Active Spotlight Kimberly Gaines

By: Hayden Pigott

Hometown: Tallahassee, FL

Job: Commercial Mortgage Loan Administration — Cash Management

How long have you lived in Charlotte? 10 years

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an only child who grew up with two loving parents and I’m grateful to still have them with me today. I’ve also been blessed with loving grandparents who are in their 90s! I’d consider myself to be family-oriented, so being away from my family has its challenges because my family means the world to me. I try to lead an active lifestyle filled with strength training, cycling, yoga, hiking and dance. Since being in Charlotte, I have cultivated a great group of friends. We have created such an incredible bond and enjoy having deep, transparent conversations that allow us to feel seen. We also love doing things ladies love to do, such as exploring the city, trying different restaurants and going to festivals and concerts. Being from Florida, I am not a fan of cold weather; however, fall means my favorite season is here: football season! Girls from the south enjoy football, and I am no exception. I graduated from Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU), so I automatically cheer for these teams. In addition, I typically cheer for the University of Alabama and the SEC. My favorite TV shows are Friends, The Cosby Show, A Different World, The Price is Right and Law & Order SVU (I love Elliott Stabler.) My favorite movies are Home Alone 1 and 2 and Father of the Bride 1 and 2. I’m not a huge fan of current television series. As you can see, I prefer shows from the 90s. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’m learning to be patient with myself and enjoy the process of becoming!

Tell us what inspired you to join the JLC.

I joined the League to build a sisterhood with like-minded women. It was my hope that joining the League would allow me to socialize with women who would expose me to certain abilities and adventures I have yet to discover. I also joined the JLC to make lifelong friends who will become a part of my circle.

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

Currently, I serve as the Co-Chair of the Membership Advisory Council (MAC) and on the JLC Leadership Support Task Force. Prior to this League year, I was on the Public Policy & Advocacy Committee, Sugar Creek Charter School Committee and Second Harvest Food Bank Committee. My roles for the current League year are my favorite thus far. I enjoy MAC because I know what it’s like to be new to the League and not know exactly who I should speak to about a question or conflict with meeting a requirement. Being a part of the Leadership Support Task Force allows me to affect the framework of incoming leaders, which will subsequently have a positive impact on member experience.

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

My time with the JLC has increased my confidence in my leadership abilities and has presented me with opportunities to improve in public speaking and professional development. Because of this, I am more comfortable at networking events, socializing with colleagues and work presentations.

Tell us your favorite JLC experience or memory.

My favorite JLC experience thus far has been the 2021 Public Officials Breakfast which was sponsored by the Public Policy & Advocacy Committee in which I served under the leadership of the chair Shanika Butts.

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

The encouragement to step into a leadership role and the amount of support available. I can attest that stepping into leadership has been the best decision ever!

What is your ideal day in Charlotte?

The itinerary for my ideal day in Charlotte consists of an intense morning workout (cycling, bootcamp or yoga), shower, then head to brunch, shopping, an intermission nap, and a night out with friends attending an entertainment/sporting event followed by dinner and drinks.

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/