Charlotte members volunteer at the WearHouse in 2007. The JLC WearHouse was a nonprofit thrift store located on Pecan Avenue until 2017.

View from Pecan Street JLC Wearhouse location.

Former WCNC news anchor Dion Lim visits with JLC members at the WearHouse.

“Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.”

– Barbara Bush

(Former First Lady and Junior League of Houston, Texas volunteer)

Executive Vice President Terri White

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Job: President and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History

How long have you lived in Charlotte? Four years

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

For any astrology fans, I was born on the cusp of Aries and Taurus. I am an avid baker (The Great British Bake Off is one of my favorite tv shows of all time) and I have a ridiculous amount of house plants ranging from an inch or so to well over six feet.

I love stand-up comedy and think that marching band members/alumni are some of the best people on the planet. I have two dogs: Pee Wee, a nearly 12-year-old inherited Pomeranian, and Carmel, an almost two-year-old Chihuahua/Pug mix that I rescued last year. I am also the biggest Janet Jackson fan you will ever meet — I’ve seen her seven times in five states over three decades and my goal is to see her perform overseas at least once.

Tell us what inspired you to join the JLC.

I originally joined the Junior League in Pittsburgh but went inactive for a number of reasons and focused on my sorority work. When I moved to Charlotte, I decided to look up the local League to see what they were about and was super impressed with the diversity of membership, service projects and programs. I reached out with questions about how to transfer (my favorite membership category!) and the rest is history.

What roles have you held throughout your time in the League?

I’ve been a CRIER reporter, served on the Archives committee, was on the GMM Committee during our 95th anniversary year (aka, the year COVID hit) and served on the task force that was looking to reestablish the NC SPAC (State Public Affairs Committee). I have participated in both Get on Board and the Leadership Development Institute and I’ve also been engaged with the Women of Color affinity group since 2019. I currently serve as the 2022–23 Executive Vice President (EVP).

What skills have you learned in your time in the JLC and how have you leveraged them outside the League? My favorite thing I’ve learned in the JLC is what advocacy looks like and how to organize people to be politically engaged at the local level. I’m not talking about which side of the aisle people are on, but how to organize women to speak up for the things they want to see in their communities and understand how local officials can make that happen. It has come in handy (understanding which offices handle what work) both at my full-time job and with my own company, which is in a very regulated industry.

Tell us your favorite JLC experience or memory.

The 2019 (and last) Lights, Camera, Fashion! I felt super fancy and important being able to say I was a part of the group that took over the mall that day and that it was all for a good cause. I also enjoyed the General Membership Meeting (GMM), where Taiwo Jaiyeoba (the now former Charlotte assistant city manager) came and explained the 40-year plan to us and encouraged us to get involved.

What is the best advice you’ve received from a JLC member?

Don’t be afraid to speak up or do something new — the JLC has been here for almost 100 years, you can’t break it. That is especially important for me since I serve in a role that is still very new to the JLC and carving out what it means to be an EVP is something we are still working on as a League culturally.

What is your ideal day in Charlotte?

My ideal day is one I get to be in the house in a t-shirt and shorts binge watching television, reading or napping. My schedule is always packed, so my downtime is very valuable. But if I have to be out and about, any day I’m not stuck behind someone driving slowly in the left lane is a glorious one indeed!

Trivia Trivia

15. In 1983 the JLC supported the concept of a vintage _________ system for Uptown.

16. While the headquarters were being expanded, the JLC moved to Roxborough Road thanks to a donation by this company that shares its name with a vacuum manufacturer.

17. In what League year did the JLC purchase an IBM-XT computer?

18. The JLC’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee drafts policy recommendations, acts as JLC liaisons with city, state and Federal government officials and hosts what other events?

19. True or false: The JLC participated in Blueprint: Women in the Nineties.

20. The Spirit of the League Award is named after who?

answers on page 42

What Inspired Me to Join the JLC

By: Madison Baer

I sat in a hard theater chair with a bustling audience, eager to watch my mother and father perform. They were Broadway stars and I felt just as much the celebrity that I was their daughter. Technically my parents weren’t actual stars, but to a six-year-old, the Follies were magic.

My grandparents had flown in to babysit my little sister and me so my parents could make their show-business debut. Perhaps, the fact that I was six-years-old made the sheer size of this production seem larger than life, but in retrospect, that’s because it actually was that grand.

The scale of the last Follies performed by the women of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC), their husbands, and many local celebrities, including performance artist Harden Minor, was iconic. A professional Broadway director was hired to orchestrate the varying acts, solo artists and entertainment. My parents dazzled me dressed in 1920s garb as they performed a dance routine with many other League members and their spouses.

The evidence of its grandeur is apparent in the volume of money raised. The Follies performance on February 27, 1998 raised $1.15 million and set a record. $1.5 million was the most money raised in one year by any Junior League chapter in the country.

I grew up with zeal and excitement to one day be part of such a monumental fundraiser for the JLC like my mother before me. My mother, Carol Baccile, continued to share her involvement with the Junior League as the years passed and I continued to join her at events. When I moved back to Charlotte in 2019, I finally joined the Junior League myself with my childhood neighbor and family friend, Suzy Garvey, as my sponsor.

My placements have mirrored those of my mother these past three years. My first year, as a provisional, I volunteered to work the Lights, Camera, Fashion fundraising event. That brought back memories of time spent with my mother at the

SouthPark Mall in 2008, when the JLC put on a fashion show fundraiser hosted by Kristin Davis featuring her clothing line as well as other designers. In subsequent years I have joined the same placements as my mother such as Done-in-a-Day and the Junior League magazine (she was on The Sea Oats magazine in Clearwater/ Dunedin Junior League before she transferred to the JLC). My mother inspired me to join this remarkable volunteer organization, just as my grandmother inspired her to join as well. I am proud to be a part of the long legacy of my family’s participation in the Junior League.

Madison Baer with her mother Carol Baccile, Sustainer

Madison Baer’s parents (Sustainer Carol Baccile and Larry Rosenberger Jr.) with Sustainer Suzy Garvey at the 1998 Follies.

Calling All JLC Supporters

By: Jessica James-Hill

Anyone can support the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) and our mission. While members give their time and financial support, non-members can also give in the form of a financial donation. These donations play a vital role in the League, as a large share of these funds are used to support community impact initiatives with our community partners. Without donations, we would be unable to carry out the League’s mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

Below you will see the various ways anyone can give to the JLC. If you are interested in learning more about making a donation, becoming a sponsor or advertising with the JLC, please contact our Member and Donor Services Manager Carolina Bellido at (704) 790-6535 or info@jlcharlotte.org.

ANNUAL FUND

• Give online: https://www.jlcharlotte.org/. Click the “DONATE” tab

• Give via phone: 704-375-5993

• Give via check: Make checks payable to Junior League of Charlotte and mail to:

Junior League of Charlotte (Attn: Annual Fund)

1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte, NC 28209

PLANNED GIVING

• Estate contributions and memorial gifts are made to the JLC’s Legacy Foundation

CHARITABLE ESTATE PLANNING OPTIONS

• Cash or Securities

• Personal Property

• Real Estate

• Will or Codicil Bequest

• Charitable Gift Annuity, Charitable Remainder Trust, Charitable Lead Trust

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Assets

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT

• Publication Advertising (The CRIER)

• Little Black Dress Initiative

• Sponsorship Opportunities

• In-kind Donations

The JLC is a 501(c)(3) organization; all donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID: 56-0561657

The Little Black Dress Initiative: Why LBDI?

By: Megan Smith

When I was asked to write an article about the 2023 Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI), I immediately began to reflect on my own involvement this year and asked myself, “Why did you participate in LBDI?” and “What motivated you to engage in a fundraiser that you never had previously?” and also, the embarrassing question of “Why have you not fully participated in this fundraiser in years past?”

Admittedly, I’ve never participated in fundraising for the JLC through LBDI. I had a number of reasons, none of which make a lot of sense in retrospect. First, it’s rare to find a black dress or black clothing in my wardrobe. Second, I wasn’t quite sure how to ask for financial contributions and I personally doubted that people would say yes if I asked. Then, there was my fear of people asking me questions I didn’t know the answer to, namely, why is it important and where does the money go? (Spoiler alert: I didn’t really know every nuance to this question until this year.) Last, I wasn’t as tech savvy as I’ve become during the pandemic and I felt too overwhelmed at posting on all my socials and downloading graphics and inserting stats. There were also a number of personal excuses, such as work travel, too much going on, and so forth. Turns out, that was the same situation this year. Work has been so hectic. I’d had COVID for the fourth time about a month earlier and was finally recovering, I was traveling out of town for work, and a long list of other assorted excuses were all legitimate. But, this year, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my “why JLC” and the reasons are clear. I believe in helping others and supporting the mission of the JLC; participating in LBDI is a vital way to support the JLC.

This year, I spent time reading about the LBDI and I watched the interview Kellie Lofton conducted with the founder of LBDI during her presidency. Then, I read the statistics about poverty in Charlotte, which are concerning, and the lack of social mobility that exists for many residents in our city. These all amounted to compelling arguments to participate in LBDI. The main reason I joined the Junior League in 2002 was because I wanted to volunteer in the community with like-minded women who shared similar beliefs about supporting and aiding those in the community. When I considered why I participated in LBDI this year, I identified three main reasons including responsibility as a JLC member, managing my expectations, and leading by example.

If I don’t support the JLC’s efforts, how can I expect someone else to? As a long-time League member, I joined the Junior League because I wanted to contribute to the community and make an impact. Through my membership of the JLC, this can be accomplished on a larger scale with other committed women than on my own. While I truly enjoy community events, my personal preference is internal placements. I often participate in about 6-7 community volunteer events (beyond my placement) and also engage in remote volunteering for our current placements when my schedule allows. As a one-time member of the Finance Committee though, member dues alone are insufficient to provide financial support to our community partners, which is all the more reason to participate in the LBDI fundraiser. I know the dollars raised this year contribute to projects in the 2024-2025 year. In addition to volunteer hours, we contract with community partners to provide financial resources and as a member I know I need to help support the mission in both volunteer hours and financial contributions. The benefit is that I will also be able to see the impact of the money raised in the placements we support in future years.

The old adage of “you get out of something what you put into it” applies in the JLC. I did not join the League because of what I would get out of it, such as long-term friendships, leadership training and experiences, expansion of my network, attending organized community events and participating in fun socials. I joined the League because I was instilled with a belief system that my responsibility as a citizen of society is to support and provide aid to others. Supporting others appears in a variety of ways, such as attending JLC committee meetings regularly, organizing and recruiting for volunteer opportunities, taking the time to build relationships, and fundraising for LBDI and the Annual Fund. But, I have found that the energies that I pour into providing support to the community over the past 20 years as a JLC member has paid off in the form of lifelong friendship and leadership training and experiences, and attending fun socials. Funny how that turned out! The mindset of giving first and giving more has been tremendously more fulfilling and meaningful than the time I could have spent expecting the JLC to provide something to me through my membership dues.

As a leader in the JLC, part of my leadership ethic is leading by example. In professional and volunteer roles, I strongly believe that one should never delegate or ask for a task to be completed if one would not do it herself. There are times when life feels really overwhelming and I know that is a shared experience. There are times when I suppose it wouldn’t really matter if I didn’t show up or participate, but earlier in this piece, I wrote that I have reflected on my “why JLC.” In my many years in the League, I have had the opportunity to observe and be around some incredible leaders, women who instilled respect and admiration. There are a few common denominators among those League leaders and it is that they were present and serving alongside me at a food bank or consignment sale or attending committee members or donating money. In my twenties, I just remember being in awe of women who juggled all the plates in the air and demonstrated incredible dedication. Their leadership qualities of leading by example encouraged me to continue my membership even during a few years when it felt like I really needed to take a break. Time will tell if that is how I am viewed as a leader, but some of the first right steps seem to be leading by example through participation, attendance, and engagement.

This year, more JLC members than ever before set up fundraising pages and participated, which is worth celebrating. I asked two of those members why they participated in LBDI and they provided similar types of answers around responsibility of membership and a shared belief of community volunteerism.

“ As a Sustainer, I think I have a responsibility to always support the only fundraiser of the League. I felt it was even more important this year as we begin our new focus area addressing mental health issues and as we look forward to celebrating the JLC’s 100th Anniversary in 2026.”

— Sharon Slater, Sustainer and Past-President of

the Junior League of Syracuse

“ Every year, I do LBDI because I simply believe in the League, its mission, and the impact it makes on our community. LBDI is an excellent opportunity to tell family, friends and colleagues about who the JLC is and what we do in the community, especially for our youngest and mightiest community members: children. I am thankful for the impact the League has made on my life in three short years, and it is my privilege to give back to an organization that has given me so much, both as a woman and as a mother.”

— Ashley Crawford, Active and Board of Directors member at Large

In short, membership involvement in LBDI is critical to the success of the JLC. That is a known fact, but I also encourage all members to think about their “why JLC” and the ways that they can participate in LBDI next year. I imagine that some of my honest answers at the beginning of the article resonate with others.

Active Spotlight Olivia Morris

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Columbia, SC

Job: Philanthropy Manager at the Humane Society of Charlotte

How long have you lived in Charlotte? Six years

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I love the arts, animals and being involved with the community. I got married this year and my husband and I have four furry children (two dogs and two cats). In my free time, I am an aerialist, and I train on the lyra, trapeze, sling and silks. In addition, I am currently co-chair of the Board of Directors for the Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center and am also involved with the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Tell us what inspired you to join the JLC.

I have been a member of the JLC since 2017. I joined while I was finishing my Master’s degree at UNC Charlotte. I have always loved volunteering and being involved with the nonprofit sector. I was really excited to join a group of wonderful ladies who care about nonprofits in our community as much as I do!

What roles have you held throughout your time in the League, and what was your favorite?

During my first Active year, I was the Communications Liaison for the Fund Development Council. It was a great way to learn about the JLC and everything we do within the Communications Council. Since then, I have served as Vice Chair for the Little Black Dress Initiative and as both Vice Chair and Chair for Done in a Day. I am currently co-leading the Service Together Task Force. It has been a great experience so far working with everyone in the League. My favorite JLC role was serving as Chair of Done in a Day and working with so many nonprofits in the area that focus on school readiness!

What skills have you learned in your time in the JLC, and how have you leveraged them outside the League?

I have gained many leadership and event-planning skills as a member of the JLC. This has really helped me grow professionally and also gave me the confidence to get involved with additional leadership positions in Charlotte.

Tell us your favorite JLC experience or memory.

My favorite memory was making snack packs and hygiene kits with the Done in a Day Committee in early 2021. Our committee was finally able to work on a project together, and it was so nice to enjoy breakfast and mimosas while making hundreds of packs for Bright Blessings.

What is the best advice you’ve received from a JLC member?

The best advice that I have received from a JLC member is to remember that we “get” to be a part of the JLC instead of we “have” to be involved. It’s such a joy to be a part of the JLC!

What is your ideal day in Charlotte?

My ideal day in Charlotte would consist of taking an aerial class at Bloom Movement Artistry, enjoying lunch with friends and then seeing a Broadway show at the Blumenthal.

The Wheels On The Bus Go Round & Round: The History of the Provisional Tour

By: Madison Baer

The city of Charlotte is pulsating with the imprint of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc (JLC). Almost everywhere you turn, you can find a landmark that the JLC had a hand in building or funding. We also encourage you to go on your own JLC landmark tour this summer (tag @jlcharlotte on Instagram to document your favorites).

Prior to COVID-19, the JLC organized a historic bus tour to introduce the newest batch of Provisionals to Charlotte and to witness the mark the JLC has left on this beautiful city. Over half the city’s most influential places carry the echo of JLC ladies banding together to make a difference for our community.

While on the tour, in addition to receiving a historical overview of the city’s evolution over the years, the Provisionals learned about many of the sites that the Junior League of Charlotte brought to life. The JLC invested money and time into these organizations that, upon completion, were turned over to others to manage.

For example, in 1948, the League sponsored the Nature Museum and assumed half the responsibility for the total budget, with the other half being financed by the parks and recreation commission. Then in 1978, the Junior League of Charlotte again financed the Nature Museum and grew it into the Discovery Place with support of volunteers from the League.

In 1976, the JLC accepted the Berryhill Preservation Project and purchased the first home in the Fourth Ward, the Berryhill Newcombe House. The project’s goal was to preserve the historical architecture and buildings in Charlotte. The Berryhill house is a popular site on the tour where the Provisionals can often receive an impromptu tour of the house, which is also home to an original Renoir painting.

In addition to the places mentioned above, other well known locations in Charlotte with significant connections to the JLC include:

1. The Duke Mansion (once owned by the JLC)

2. Ronald McDonald Levine Hospice and Family Resource Center

3. Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center

4. Historic Rosedale

5. Council for Children’s Rights

6. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

7. The Mint Museums

8. The Relatives (Alexander Children’s Network)

9. Florence Crittenton Home

10. Thompson Child and Family Focus

11. Johnston YMCA

12. Seigle Avenue Preschool

13. Reid Park Elementary School

14. Central Piedmont Community College

15. Berryhill House

16. Discovery Place Science

17. Habitat for Humanity

The Junior League of Charlotte has truly shaped our community and enriched the opportunities in Charlotte.

Sustainer Spotlight Fran Mathay

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio

Job: My career was spent in marketing communications. I specialized in strategic planning, advertising, public relations, special event planning and promotions for organizations ranging from universities and corporations to nonprofits and professional firms.

How long have you lived in Charlotte?

After graduating from Queens in 1967, I went all over the place before coming back to reside in Charlotte permanently in September 1973.

How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC)?

I joined the Junior League of Charlotte in September 1973. Before then, I was a Provisional member of the League in my hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, then joined the Leagues in Boston, San Diego and Columbus, Ohio — all before I was 28 years old when I settled in Charlotte after a divorce.

What is your current placement in the JLC?

For the past six years, I have served as the lone designer and writer of the Sustainer Monthly Newsletters developed on Mailchimp.

What is your ideal day in Charlotte?

Heading out to the tennis courts or walking four miles listening to a book through my earbuds immediately after hitting the Mailchimp “Send Button” to get the finalized Sustainer Newsletter on its way to 680 Sustainers. It’s a fleeting sense of freedom for my 78-year-old brain cells until the process of problem-solving begins again for the next issue.

What is your favorite JLC memory?

After serving four other Leagues before joining the JLC, I was pleased with how progressive the JLC was toward the working woman. In 1973 the JLC held their monthly meetings at night to accommodate all members. In my other League experiences as a working woman, none wanted to meet in the evenings. So, the working League members rarely got to vote at the day meetings since our little group met at night after the day meeting. Plus, I was amazed that the JLC provided community volunteer placements and leadership opportunities for the working women. The League has always attracted well-educated and committed volunteers and has been accommodating to everyone’s schedules.

What was your favorite JLC placement as an Active Member?

Developing and creating “Puppets and Players” in 1973 with other working women to troupe to senior facilities for a community audience often forgotten. Our program made seniors laugh with our handmade puppets that did spoofs on television soap operas along with a piano. This placement led me to become a founder of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Centers in 1980 and serve on their board until Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation (MCPR) took over their mission and facilities a few years ago. Now I serve as a senior advisor to MCPR.

How has your membership in the JLC impacted your personal and/or professional life?

The League was instrumental in my having opportunities to serve in a variety of community placements; it expanded my network of associates, friends and professional resources and trained me to take on board leadership positions in nonprofits, civic and professional organizations throughout my adult life in Charlotte. Toward the twilight of my career, I was the executive director of a transitional home for women and children in Huntersville called The Hope House Foundation.

What advice would you give to Provisional and Active Members?

Make a committed difference in your life to get out of yourself and reach out to others. My mother was a firm believer in volunteering and would repeat her mantra to me: “Get out there and get into it!”

What inspires you to stay involved with the JLC?

That is such an easy question — the camaraderie of the members with whom I interact.

Trivia Trivia

21. In what League year was it recommended to switch from CJL to JLC?

22. JLC staffed 30 sales locations of NCAA Final Four merchandise throughout the NCAA Tournament in Charlotte in April of what year?

23. What group used the Little Black Dress Initiative as its capstone project in the 2015–2016 year?

24. True or false: Members have donated more than 200,000 volunteer hours in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.

25. The JLC had to hire a part-time secretary to operate the _________ in 1986.

answers on page 42

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC)

2021-2022 Annual Report

Who We Are

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is an organization of nearly 1500 Charlotte-area women. The League is a diverse group that welcomes all women who support the League’s mission of advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. In addition, League members serve on numerous boards and coalitions throughout the region, as well as lead a variety of business, civic and nonprofit organizations.

• The JLC is a member of The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI), which comprises 295 Leagues throughout the US, Great Britain, Mexico and Canada, with a collective membership of more than 155,000 women.

• Founded in 1926, the JLC has provided more than 1.6 million volunteer hours and $13.7 million in contributions to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.

The Journey of a Lifetime - Stages of membership

Provisional – This is the first year of membership in the League. Provisional members are focused on gaining exposure to and a greater understanding of the League’s community involvement, partners and fundraising.

Active – Active members focus on community partners, running the League effectively, communicating our story and fundraising. They receive continuous training to become effective volunteers and civic leaders.

Sustainer – Upon achieving “Active” requirements, members may transition to Sustainer status, remaining involved in League work, fundraising and advising partners and projects.

Leadership Development

Training is at the heart of the JLC’s mission to empower women as they empower others and build stronger communities. Leadership programs include Get on Board, the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) and the Public Policy Institute (PPI). Additionally, monthly Training workshops focus on a variety of professional, leadership, health and personal growth topics.

Mission Statement

Community Projects & Placements

JLC run community projects: Kids in the Kitchen, Done in a Day JLC community partnerships: Alexander Youth Network, Bright Blessings, Center for Community Transitions, Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, Charlotte Speech & Hearing, Classroom Central, Digi-Bridge, Heart Math Tutoring, Renaissance West Community Initiative, Sugar Creek Charter School and Thompson Child & Family Focus

Advocacy

Since 1926, the JLC has been committed to advocating for the issues and causes of importance to its members, including the children and families of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. It builds coalitions with likeminded organizations and promotes awareness and dialogue among JLC membership and the community. The JLC has two committees dedicated to advocacy and public awareness. The JLC’s Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee, in partnership with the JLC Public Policy Institute, educates JLC members, community organizations and policymakers on issues facing the communities we serve. Our advocacy efforts fall into the following activities:

• Drafting policy recommendations

• Acting as JLC liaisons with city, state and federal legislators

• Hosting voter registration drives and Meet the Candidate events

2020-2021 Award Recipients

• Founders Award: Arina Kirk

• Outstanding Service: The Honorable Rickye McKoy-Mitchell

• Spirit of the League: Laura Ashley Crawford

• Provisional of the Year: Frieda Miller

• Sustainer of the Year: Kay Sowers

• Transfer of the Year: Anna Reilly

• Community Partner: Bright Blessings

• Community Placement: Charlotte Bilingual Preschool

• In-League Placement: Social Committee

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Vision Statement

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in the Charlotte community.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities.

Community Impact

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) commits financial and volunteer resources to community agencies and projects that focus on the most critical needs of the Charlotte community. From June 2018 through May 2023, the JLC partners with our community to ensure that all children are school-ready by focusing on the health and educational needs of children from birth to fifth grade in priority areas of Mecklenburg County.

Thank you!

Thank you to our volunteers who have donated their time, energy, skills and funds to support the JLC’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Thank you to our individual and corporate donors who have allowed us to increase our impact on children and families in the Charlotte community. We are grateful for the generosity of all who support the Junior League of Charlotte. Our work to be agents of change in our community is possible because of you!

JLC Board of Directors

2021-2022

Kellie Lofton President

Whitney Hill Executive Vice President

Christina Gratrix President-Elect

Terri White Executive Vice President-Elect

Walker McLear Chief Financial Officer

Pia Foard Secretary

Brandi Edwards Nominating Chair

Spencer Lash Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Ayanna Wakefield Member-at-Large

Jayna Altman Member-at-Large

Tametta Gray Member-at-Large

Allie Hanson Member-at-Large

Casey Cogburn Member-at-Large

Sherri Sonnier-Johnson Member-at-Large

Amanda Bagwell Member-at-Large

Erin Breeden Member-at-Large

Kate Stewart Member-at-Large

Lori O’Keefe Sustaining Advisor to the President

Whitni Wilson-Wertz Sustaining Advisor to the President-Elect

JLC Management Team

Whitney Hill Executive Vice President

Terri White Executive Vice President-Elect

Christina Gratrix President-Elect

Rachel Besnoff VP of Finance

Ashley Lowery Nominating Vice Chair

Sherri Belfield Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Morgan Squatriglia Risk Manager

Sarah Lynn Davis Human Resources Manager

Becca Walters Human Resources Assistant Manager

Shannon Eckard Community Impact Manager

Carolyn Benton Community Impact Assistant Manager

Juliana O’Rork Communications Manager

Janica Buckley Communications Assistant Manager

Paris McAdoo Education and Training Manager

Briana McNeil Education and Training Assistant Manager

Alexandra Whitesell Fund Development Manager

Caley DeSaussure Fund Development Assistant Manager

Betsy Conway Sustaining Advisor to Executive Vice President

Lisa Johnson Sustaining Advisor to Executive Vice President- Elect

2021-2022 Annual Report Financials:

To view our complete 2021-2022 audited financial statements, please visit www.jlcharlotte.org.

Use Your Brain Play These JLC Themed Games

1. 1926

2. September 13, 2010 & September 21, 2020

3. Christina Gratrix

4. Maryland Avenue

5. Association of Junior Leagues International

6. Mrs. Robert Cluett

7. 30

8. 1927–1928

9. True

10. Lake Lure

11. Old North State Cookbook, Cooking Mother’s Goose, The Charlotte Cookbook, Charlotte Cooks Again, Charlotte Hornets Cookbook OR Dining by Fireflies

12. North Carolina’s first public kindergartens

Connect the Dots

13. A hotline mailed to all members within four days of each Board meeting

14. True

15. trolley

16. Bissell Companies

17. 1983–1984

18. Voter registration drives & Meet the Candidate events

19. False, it was the eighties!

20. Margaret A. Martin

21. 1989–1990

22. 1994

23. Provisionals

24. False, 1.6 million!

25. computer

Corporate Sponsorship OPPORTUNITIES

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) offers numerous sponsorship opportunities associated with several fundraising and community events throughout the year.

The JLC welcomes discussions about partnering with companies to fulfill their philanthropic goals and opportunities to engage with JLC members.

JLC partnership opportunities are flexible and can be customized based on company’s priorities.

Multiply the impact of your sponsorship dollars by helping support the JLC mission - to promote voluntarism, develop leaders and improve our community.

To discuss potential involvement, please contact the JLC office at (704) 375-5993 or office@jlcharlotte.org.

1332 Maryland Avenue

Charlotte, NC 28209

704.375.5993

info@jlcharlotte.org

jlcharlotte.org

ADVERTISING OPTIONS

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