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Letter from the President
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Insider’s Guide to the Leadership Development Institute (LDI)
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Letter from the Editor Meet the Reporters Who We Are 2021-2022 JLC Membership Survey
Learning How to Get on Board Ways to Give to The Junior League of Charlotte The Heart of the Matter – Community Impact Results Community Impact Council Junior League by the Numbers - 2022 The Queen City Welcomes JLC Transfers Little Black Dress Initiative AJLI’s Contribution to Legislation & Public Health Campaigns Done In A Day – Diaper Drive JLC Mentor Program MacKenzie Scott Donates $133 Million to Communities in Schools “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown Highlighting JLC Community Impact through the Years: Part 2, 1960-1980 All About the Executive Vice President Role: An Interview with Whitney Hill Sustainer Spotlight: Amy Rhyne 2020-2021 Annual Report Meet the Junior League of Charlotte Transfer Member of the Year, Anna Reilly
Letter from the President It has been an honor and privilege to serve as President of the Junior League of Charlotte. For more than 96 years, the JLC has worked to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of our members and improve the Charlotte community. We empower women so they can empower our community. Throughout our history, our members have engaged in countless trainings, made lifelong connections and volunteered untold hours with our community partner organizations. They have gone on to become some of our city’s most dynamic leaders and have helped to found some of our city’s most celebrated institutions. When I reflect on this past year, I see many ways our members have continued this legacy. I see 1,500 women who have been committed to both empowering one another and impacting our city. I see a year of mission-driven work by women who, together, have risen above the challenges and uncertainty of a pandemic to be Change Agents for our organization and for our community. We continued to support children and families through our year-long partnerships to address the health and educational needs of children in Mecklenburg County (many of which were exacerbated by the pandemic). Additionally, working with stakeholders, we re-evaluated our community focus and set a goal of addressing the mental and physical health needs of children in Mecklenburg County. We served our members through unique training and education offerings. We helped members establish new relationships, mentors, mentees and friends. We prepared members to advocate for educational and health needs of children and families, both at a local and state policy level. We engaged members during General Membership Meetings, both virtually and in person. We created a pipeline of leaders for our organization and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community as a whole. Thank you for your continued support of this organization. None of this work would be possible without each of you. Whether you are a member, donor, advocate or community partner, your support enables us to continue our 96-year legacy of service, initiatives and campaigns. You help to empower women so they can change their community. You are Change Agents. As you read this spring edition of The CRIER, I invite you to engage with us further. It has been my privilege and honor to serve as the 2021-2022 President of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. It is my hope that you feel a sense of pride for all that we have accomplished together. As we look ahead, join me in welcoming our 2022-2023 leadership team and let us remain united as we empower one another to be agents of change for one another and our community. Yours in service,
Kellie H. Lofton Kellie H. Lofton President, 2021-2022
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It’s been said that when you invest in women, you invest in the whole family. At the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC), however, we know that when you invest in women, you actually invest in the whole community.
Letter from the Editor I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. I’m tired of people getting sick during this pandemic and I’m tired of COVID. I’m tired of current events like war, racism, hate, and in my everyday life I’m tired of being too busy, tired of video calls and tired of being tired. These past few years have uncovered many vulnerabilities in our world and have brought about a magnitude of change. These changes affect all of us, in large or small ways whether we realize it or not. As I take a breath and think about how tired I am and how much I would love a mental break from it all, I think about those far less fortunate than me. I think about children in Mecklenburg County who are food insecure, who aren’t sure where their next meal will come from or if it will come at all. I think about the people who work hard, 40 to 50 hours a week, and yet they still can’t afford to pay all their bills. I think about the mental health problems that leave so many unable to lead a steady, productive life and their family members affected by it. I think about women who can’t afford diapers for their children. It is then I count my blessings. I am tired, but there is hope. Hope brings energy; energy leads to action and the best place for meaningful action is the Junior League. I am a “change agent” in the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) because I can make a difference in the lives of others and that gives me energy to overcome the tiredness. Being part of the JLC has been such an enriching experience; it has provided a great opportunity to meet like-minded women and make an impact where it is most needed. As a collective group, the women of the JLC do so much. They work outside the home and in it, raise children and care for their loved ones, go to school, teach others and even though they may also be tired, they find time to do what they can for others through the JLC. In this issue of The CRIER, you will learn much about the contributions of the JLC and its members. The Done In A Day (DIAD) Committee brings the JLC together for monthly activities to help others. For example, I pulled into the parking lot of the JLC building in December with several boxes of diapers and there, in the rain, were JLC DIAD members collecting diapers for a local charity. JLC members put on and take part in the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) to provide and receive training to be better leaders in their professional lives and in their community. When I read the article on the Association of Junior Leagues International’s (AJLI) contribution to legislation and public health initiatives, I was astonished by all of the causes this organization has taken on over the years, from the AIDS crisis in the 1980s to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging today. So while I am sure there are many days when we are all worn down and tired, we put on our “change agent” capes and do all that we can to improve the lives of others. From our leadership team to our Communications Council, our office staff, historians and the amazing group of women on The CRIER Committee who donate their time to write the stories we bring you in this issue, I am proud to stand beside my fellow “change agents” this League year, because together, there isn’t anything we can’t do! All the best,
Tammy Stanard Editor, 2021-2022
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Meet the Reporters Tammy Stanard, Editor Tammy relocated to the Charlotte area in 2018 with her husband Pat and transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte from the Junior League of Greater New Haven, where she spent her Provisional year in 2017. She has more than 20 years of business and marketing experience and is currently working full-time for Kyndryl Corporation as a project manager. Tammy is also an adjunct professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology in the College of Computer Science and Engineering. She is currently following another passion, interior design, by taking classes at CPCC. She holds a bachelor's degree in Transportation Management from the University of New Haven and a master's degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University. In addition to volunteering and meeting new people, Tammy loves nothing more than spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren, Braxton, Evie, Beckley and Esra.
Shellisa Multrie, Assistant Editor Shellisa has lived in Charlotte since relocating from Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2004. She holds a master's degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from Marquette University and a bachelor's degree in Writing Intensive English. She joined the JLC in 2018 to gain a broader experience in serving the community and to build a wider network. She is a long time learning and leadership development professional with a history in financial services and retail. Currently, she is a senior leader in Global Culture Programs and North & Latin American Employee Experience at HubSpot. Shellisa enjoys volunteering with the YMCA, teaching the art of charcuterie and writing in her spare time. She is a wife and mother of two wonderful children, Jamison and Savannah.
Cara Tucker, Reporter Cara relocated to the Charlotte area from Virginia in 2014. She is a health law attorney with a J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration from Mary Baldwin University. Currently, Cara is legal counsel with Ensemble Health Partners, where she assists hospitals and providers in their revenue cycle needs. She became a member of the Junior League of Charlotte in 2016 to join like-minded women in the service of the Charlotte community. She is wife to Matthew, an air traffic controller, and mother to one energetic and wonderful little boy, George.
Jessica (Jess) Bush, Reporter Jessica or “Jess”, is from Clarksburg, NJ. She received her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University in 2008 and her Bachelor of Arts in History and Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Tulane University in 2006. Jess joined the Junior League of Oakland East Bay in 2013 and transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte in 2015 after her move to the Charlotte area. Prior to moving to Charlotte, Jess and her husband Matt lived in California, Georgia and Arizona during Matt’s active-duty Army service. She is a stay-athome mom to four young children and previously worked onsite in recruiting for LendingTree, Google and Safeway corporate. In her spare time, Jess enjoys crafting, reading, traveling and spending time outdoors with her family and their Goldendoodle, Griffin.
Jessica James-Hill, Reporter Originally from Tampa, Florida, Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, MS in Sport Management and a graduate certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Florida. 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, parent company to Wikipedia. She has three children - Luke, Ellie and Bobby.
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Grace Lackey, Ad Sales Coordinator Originally from High Point, North Carolina, Grace received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She has 7+ years of experience in the textile and furniture industry with marketing and sales. She currently works for Lenovo as a Customer Engagement Marketing Specialist. She joined the Junior League of High Point in 2017 and served in many positions such as New Member Coordinator and Spring Fundraiser Lead. In 2021 she transferred to the JLC as she moved to Huntersville, North Carolina. Grace has a deep passion for marketing and creativity, giving back to the community and connecting people. She enjoys days on the lake, charcuterie boards and spending time with family and friends. She has kicked off 2022 getting engaged to her now fiancé Jeremy and is planning a wedding for November.
Guest Reporters Whitney Hill Whitney is the JLC 2021-2022 Executive Vice President and transferred to the JLC during the 2014-15 League year. She is passionate about eradicating injustice, improving her community and developing others. She previously served as the Education & Training Council Manager, chair of the Membership Meetings committee and a mentor in the Mentor Program. In addition to her work with the JLC, Whitney serves on the Board of Directors and as Board Secretary for Campus Pride, a national organization seeking to build student leaders and make college campuses safer for LGBTQ+ students. Whitney holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Criminology from North Carolina State University and completed the Meredith College Paralegal Certificate Program with a concentration in civil litigation. She is a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal at Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP and handles coverage work and insurance defense litigation. Whitney spends her spare time visiting local vineyards with friends and spending time with her husband William, dog Marshmallow and cat Mochi.
Charlitta Hatch Charlitta Hatch is a nationally recognized and locally impactful, wife, mom, author, and business change agent with a heart for service and a mind for results which she has brought to her clients for over 16 years. Passionate about changing the narrative of young black boys in America, she founded and assumed the role of Chief Mom Officer of the Me3 Project which aims to change the narrative of young black boys in America through positive images, expressive stories, and deliberate advocacy. A graduate of Hampton University, Charlitta has received the 2017 Charlotte Athena Young Professionals Leadership Award, a member of the 2017 Charlotte Business Journal Top 40 under 40, and an honoree of the 2016 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation STANDOUT class. She has been recognized by the Mecklenburg Times as an Icon and one of the 2019 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte. She has been featured in the Charlotte Post, Pride Magazine and Spectrum News. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America and Chappell Memorial Baptist Church. She is also appointed by the City Council to serve on the Civil Service Board. Charlitta has served the Junior League of Charlotte for 15 years in a variety of leadership roles including 2020-2021 President.
Spencer Lash Spencer is originally from Las Vegas, but has lived in Charlotte for the past seven years. She has been in the JLC for the past five years, currently serving as the League’s first Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She is an Emmy award winning producer for the NBC affiliate here in Charlotte. She currently lives in the Steele Creek area with her husband, Ian and their two dogs. She enjoys reading, traveling and hesitantly working out at Orangetheory.
Claire Magee Ferguson Claire moved to Charlotte seven years ago, by way of Boston College, Georgetown University Law Center and her hometown of Port Jefferson, NY. She is the assistant general counsel to Gray Television (parent company to WBTV here in Charlotte), is a former member of the JLC's Board of Directors, and is currently on the JLC’s AJLI Centennial Board Taskforce. She lives in Uptown with her husband Russ and their infant daughter Murphy Bea.
Mallory Pearce Mallory grew up with half her family in Charlotte and has lived in North Carolina her entire life. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and History from Appalachian State University. Mallory chose to continue her studies in the Library Science and Higher Education Masters programs at East Carolina University. She is happy to bring her archival knowledge to cover some of the most unique parts of history throughout the last 95 years of the JLC. Mallory joined the Junior League of Charlotte during the 2019-2020 year and became interested in working with the JLC’s sustainers in the preservationist role. Mallory’s current roles are JLC Marketing & PR chair and 100th Anniversary Task Force member. For her day job, Mallory is a process improvement librarian and architect for Wells Fargo. In her spare time, Mallory enjoys volunteering for Second Harvest Food Bank, traveling to as many countries as she can, trying new breweries and spending time with her pug Millie.
Alicia Morris Rudd Alicia Morris-Rudd is a Charlotte native and 26-year member of the Junior League. She has served the JLC in a number of roles, including 2018-2019 President. This year Alicia has served as a lead on the Focus Advisory Board Ad Hoc Committee and member of the AJLI Centennial Task Force. Alicia is the Executive Director of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and currently serves on board of directors for Good Friends Charlotte and Meredith College Alumnae. Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time with friends, family and her “doghter” Daisy - and being by the water (ocean, lake, river) every chance she gets.
Katherine Santore
Katherine is originally from Long Island, NY, and first joined the Junior League of Boca Raton while living in Florida in 2017. She transferred into the JLC after moving to Charlotte at the end of 2019, most recently serving as Blog Assistant Coordinator. In her professional life Katherine is a Digital Marketing Analyst for Belk. She currently lives in South Charlotte with her husband, Steve and their Pekingese-Pomeranian mix, Mochi. She enjoys baking, traveling and any opportunity to dress up.
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Who We Are
2021-2022 JLC Membership Survey By: Jessica James-Hill The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is composed of some amazing women. From the green newbies to seasoned members, from Ballantyne to Lake Norman and from those whose kids have them running all over the house all day to those whose professions have them jet-setting all over the globe – Our diversity on every level makes the JLC that much stronger!
How many years have you been a member of the JLC?
Chart A - Year in the JLC Less than one year 1-2 years 3-5 years 6-10 years 10-20 years More than 20 years Prefer Not to Answer 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Provisional - Sustainer. Let’s begin with a refresher on the types of membership in the JLC. 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 continued training to become effective volunteers and civic leaders. Transfer - An Active member who relocates and has an interest in transferring membership to a different League more closely located to where she resides. The act of transferring can encompass part of a League year and the transferring member will be in Transfer status as she learns about and enters the new League. Sustainer – Upon achieving Active requirements, members may transition to Sustainer status. Sustainers may remain involved in League work, fundraising and advising members.
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As you can see from Chart A, the tenure of members who completed the survey range from new this year to more than 20 years in the JLC. This represents the JLC’s incredible history with the City of Charlotte and the strong desire of women still wanting to join. To further break down the JLC, Chart B shows membership status of survey respondents, again highlighting the JLC’s draw and staying power in this city.
Chart B - Membership Status of Survey Respondents ANSWER CHOICES
RESPONSES
Provisional
11.56%
52
Active (1-3 years)
23.11%
104
Transfer
Active (4-7 years) Active (7+ years) Sustainer
2.89%
18.22% 6.67%
37.56%
TOTAL
13 82 30
169
450
What we do.
As a League our members are employed in almost 30 different industries. Most notably banking/finance/accounting (~20%), healthcare/medical (~11%), education/schools (~10%) and non-profits (~7%). About 15% of the League is not currently working for pay, but rather, students, retired, voluntarily not working and current job seekers!
Joining vs. Staying.
We asked our membership why they joined versus why they stayed in the League. No surprise, the top two answers for both were volunteer opportunities and social opportunities/connections. One thing that had a strong impact on why members stayed in the League is our impact on the City of Charlotte. Our members are entrepreneurs, executives, educators, and everything else in between making our presence known and being a force for good in the community. That is what keeps us coming back.
Members on the move.
Our members have held a leadership position in the JLC (~52%), started a new job or changed professions/careers (~48%), been promoted (~42%), started volunteering for a non-profit outside of JLC work (~40%) and sponsored a new JLC member (~35%)! We’ve started our own/a new business (~29%), joined the board of directors for an outside organization (~26%) and obtained a new educational degree/professional certificate (~22%).
Finally — what do WE think a JLC leader should be?
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Insider’s Guide to the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) By: Cara Tucker What is the Leadership Development Institute (LDI)? The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) is a workshop series that educates, inspires and connects interested parties internal and external to the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) through the study of seven core leadership values: 1. Do what’s right 2. Lead courageously 3. Inspire people 4. Develop people 5. Deliver today 6. Build for tomorrow 7. Passion to succeed
When is it held and how long is the program? The LDI program is eight (8) months long and meets monthly from October to May.
How can those interested apply to participate? The LDI 2022-2023 application will open from August 15, 2022 to September 15, 2022. JLC Provisionals, Transfers, Active and Sustainer members interested in applying should keep a lookout for announcements via The Happenings, the JLC’s website and social media accounts. When the application period opens, the application will be available to JLC members and non-members at https://www.jlcharlotte. org/leadership-development-institute/.
How many members make up the LDI committee and what are their responsibilities? The LDI committee comprises eight to twelve Active members. The committee’s purpose is to share responsibilities in developing the program and engage
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with LDI participants and speakers. During the duration of the program, committee members build their leadership, communication and project management skills.
What are some highlights of what LDI participants did this year? • Guest Speakers: Meet and interact with external executive leaders within the community. • Leadership Book: Read and participate in an engaging discussion of the material. • Community Service Projects: Participate in at least two events that directly impact the local community and provide the ability to fellowship with other participants and members. • Developmental Growth Opportunities: Participants may communicate authentically and transparently during the program as they share real-life situations and experiences in a safe/secure space.
How can I participate in LDI next year? • Committee members request/apply for a placement with the LDI program. • Program participants apply via the application process available later this year.
Questions for Committee Chair Hloye Cyprian and Committee Vice-Chair Tessa Shahid:
Hloye Cyprian
Why are you serving on LDI?
Hloye: I decided to be intentional about pouring into others, outside of the workplace, to unearth hidden talents and skills. I am passionate about developing others in the workplace and saw LDI as an opportunity to serve in a different capacity. Tessa: I wanted to hone my confidence in leadership and presentation while providing support to other women. What is your favorite memory of LDI?
Hloye:
My favorite memory has many faces. It is whenever I see that a committee member or program participant has walked in their purpose, even if for a moment. I have watched several women in this program build up their confidence and reach new heights. There is something special about seeing the expression on someone’s face when they have achieved and accomplished something they previously shied away from or thought was unobtainable.
Tessa:
Six months into our 2021-2022 program, my favorite memory was our winter project. Connecting with members during the pandemic presented challenges for us. This project allowed us to come together in the ways we felt comfortable to support another organization and individuals in need.
What makes a leader?
Hloye: A leader is selfless, humble and resilient. They possess an empathetic and nurturing quality that allows them to influence, inspire and motivate others to strive for more. Tessa: A great leader has integrity and humility and nurtures others. Who do you look to as a leader?
Tessa Shahid
Hloye: I admire any woman who has the strength, courage and determination to work hard, go after what she wants in life, and create a path when it appears that the road ends. Oprah, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Coco Chanel, Michelle Obama and Shonda Rhimes to name a few. Tessa: Robbie, DeAlva, Jania and Natalie, to name a few. These individuals are corporate leaders, non-profit executives and business owners that have made an impact on me and others.
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Learning How to Get on Board By: Whitney Hill One prong of the Junior League Of Charlotte, Inc.’s (JLC) mission statement is to “develop the potential of women.” In furtherance of that mission, one of the signature leadership training programs offered by the JLC is Get on Board, a program offered to both members and the public. The program aims to equip participants with the practical skills to become change agents on non-profit boards of directors throughout the community. Get On Board consists of five sessions, meeting once a month from January to May, giving participants exposure to the skills required of an active board member. Topics covered include board roles and responsibilities, strategic planning, impact evaluation, engagement, fiduciary duties and fundraising. January saw the kick-off of a new term of Get on Board. We met with current chair Abigail Coolidge, program alumnae Joy Patterson and Elizabeth Weisner and past JLC President Whitni Wilson-Wertz to hear about their experiences and the importance of this training. Abigail recently transferred to the JLC from the Junior League of Phoenix, where she was involved in a similar training program. The JLC committee is expanding this program to get even more speakers and have more interactive workshops in future years. Abigail, who hopes to join a board in the future, stated, “I love that this program allows the participants and the committee members the chance to network and grow their skills while feeling supported by a large and great group of women.”
to gain the training to be an active, contributing member on a non-profit board. “I was looking for training that would give me the confidence to speak up and help me understand how decisions are made on a board,” she said. The sessions provided exactly that training and networking opportunities to connect Elizabeth to many non-profits in Charlotte, including Festival In the Park. Whitni served as the JLC president during the 2012-13 League year, the inaugural year of the Get on Board program. “The launch of Get on Board in 2012 was an initiative to provide excellent training and do some ‘matchmaking,’” Whitni recalled. One of the program goals was to recommend League members to fill roles in other organizations. The JLC receives frequent requests from other organizations that need energetic, talented, qualified and well-trained volunteers on their boards.
Joy, a JLC sustaining member, currently serves as the Board Secretary and Governance Committee Chair of Roof Above, a non-profit in Charlotte dedicated to ending homelessness. Joy was a member of the inaugural Get on Board program. “I’ve always had an appetite for Board service but felt illequipped and unsure how to take the first step,” Joy said. She credits the program with setting her up for success on the board roles assumed since completion. “I wouldn’t have been able to make the impact I’ve had without the training from Get on Board.”
One of the biggest draws to Get on Board is the practical skills participants gain so they can jump right in and be effective on a board. “The skills I think you can get from this program are how to decide which board is for you, how to apply and interview to be on a board, networking with other future leaders and current leaders of non-profits and how to fundraise/meet the financial goals,” Chair Abigail Coolidge said. Joy recalled how each session of the program provided a valuable lesson. “Each and every session prepared me tremendously with understanding expectations, knowing how to contribute to furthering the organization’s mission with my skill set and strengths, understanding my fiduciary responsibility as a board member and the importance of protecting myself with the appropriate insurance.”
Elizabeth is the current vice-chair of the Training & Development Committee and is a Board Member for Festival In the Park. Elizabeth participated in Get on Board during her provisional year in 2020 as she sought
Joy also recalled learning about the expectations of a board member. “I realized that there are opportunities to add value to a board if you aren’t able to contribute millions of dollars personally.” While governance doesn’t always spark
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joy, she reminisces on the value of this session. “My most memorable lesson learned was on parliamentary procedure. Ten years later, I recall those learnings whenever I make a motion - ‘I MOVE’ - rings in my ears from our session speaker.” Elizabeth shared that her favorite session was on finance and accounting, as the instruction on financial basics was presented clearly and understandably. Governance tip: The proper language to use in making a motion is, “I move that we….” The big key is that the phrase “I move” is used instead of “I motion.” So, who should enroll in Get on Board? Abigail says, “I would recommend this program to someone who has either just decided that joining a board is something they want or someone who is deciding which non-profit they want to work with.” Joy encouraged others to join Get on Board, saying, “I wouldn’t have been able to make the impact I’ve had without the training from Get on Board. It also connected me to my very first board role with Florence Crittenton Services. I’m tremendously thankful for this opportunity and have encouraged others to participate as well.” Elizabeth echoed the other comments; “Get on Board encourages you to learn new things and apply your unique skills to help make positive change in our community in a way that is meaningful to you. I look forward to seeing JLC members serving as board members throughout the Charlotte community in the future!” Get On Board accepts applications in December of each year. If you are interested in being a part of the next class, please apply through the JLC’s website.
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/
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Ways to Give to The Junior League of Charlotte By: Jessica James-Hill Donations to the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) allow members and non-members to support the JLC with charitable contributions throughout the year and beyond. Donations play 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. The JLC is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Financial information about the JLC and a copy of its license are available from the Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section at 888-830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the State. A copy of the most recent 990 filing may be found on the JLC website.
ANNUAL FUND Donations to the annual fund directly impact the JLC’s mission driven work in training and community impact, as the fund: • Provides monetary support to JLC’s community partners and programs • Enables the JLC to recruit and retain members • Creates new training and leadership opportunities for members You can donate to the JLC Annual Fund using any of the methods below: • 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 Donations can be made in the form of: • 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 • Advertising in The CRIER • Corporate sponsorships • Supporting the annual Little Black Dress Initiative (see page 21 for more info) If you are interested in learning more about donating, sponsorship or advertising with the JLC, please email info@jlcharlotte.org. 14
The Heart of the Matter – Community Impact Results By: Alicia Morris Rudd In our fourth year of our School Ready community focus, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) continues to work to ensure 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. Despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, JLC members volunteered more than 4,000 hours with 12 local partners, virtually and in person, a value of $62,800 to our community. According to this year’s Community Impact Council (CIC) Manager Shannon Eckard, “The biggest challenge our volunteers faced this year was finding creative ways to serve our community partners in a largely virtual environment. What I’ve been most impressed with is our member’s commitment to both the JLC and the Charlotte community as a whole.” Eckard has been “incredibly proud to lead the Community Impact Council through this time of unprecedented change,” and is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing women in the JLC.
Through the JLC’s unique programs and projects, members learn not only how to manage and train volunteers but also how to collaborate with community agencies to maximize a volunteer’s impact and thus aid a greater number of underserved children in Mecklenburg County. Our Community Impact Council is divided into three teams for maximum impact and volunteer support: Children’s Health, Healthy Mind and Ready to Learn. In the JLC’s last year of our School Ready community focus, incoming CIC manager Carolyn Benton is most excited about the opportunity for more in-person volunteer activities with next year’s community partners. Carolyn is also looking forward “to working with CIC volunteers and our community partners to transition away from our School Ready community focus to the recently approved Children’s Mental and Physical Health focus.” No matter the League’s focus, community impact is always at the heart of this organization.
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Community Impact Council The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is hard at work ensuring 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. Since this is quite the undertaking, we rely on and work very closely with our dedicated community partners. The JLC’s community volunteer work is managed by the Community Impact Council (CIC). The CIC is further divided into three teams based on focus: children’s health, healthy minds and ready to learn. Read more about our twelve partners below:
CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOCUS Charlotte Bilingual Preschool Charlotte Bilingual Preschool gives children and families the tools they need to be successful in an Englishspeaking school system by providing dual-language, multicultural early childhood education. It is not just a preschool serving children from birth through preschool age, but it also provides family programming for parents, family members and alumni children. They are serving a total of 556 children and families this year. Charlotte Bilingual Preschool is an advocate for racial equity. Volunteers serve by assisting with classroom decorations, supporting events, delivering school supplies and assisting with the Workforce Development Program.
Charlotte Speech and Hearing Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center (CSHC) was founded by the Junior League of Charlotte in 1967. This organization was the first community speech and hearing center in North Carolina. Today, they are the only free-standing, nonprofit speech and hearing center in the state. Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center is a unique organization that provides high-quality services to everyone. Volunteers serve by reading to children during virtual story hours.
Done in a Day Done in a Day is a committee within the JLC that assists local organizations by planning events where committee members and other Junior League members can volunteer. Participants assist with various community service projects within JLC priority zip codes focusing on the health and educational needs of children from birth to fifth grade.
Renaissance West Community Initiative/Kids in the Kitchen The Renaissance West Community Initiative is a non-profit organization coordinating the education and services continuum of the former Boulevard Homes public housing site into a vibrant village called Renaissance. RWCI’s mission is to promote a collaborative community; centered on quality housing, education, health, wellness and opportunity. The goal is to end intergenerational poverty through a holistic community revitalization effort. Volunteers serve by providing healthy cooking demonstrations through Kids in the Kitchen, assisting with the mobile food pantry, and planning special events.
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HEALTHY MINDS FOCUS Alexander Youth Network Alexander Youth Network provides quality professional treatment to children with serious emotional and behavioral problems.They deliver an effective and efficient array of services, enabling children and their families to exercise self-determination, achieve their potential, and become positive contributors to society. Volunteers serve by planning and participating in special events.
Bright Blessings Bright Blessings is a non-profit focused on bringing joy, care and hope to homeless and impoverished children by mobilizing community volunteers of all ages. Volunteers serve by assembling snack packs and hygiene kits in addition to assisting with creative projects like wrapping gifts, making birthday cards or supporting shelter birthday parties.
The Center for Community Transitions The Center for Community Transitions has a mission to strengthen the community by helping those with criminal records and their families find a healthier and more productive way of living. Their work provides employment and transition services, supports alternatives to incarceration and restores and strengthens family bonds. Volunteers from the JLC assist in the Families Doing Time program, serving families with a loved one who is incarcerated.
Thompson Child and Family Focus Thompson is a leading provider of clinical and prevention services for children and families across the Carolinas. The Charlotte, NC-based, nationally accredited nonprofit agency empowers children and families through therapy, education and prevention-based care. Volunteers serve by planning and supporting special events and enrichment activities.
READY TO LEARN FOCUS Classroom Central Classroom Central supplies teachers in underserved communities with much-needed supplies. Volunteers serve by working in the free store counting and distributing supplies or by building literacy kits.
Digi-Bridge: Digi-Bridge aspires to create a generation of well-equipped 21st-century learners and they do this by providing schools with digital classroom consultancy and engaging communities through educational courses. Volunteers serve by supporting an afterschool STEM program using the Digi-Bridge curriculum to work with students to develop their building and programming skills.
Heart Math Tutoring Heart Math Tutoring’s (HMT) mission is to ensure that all elementary students develop the strong foundation in math and enthusiasm for academics needed for long-term success by helping schools use volunteers as tutors. Community members commit 30 minutes to one hour per week to deliver Heart’s hands-on curriculum in one-on-one tutoring sessions during the school day while receiving on-site support from HMT Program Coordinators. HMT provides a fun way to build relationships with students while delivering academic skills crucial to their success.
Sugar Creek Charter School Sugar Creek Charter School is the oldest operating charter school in Mecklenburg County. Its mission is to eradicate generational poverty by providing a college and career preparatory education from kindergarten to 12th grade. Volunteers serve by planning and hosting special events and activities for Sugar Creek students, supporting family engagement, and providing school supplies.
If you are interested in partnering with the JLC, please visit our website for more information. Applications for new partners will be available online in August of 2022. 17
JLC by the Numbers 2021-2022
“There is always strength in numbers. The more individuals or organizations that you can rally to your cause, the better.” - Mark Shields
To qualitatively sum up the Junior League of Charlotte, one needs to look further than our mission statement: 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. But to quantify our strength and force in this community — Let’s let the numbers (and our members) speak for themselves… • More than 1,500 current members of the JLC • Nearly 500 active members • Nearly 900 sustaining members • Approximately 100 women have entered our Provisional Course seeking JLC membership
$51,379.44 Dollars allocated to the Charlotte Community 19,520 Volunteer hours for the League Year
Children participating in healthy meal demonstrations:
268
Hygiene kits/snack packs (or equivalent service fact) from Bright Blessings:
2,173
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Packaged school supplies:
1,307 bundles
for Classroom Central helping 30k CMS students Total number of people impacted:
31,523
Quotes from the League
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Working with my committee members at the Classroom Central Warehouse has been a wonderful experience. I know I am making a tangible change to our community by “shopping” and delivering the packages curbside to area teachers. Every teacher I have had the pleasure to interact with has been so vocal about their gratitude. I have been inspired to learn ASL directly because of Classroom Central. I Over the past couple of months, our volunteers delivered an order to a teacher who (committee members, provisionals and other said and signed her thanks! I hope JLC members) have helped prepare packets to see her again so I can sign back for over 55 children participating in Charlotte “you’re welcome” and “thank you for Bilingual Preschool’s Reading Bridge program. teaching! The program helped families continue childrens’ - Whitney Baggs literacy development during the pandemic using online learning modules. The packets we prepared are used to support these families’ engagement activities. The school’s 2021 Annual Impact Report states that “Families participating in Reading Bridge reported significant increases in home literacy practices as well as enjoyment of reading, both for children and family members.
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- Jessica Mielec
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The Queen City Welcomes JLC Transfers One of the many member benefits of the Junior League is the ability to transfer your membership to any one of the 292 Leagues across the country and abroad. This year the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) has members who have transferred from all across the country to find their new home in the Queen City and the JLC. Take a look!
JLC Transfer Demographics
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32
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Transfers
Cities
States
“In my time as a Transfer, I have been able to get to know so many amazing women during the fun events our advisors planned for us throughout the Queen City. Finding a friendly face at the next GMM will be a breeze!” - Jessica Swanson “The JLC Transfer program was great! I loved being able to connect with a group of women who were new to Charlotte and had similar interests. Being paired with a Transfer Advisor who understood JLC requirements and could make connections was another awesome benefit.” - Erica Dozier
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LITTLE
BLACK DRESS INITIATIVE
A PROGRAM OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE By: Alicia Morris Rudd What has traditionally been considered a fashionable wardrobe staple – great for business or a fun night out – is now worn by members of the Junior League across the United States and in the United Kingdom to raise awareness around the impact of poverty. Founded in 2014 by the Junior League of London, the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) is a week-long awareness and fundraising campaign that harnesses the power of social media to illustrate the restrictions poverty places on choices, opportunities and access to resources. Participants wear one black dress (or outfit) for five consecutive days and a pin that reads, “Ask Me About My Dress!” which invites dialogue among colleagues, friends and strangers about this important initiative.
We wear black because more than 4,000 children in CMS schools are reported homeless. The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) hosted our seventh annual LBDI the week of March 7-11, 2022. Sixty-two of our members committed to wearing a black dress or outfit all week and hundreds more supported this initiative financially as well as promoting LBDI on their social media platforms.
While Charlotte Mecklenburg School system is the second largest in the state yet ranked 90th out of 115 in per-pupil spending, we wear black. Alexandra Whitesell, this year’s Fund Development Council Manager, tells us that, “LBDI is my favorite JLC initiative because it allows me to further the conversation in my circles about the important work the Junior League does in our community.” Whitesell continues, “When I first participated in the initiative four years ago, I found it to be a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with other members and broaden my League network.”
We wear black because in 2021 we had 77 schools where 50% or more third graders scored Not Proficient in reading. Deanna Thompson, incoming chair of LBDI, is thrilled about leading next year’s campaign and hopes we can raise even more money next year to support the work of the JLC in our community. Thompson looks forward to “engaging with our partners and understanding ways members can better serve our Charlotte community.” Funds raised through the Little Black Dress Initiative allow the JLC to improve our community by leveraging the work of our community partners and providing our membership with leadership, training and development opportunities.
We wear black because a child’s zip code should not determine their success in school. 21
AJLI’s Contribution to Legislation & Public Health Campaigns By: Claire Magee Ferguson AIDS Awareness: In 1986, the Junior League of Los Angeles daringly endeavored to dispel fear and misinformation about the AIDS virus by setting up a hot line and establishing a speakers’ bureau. It operated with six other Leagues to set up similar projects, including the Junior League of Mexico City, which introduced AIDS education to the country, bringing together leading public and private health and education officials and ultimately incorporating AIDS education into health clinics for low-income families. Alcohol Abuse: In 1985, The Association of Junior
Leagues International (AJLI) initiated an international, three-year alcohol awareness and education campaign called “Woman to Woman” sponsored by Allstate Insurance Company and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The ground-breaking campaign was the only one of its kind at the time and its goal was to distribute the findings of research showing the effects of alcohol on women while bringing the problem out of the closet. The research revealed the dangers of combining alcohol with tranquilizers, the interaction of alcohol and hormones and the harmful effects of heavy drinking. In addition, the campaign aimed to illustrate the increased need for alcohol-related support services for women and reduce the social stigma of the disease. The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) played an important role, helping to produce a documentary called Women: Coming Out of the Shadows, which earned the JLC an Emmy award!
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB):
AJLI has recognized that DEIB is one of the most critical issues of our time, and has assembled an impressive array of resources to support their member Leagues in their quest to drive toward more inclusive Leagues. Drawing on these resources, the JLC has itself taken on an impressive campaign, which you can learn more about here: http:// www.jlcharlotteblog.org/inside-the-jlc-diversity-inclusioncommittee/
Domestic Violence: For 30 years, numerous Junior
Leagues have worked at the forefront of preventing violence against women, educating the public, operating transitional housing and providing counseling to victims. They have also advocated for the prosecution of perpetrators with federal legislators, ultimately helping to write and pass the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, making it the first piece of federal legislation to address domestic violence.
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Environment: The Junior League has had a trailblazing legacy in environmental advocacy. Over the years, work by various Leagues has called attention to ecological hazards that threaten the livelihood of a community or the health of its inhabitants. The collective power and enduring impact of a group of women united behind a single cause can be best illustrated in the documentary film “Fate of a River: Apathy or Action,” produced by the Junior League of Toledo in 1965. Carol Bentley, who worked in partnership with the League on the film, wound up testifying at the state and federal hearings on water quality that would lead to the development and passage by Congress of the Clean Water Act in 1972. Beyond that ground-breaking legislation, there were many other results of the League’s work that have had lasting effects on communities across the United States. Food Insecurity: Junior Leagues across the Association
work to promote the importance of healthy eating, but we also know that for many in our communities, it’s not so simple. 10.5% of Americans reported being food insecure at some point during 2021. Whether it is community garden programs that are increasing access to food and educating communities on healthy food habits, enhancing food wellness with Kids in the Kitchen or making sure children who rely on school meals during the week have food for the weekend with our backpack programs, tackling food insecurity is a driving issue for a critical mass of Junior Leagues.
Human Trafficking: For more than 15 years, Leagues (both individually and in statewide coalitions from California to Florida, Michigan to Alabama and numerous destinations in between) have joined forces with law enforcement, government officials, anti-trafficking organizations and other critical and influential community change-makers to raise public awareness on the hidden world of human trafficking, to advocate for the passage of anti-trafficking legislation, and to support survivors. To date, 50-plus Junior Leagues have joined the fight against human trafficking. League coalitions have worked to pass more than 25 different pieces of anti-trafficking legislation, primarily at the state and local levels. In 2011, The Junior League was honored by the United Nations Association of New York for its work fighting against human trafficking.
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Did you know AJLI has had an important role in significant pieces of legislation, like the Clean Water Act? And the first federal law regarding domestic violence? Or that the JLC won an EMMY Award for its documentary on alcohol abuse?
Voter Registration: As part of AJLI’s efforts to honor
the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, they hosted a Special Virtual Event, “Why the Women’s Vote Matters,” a powerful non-partisan panel conversation that explored the complicated history of the 19th Amendment. Panelists Stephanie Young, Chief Officer of Communications & Culture, When We All Vote, and Jordan Brooks, Executive Director, The United State of Women, and special guest, Grammy® and Golden Globe® Nominated Actress, Singer and Songwriter Mandy Moore joined to discuss the importance of women voting.
Women’s Health: Working to enhance women’s health, particularly women in at-risk populations - is part of the DNA of the Junior League, going back to its founding by Mary Harriman over 100 years ago. AJLI has partnered with 2020 Mom and The Blue Dot Project to focus on Maternal
Mental Health. Getting real about motherhood is healthy for everyone, especially the 1 in 5 women who will suffer from a maternal mental health disorder like postpartum depression.
Other work with SPACs: PACs (Public Affairs Committees), SPACs (State Public Affairs Committees) and LICs (Legislative Issues Committees) are individual, apolitical Junior Leagues or coalitions of Junior Leagues within a state that form to educate and take action on public policy issues relevant to the Junior League mission. Having begun to take shape in the 1930s, they are collectively governed by their member Leagues and the methods by which they operate vary by state, as do the issues chosen for study and action. The JLC’s specific advocacy efforts fall into three categories: drafting policy recommendations, acting as JLC liaisons with city, state and federal legislators and hosting voter registration drives and Meet the Candidate events.
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Done In A Day – Diaper Drive By: Jess Bush Done in a Day is a unique placement in the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC). Instead of partnering with one specific organization, Done in a Day allows JLC members to support multiple organizations with our School Readiness focus. Throughout the year, this team tackles many projects, such as supporting Promising Pages, Dress for Success, school drives and many others that help remove barriers to school readiness for children in Mecklenburg County. Done in a Day provides excellent flexibility, which is wonderful for members with busy schedules and those who need weekend or evening events. The placement also allows members to form relationships with various community programs and other JLC members. Done in a Day is a wonderful placement for members seeking to plan group volunteering opportunities and build connections with in the community. Another impactful placement within the JLC is Bright Blessings. Recently, Done in a Day coordinated with Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and Bright Blessings to host a Diaper Drive. The drive lasted from October to December 2021 and collected 15,175 diapers! According to Bright Blessings and Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, “Bright Blessings distributed diapers to partners serving pregnant women and new mothers. We know that diaper security is linked to better outcomes for health, learning and a positive home atmosphere. Even an extra 50 diapers provided to one family per month can make the difference for a child’s skin to remain dry and healthy and meet daycare requirements for parent-provided diapers, which equates to less missed work for parents and fewer doctor visits for their baby. As a wonderful bonus, the agency’s ability to provide diapers is a tool for building trust and solid relationships with clients, increasing the opportunities for agencies and families to work together to improve outcomes in every respect: education, food security, health, wellness and positive living conditions.” The donated diapers made a huge impact on the local community. According to Done in a Day Chair Olivia Hubert, “Bright Blessings distributed the diapers to pregnant women and new mothers at Atrium Myers Park OB/GYN and Pediatrics, a clinic primarily serving Medicaid recipients. Since a one-month supply of newborn size diapers averages $80, some families have to make hard choices impacting the baby’s health and family stability.” Providing diapers supports a baby’s health and wellbeing by helping to avoid diaper rash. Diapers are a necessity for any childcare situation and this donation allows the families to focus on other needs. The diapers were collected via an Amazon wish list and dropped off directly to the JLC building. While the diaper drive has ended, the North Carolina Diaper Bank opened a Charlotte location in April 2022. To get involved or make a donation, visit ncdiaperbank.org/ donate.
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JLC Mentor Program By: Paris McAdoo: Education & Training Council Manager Khrystyne Rasmussen: JLC Mentor Program Chair The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) Mentor Program is an integral part of the League’s mission to develop the potential of women. The Mentor Program connects two or more JLC members who are committed to each other for the duration of one League year. The mentor group shares time, skills and energy with one another while respecting, listening and imparting knowledge within the relationship. Applications for the JLC Mentor Program are accepted during the fall of each League year.
“As someone who transferred into the JLC from another League, I immediately gravitated to the Mentor Program as an opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with another JLC member. During my time with the JLC, I’ve served as both a mentor and a mentee and loved having the opportunity to meet League members I may not have encountered otherwise. Being able to support each other in developing and progressing towards our personal goals has been an amazing and fulfilling opportunity.” - Whitney Hill. Mentee in 2015-16 and mentor in 2017-2018 and 2020-2021
The mentee(s) and mentor connect on a monthly basis. The mentees and mentors attend the program kick-off in October, the midyear training & social in February and the program finale in May. Program participants receive training and guidance on successful mentoring practices. It is highly recommended that participants connect in person each month; however, email or phone calls help keep participants connected if they cannot meet face-to-face. Meeting ideas include meeting for coffee, participating in a JLC training event, going on a walk, attending General Membership Meetings, participating in service events, etc. The mentee(s) and mentor are matched after completing an online application. The application allows for the mentor group to be based on compatibility using common interests, professional life, League experience and the mentor relationship’s desired outcome. The program is limited to a manageable size, so that the participants receive the support they need throughout the year. The JLC Mentor Program was designed to benefit the mentee, mentor and the JLC. The hope is that the program further develops the potential of our members for leadership, heightens the appreciation of diversity within our League, builds lasting relationships and strengthens loyalty to the JLC. Graduates from the Mentor Program have gone on to take leadership roles within the League over the years. We look forward to continuing to help members build connections that broaden their experience as members and community leaders. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Khrystyne Rasmussen at nksmith.jlc@gmail.com.
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MacKenzie Scott Donates $133 Million to Communities in Schools By: Katherine Santore On February 3, 2022 we were delighted to hear that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg chapter of the national non-profit Communities in Schools, Inc. (CIS) had received a monumental $5 million donation. We also found out that the gift, though amazing, was part of something even bigger. The funds came from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, who donated a total of $133.5 million to individual chapters of CIS. This gift is part of over $8.5 billion that Ms. Scott has donated to non-profits since 2020. Keep reading to hear more about CIS and its ties to the Junior League of Charlotte. Communities in Schools was founded by Bill Milliken in New York City in the 1970s. His aim was simple: bring community resources into public schools, making them more accessible to at-risk youth.
“It’s relationships, not programs, that change children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.” – Bill Milliken, Founder and Vice Chairman of Communities In Schools, Inc. In the 2020-2021 school year alone, CIS impacted the lives of approximately 1.61 million students, with 99% of those students remaining in school throughout the entire time period. Additionally, 93% of high school seniors taking part in CIS resources graduated or received a GED. CBS News was there to capture Bill’s reaction to receiving the announcement of the $133.5 million donation, an emotional moment for the man who has devoted his life to helping students find a brighter future. In light of the news regarding Makenzie Scott’s big donation, we reached out to former Junior League of Charlotte (JLC) President Cynthia Marshall to get her thoughts on this monumental occasion.
Cynthia’s involvement with the JLC In addition to being JLC President in 1984, Cynthia Marshall was the founding executive director of Communities In Schools of Charlotte/Mecklenburg County, NC, and served in that role for 21 years until her retirement in August 2006. Currently, she serves as a consultant for Communities In Schools of North Carolina on advancing service-learning in North Carolina schools (K-12). During her time with the JLC she was also chair of the Sponsorship Recognition Committee, working with local Charlotte corporations to get them involved in JLC funded efforts. At one point, she helped spear-head a child advocacy committee called Family Matters with 12 high-ranking, community leaders including the Mayor, superintendent for CharlotteMecklenburg Schools and county commission chair. Pulling this off on a quarterly basis was no small feat in a pre-video conference world but the JLC made it happen. The benefit of coordinating all of those community leaders was that any time the JLC needed help, the right people were only a phone call away.
“We have the opportunities to remove barriers and make kids visible, because many of our children are invisible, even when school is in session.” – Cynthia Marshall 26
Cynthia & CIS In 1976, Cynthia was one of two JLC members chosen to attend that year’s AJLI National Conference called “For Children’s Sake.” The conference featured a keynote from Dr. Urie Bronfenbrenner. Following the conference, a child advocacy committee was formed within the JLC to learn about where issues were residing within areas such as foster care, child abuse, healthcare, early screening and diagnosis of childhood issues. Getting involved in these issues ignited Cynthia’s ongoing commitment to the league and helping at-risk communities within Charlotte.
“It wasn’t kids who were broken, it was the communities.” – Cynthia Marshall
Cynthia, how would you describe being a member of the JLC? “I look on the Junior League as an army of caring people who care about each other. Who are building communities and have the power to make that kind of difference for others who don’t.” – Cynthia Marshall Cynthia hopes that the JLC can explore new opportunities to engage our youth in this very critical time in their lives. The generation of children who are students right now are facing unprecedented times that have disrupted not only their lives but the lives of everyone around them.
Bringing CIS to Charlotte In September of 1984, CIS founder Bill Milliken was the keynote speaker on the needs of children and families at a JLC monthly membership meeting. The following year, JLC members Jan Stedman (JLC President, 1976-77), Claire Tate, Mary Boyce (Chair of Public Education), and Cynthia Marshall (JLC President at the time), were invited to participate in the Mecklenburg County Task Force in partnership with the long-standing JLC focus on the critical areas of child advocacy and public education. In March 1985, the task force was part of the delegation of 100 women from throughout the U.S. invited to attend a White House Briefing on school dropouts. This included a reception at the home of the Vice President, Dick Cheney. Mrs. Barbara Bush, a Junior League member in Texas was present at the briefing. The delegates were briefed about the many complex challenges and barriers young people face in trying to attend and stay in school. The work of CIS (then called Cities In Schools) was presented by Bill Milliken along with a visit to a local high school in DC where they learned about CIS’s mission. As a result, the task force members recommended to the Mecklenburg County Task Force that the CIS model be implemented locally, thus beginning the road to bring CIS to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS).
The Impact of CIS on Charlotte When CIS was implimented locally it raised awareness of how many students had fallen through the cracks within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system and provided a pathway for change. CIS is not a program, it is a broker of resources for schools. It promotes collaboration amongst people and non-profits within communities.
“It’s about bringing the community together one school at a time.” – Cynthia Marshall 27
The Impact of MacKenzie Scott’s Generosity Due to the pandemic, children have never needed more support than they do now. Some teenage students have made the choice to drop out of school in order to help support their families financially. Cynthia stressed that many of these former students don’t understand that they can be limited career-wise and financially without obtaining a high school diploma. There are also new concerns regarding the mental health crisis in the US that has recently amplified since the beginning of the pandemic. Cynthia hopes the gift will help reignite support in CIS and inspire new and innovative ways to support kids and communities.
Below is the impact that this donation could have on a non-profit like CIS outlined in 3 key points: A. Re-engage students in their education and recover from losses suffered as a result of the pandemic. An estimated 3 million students are “missing” from school rosters across the U.S.; locally, that number is in the thousands.
B. Increased focus on career and college preparation: providing exposure to career pathways through presentations, job shadowing, acquiring needed job competence and aligning interests and aptitude with additional education and certifications. According to Cynthia, in the 1980’s IBM recruited 120 employees from their local headquarters here in Charlotte to be tutors for CIS. Cynthia stressed the need for local companies within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area to step up and offer job training and security to people graduating from high school in at risk communities.
B. Expanision to serve more students attending under-resourced schools. Due to digital resources like the video conferencing service Zoom, it is more convenient than ever for at-risk students and their parents to get in contact with the resources that best fit their neesds.
How Did MacKenzie Scott Hear about CIS? She has a research organization who called many CIS affiliates, or local chapters. These affiliates were contacted by a person who wished to remain anonymous and asked them to provide documentation about their business operations. Some time later, the affiliates were contacted and told that they would be receiving the donation from MacKenzie Scott.
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“Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown
By: Spencer Lash Early on in Brené Brown’s book on leadership, she defines a leader as “anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes and who has the courage to develop that potential.” One sentence later, she states, “We desperately need more leaders who are committed to courageous, wholehearted leadership and who are self-aware enough to lead from their hearts, rather than unevolved leaders who lead from hurt and fear.” As the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) Board of Directors read this book throughout the year, we worked to be the type of leader that Brown wants: ones who focus on people and raw emotions like vulnerability and empathy, instead of ones that avoid tough conversations and avoid risks. As we start to all co-exist with COVID-19, the JLC leaders will need to be risk-takers. What does the “new normal” of the JLC look like? This year’s leaders, and the ones to follow next are working to figure that out. They will have to have what Brown likes to call a “rumble”: a conversation that is tough and vulnerable, but one that produces results in the end. While our leaders are having these conversations and deciding what the future of the JLC looks like, it’s okay to be excited and scared all at the same time. Brown states, “Courage and fear are not mutually exclusive. Most of us feel brave and afraid at the exact same time.” But as Brown points out, it’s how leaders respond to their fear that either makes them a daring leader or not. Brave leaders must be willing to set down their armor to rumble with vulnerability. So what does daring leadership look like? Some characteristics from Brown include modeling and encouraging empathy and self-compassion, practicing gratitude and celebrating milestones and victories, setting boundaries, modeling clarity, kindness and hope, taking risks, knowing our value, modeling and supporting rest, play and recovery, cultivating a culture of belonging, inclusivity and diverse perspectives and leading from the heart. The JLC is a perfect place to lean into your vulnerability and avoid always trying to be perfect. Brown states, “Perfectionism is self-destructive simply because perfection doesn’t exist. It’s an unattainable goal.” In the JLC, meetings are safe spaces where leaders can ask questions and drop their armor, which Brown says is detrimental to daring leadership. The League is a training organization where women are always learning: whether that be about the history of Charlotte, Robert’s Rules of Order, fundraising, making sure kids in our area are school-ready, or anything else you can imagine.
“When we have the courage to walk into our story and own it, we get to write the ending.” AND WHEN WE DON’T OWN OUR STORIES OF FAILURE, SETBACKS, AND HURT–THEY OWN US. Brené Brown
To our League leaders, as we embark upon a new journey in the League’s 96year history, I encourage you to drop your armor and lean into vulnerability to become better leaders. To women of our community reading this and thinking that this is the type of leader you want to be, it’s not too late to join the League for our upcoming year! 29
Highlighting JLC Community Impact through the Years: Part 2, 1960 -1980 By: Mallory Pearce In our Fall/Winter issue, we examined some of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.’s (JLC) earliest community focus initiatives that continue to impact many of our community’s underserved neighbors to this day. In this installment, we shift to the defining decades of the 1960s and 1970s. After years of civic effort and voluntarism, momentum continued to grow for the JLC and its members. The organization had already become a reputable and trusted fixture in the Charlotte area. Members contributed significant financial and volunteer resources to local agencies and projects that concentrated on the most critical needs in Mecklenburg County. That need came in the form of revolutionary activism in fields of mental health, education and the arts. A newly constructed headquarters building provided an exciting start to the 1960-1961 League year. On the community focus front, $25,000 was provided to a clinical psychologist for the public school system. Additionally, funds were raised for various volunteer activities in the field of mental health over the following years. A Follies program, “Ever Since Eve,” netted $41,239 to raise money for these projects. As a tribute to their success in this endeavor, the JLC received the Charlotte Observer’s “Club of the Year Award” in 1963. In an ambitious move following the JLC’s (first) “Club of the Year Award,” the membership voted to support another three-pronged project, “Education and the Arts.” The League initiated Junior High Concerts held at Ovens Auditorium, met a $20,000 challenge donation to build a new planetarium at the Nature Museum and expanded services for the community at the Mint Museum by contributing the salary of an Educational Curator. This led to the Mint Museum securing a professional Curator in 1965 and allowed for an expansion of JLC training programs. Cooking Mother’s Goose, a non-profit cookbook, was published for the first time, providing additional fundraising opportunities for the JLC. The “Education and the Arts” project won the JLC another top prize in the Observer’s “Club of the Year” Contest. League sponsorship of the United Arts Council and of Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center – which the JLC still supports more than 60 years later - began in 1968. With a rise in substance abuse and addiction in the 1970s, the Drug Education Center for the City of Charlotte was adopted as a new initiative. A juvenile drug prevention program was made available to elementary schools for the first time. The Charlotte Drug Education Center was opened in September 1971. Additionally, the JLC Board of Directors was restructured, establishing four large community committees. This served as a catalyst to initiate the Voluntary Action Center, reactivate the Tree Commission and establish the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Environmental Quality Council. 30
Current Focus Area: Starting June 1, 2018, the JLC began partnering 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.
The historic Berryhill House was erected in 1884 by John H. Newcomb. Berryhill House is located at 324 W. Ninth St. and provisional members visit the landmark during the Community Bus Tour. The JLC reached a broader audience in the mid-1970s as it took its first public stand on an issue with other North Carolina Leagues: the passage of legislation to provide North Carolina with its first public kindergartens. Youth achievement remained central to the mission of the JLC, so the membership provided a speech pathologist for daycare centers in Mecklenburg County. To cap off the JLC’s 50th anniversary year (1976), the League released additional drug education programs, fundraised a sizable donation to Youth Homes Inc. and provided funding for the historic Berryhill House preservation. The decade ended with celebration as the League surpassed one million dollars donated to community initiatives. Project areas at this point centered on Child Advocacy, Spirit Square Arts for the Handicapped and Programs on Local History. Advocacy efforts urged historic designation and adaptive use of the Independence Building uptown. Volunteers committed to establishing a Collections Gallery at Discovery Place. Working with United Community Services, the Council for Children became a reality with a generous $47,000 grant. Thanks to trailblazing women, we continue to see several of these initiatives at work in the area.
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All About the Executive Vice President Role: An Interview with Whitney Hill What is the Executive Vice President position? From the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) bylaws: “The Executive Vice President shall preside at all meetings of the Management Team and shall coordinate the management and operations for the JLC.”
Whitney: The Executive Vice President (EVP) oversees
the day-to-day operations of the JLC and presides over the Management Team. The most straightforward way for me to explain it is that the President is the JLC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while the EVP is the Chief Operations Officer (COO). The EVP is one of the six officers of the JLC. President, President-Elect, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance and Board Secretary are the other five officers.
When was the position created and why? The JLC’s first EVP was Ashley Soublet in 2018-2019, so this is only the fourth year the JLC has offered this role. The position was created and approved during the 2016-17 League year, allowing the Nominating Committee to slate the first leader during 2017-2018 for the following League year. The rationale for the addition of the role relates to splitting the Board’s strategic focus from the management and operational focus. Before creating the EVP role, the President-Elect (PE) would spend her elect year presiding over the Management Team. The benefit was the PE was immersed in how the JLC operates, but it didn’t give her much time to plan for her year as president. With the EVP role, the PE still sits on the Management Team for exposure to the operations, but the split in responsibilities allows her to focus on the JLC’s strategic vision. These two jobs also require different skill sets and attract different types of women. The president must be able to think and plan strategically. She is forward-thinking, comfortable 32
as the face of the League and has the long-term and 30,000foot view of the League. Conversely, the EVP must be detailoriented. She must be able to manage projects, teams and timelines; she must ensure the execution of short-term, annual plans. In my opinion, a woman interested in serving as the president is more comfortable being the face of the League, while an EVP may be more comfortable operating in the background to ensure everything is running efficiently. When you think about it this way, it makes sense to have these separate roles to recruit the women who are best suited to each job.
Where does the EVP sit within the organizational structure of the Junior League of Charlotte? The EVP oversees the Management Team and is also a voting member of the JLC’s Board of Directors (the Board). The JLC has a split governance model, meaning we have two boards that run the JLC: the Board of Directors and Management Team. The two boards are parallel and the EVP and the President are peers in running their two boards. The EVP also serves as the link between both the Board and Management Team in reporting on the day-to-day work of the JLC at Board meetings. The Board is responsible for the JLC’s 5-year strategic plan, vision and establishing the JLC’s end goals. The Management Team is responsible for annual plans, the day-to-day work of the JLC and determining the means to achieve the end goals established by the Board.
Strategic Governance Future focus
aimed at the outcomes a League seeks to accomplish
Management Present focus
aimed at accomplishing the programs and activities that will achieve the outcomes
Who does the EVP work closely with on a day-to-day basis? I work closest with Kellie Lofton, the JLC President. We check in frequently to ensure the work of the committees is aligned with the League’s overall strategic goals and keep each other updated on what is happening in the JLC. I also work closely with Christina Gratrix, the President-Elect, as the EVP works with the PE on the Governance and Strategic Planning Board sub-committees and the PE sits on the Management Team. I also work closely with Terri White, the Executive Vice President-Elect (EVPE) during the year to ensure the transition of roles and that she is set up for success next year. Next League year, Terri will be working with Spencer Collins Lash, who will become the EVPE. Lastly, the EVP works closely with the council managers and the Vice President of Finance to ensure the committees progress towards their annual plan and keep tabs on spending.
How does the EVP serve JLC leaders? The EVP serves other JLC leaders by supporting all the leaders on the Management Team (council managers and assistant managers, VP of Finance, Risk Manager, Nominating ViceChair, and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). When council managers bring up issues or need additional support for one of their committees, I’ve joined their council and/or committee meetings to provide input or work directly with committee chairs who need additional support. At the end of the day, I serve as an extra backup for any overwhelmed leaders who need help, historical information and understanding how our policies or teams relate to one another or oversight.
How does the EVP serve JLC membership? The EVP serves the JLC membership through oversight of the Human Resources Council and is ultimately responsible for the member experience. Changes to policy and procedure, including anything relating to member obligations, almost always go through the Management Team. The EVP represents our members at Board meetings to keep the Board apprised of any issues and advocates for any changes to improve our members’ experience in the JLC. While not a part of the role in the job description, I believe the EVP should work to mentor and develop JLC members interested in JLC leadership. I would not be in this role today if someone hadn’t encouraged me to apply to be a committee vicechair. That one conversation inspired me and led me to continue gaining JLC leadership experience and put me on the path to take on this role. I want to be that voice of encouragement to our other JLC members to ensure the organization’s sustainability and development of our members.
What has been your favorite part of serving as EVP this year? My favorite part of serving as the EVP has been the experiences and opportunities I could not have acquired anywhere else. This
last year, I have essentially served as the COO of a company with 1,500 employees. How is that for a resume addition! Practically speaking, I’ve learned so much about governance, strategic planning, fund development and fundraising, management and leadership skills, project management, time management, general human resources skills like hiring and staff evaluation, and mentorship. These are all so different from the skills I use in my day job and I know I’ll be able to leverage them in other volunteer and non-profit leadership roles in the future. And who knows, maybe I’ll make a career change one day where I’ll be able to put these skills to further use!
What has been your favorite memory of serving as EVP this year? My favorite memory goes to the relationships I’ve built. You create a close camaraderie whenever you’re on a team with others. The connections I’ve made with the officers (especially the President, President-Elect and VP of finance), Board and Management Team leaders, who I wouldn’t have had a chance to meet otherwise, are ones I’ll have for a long time. This role is challenging, but I’ve had an incredible group of women who cheer me on, allow me to lean on them and laugh with me. I’ve also done some outreach to other League members as part of my role. Hearing members tell me how much they appreciate just having someone from the League reach out and check in on them has been nice validation of how simple efforts can significantly impact member experience.
What advice would you give to active members who may be considering pursuing the EVP position in the future? I recommend spending at least one year on the Management Team before applying for the EVP role. Management Team has been my favorite placement in my League career as you get to see how decisions relating to League operations are made. Having a seat at that table helped me put together all the pieces to get that total view of all the fantastic things we do as an organization. But since it has such a broad purview, there is a lot to learn in terms of our governing documents, the timeline of crucial items like fundraisers and selection of community partners and how the teams all relate to each other. I also recommend reading through our Bylaws and Policies & Procedures and familiarizing yourself with Robert’s Rules of Order. While you don’t have to memorize the documents, it’s helpful to get an idea of the types of items included, so when questions come up, you recall that it’s discussed in the P&Ps. Lastly, talk to the other women who have had this role previously. The job description can tell you theoretically what to expect, but the anecdotal information you can get from Ashley Soublet, Beth Bechhold, Jamie Mills, Terri White or me may be most helpful in deciding if this role is right for you. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
For more questions, contact Whitney Hill at whitneyhilljlc@gmail.com.
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The New North Carolina Project Foundation proudly supports the Junior League of Charlotte’s work towards school readiness and initiatives that lead to positive outcomes for student learning and success.
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Sustainer Spotlight: Amy Rhyne By: Cara Tucker How long have you been a member of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC)? I have been a member of the JLC since 2011.
What is your current placement in the JLC?
I currently serve on the Sustainer Board of Directors. I also serve as the Co-chair of the Sustainer Retention Committee and the Sassy Sustainers Central social group.
What is your favorite JLC memory?
My favorite memories were made with the Alexander Youth Network (AYN). AYN leadership is top-notch and very passionate about the organization’s mission, so the partnership between JLC and AYN was seamless. The kids always looked forward to our visits! My experiences with AYN gave me a deeper appreciation for the JLC and the impact we have on the Charlotte area community.
What was your favorite JLC placement as an Active Member?
My favorite JLC placement was serving as the Social Committee Chair. Because I have lived in four different cities as a single adult woman, brokering connections with like-minded women is important to me. Volunteerism will follow if we foster those personal connections. How has your membership in the JLC impacted your personal and/or professional life? I’ve met some of my best friends in the JLC. These relationships have kept me in Charlotte. What advice would you give to Provisional and Active Members? The Junior League gives you an opportunity to meet lifelong friends and serve in the community, but you must show up, attend the meetings, go to the socials and fulfill your placement obligations. You will get out of the experience what you put into it. What is your neighborhood in the Charlotte area? Dilworth. Where is your hometown? I was born in Saginaw, Michigan, but grew up in Charlotte. I’ve lived in other cities as an adult, but there is no place like the Queen City.
What inspires you to stay involved with the JLC? I love the volunteer opportunities that we are afforded. It is supremely important to me to give back to the community where I live and work, but I don’t have the time to vet volunteer opportunities. The JLC’s established relationships with community partners makes volunteerism simple.
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The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC)
2020-2021 Annual Report
Who We Are
Community Projects & Placements
Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is an organization of nearly 1500 Charlotte-area women. The League is a diverse group who welcomes all women who support the League’s mission of promoting voluntarism, developing women, and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. 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.
JLC run community projects: Kids in the Kitchen, Healthy Beginnings, and Done in a Day
• The JLC is a member of The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI), which comprises 292 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 continued 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 build stronger communities. Leadership programs include Get on Board, the Leadership Development Institute (LDI), and the Public Policy Institute (PPI). Additionally, monthly Training Tuesday workshops focus on a variety of professional, leadership, health and personal growth topics.
JLC community partnerships: Thompson Child & Family Focus, ParentChild+, Sugar Creek Charter School, Center for Community Transitions, DigiBridge, Charlotte Speech & Hearing, Classroom Central, Bright Blessings, Renaissance West Community Initiative, and Second Harvest Food Bank 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. 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: • Draft policy recommendations • Act as JLC liaisons with city, state and federal legislators • Host voter registration drives and Meet the Candidate events 2020-2021 Award Recipients • Founders Award: Shannon Vandiver • Outstanding Service: Toya Allen • Spirit of the League: Becca Walters • Provisional of the Year: Penny Been • Sustainer of the Year: Peggy Ransone • Transfer of the Year: Ellen Treesh • Community Partner: Charlotte Speech and Hearing • Community Placement: Classroom Central • In-League Placement: General Membership Meetings (GMM) Committee
You have truly made me feel even more valued than I felt before. - Sugar Creek Charter School Teacher
Mission Statement The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing women, and 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 will partner 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.
Your continued partnership has made a huge difference for our scholars and families. - Reid Park Academy
Thank you! Thank you to our volunteers who have donated their time, skills and funds to support the JLC’s commitment to promoting voluntarism, developing women, and improving communities. Thank you to our individual donors who have allowed us to increase our impact in the community. We are grateful for the generosity of all who support the Junior League of Charlotte.
JLC Board of Directors 2020-2021 President Executive Vice President President-Elect Executive Vice President Elect Chief Financial Officer Secretary Nominating Chair Members at Large
Charlitta Hatch Jamie Mills Kellie Lofton Whitney Hill Martha Bordogna Brandi Edwards Dr. Monique Perry-Graves Jayna Altman Erin Breeden Julie Brown Allyson Colaco Ashley Lowery Claire Magee Ferguson Lisa Tomlinson Kate Stewart Amy Rhyne Sustaining Advisor to the President Mary Tinkey Sustaining Advisor to the President-Elect Lori O’Keefe
JLC Management Team 2020-2021 Executive Vice President Executive Vice-President Elect President-Elect Vice President of Finance Nominating Vice Chair Risk Manager Human Resource Manager Assistant Manager Community Impact Manager Assistant Manager Communications Manager Assistant Manager Education & Training Manager Assistant Manager Fund Development Manager Assistant Manager Sustaining Advisor to Executive Vice President Sustaining Advisor to Executive Vice President Elect
Jamie Mills Whitney Hill Kellie Lofton Walker McLear Destiny Jenkins Casey Cogburn Ashley Morris Sarah Lynn Davis Amber Shannon Shannon Eckard Spencer Lash Tramayne Osbourne Nicole Smith Paris McAdoo Brittany Wright Alexandra Whitesell
I am humbled and inspired by your generosity. - Mrs. Michelle Obama, Co-Chair of When We All Vote
Chart Title Chart Title
2020-2021 Annual Report Financials:
To view our complete 2020-2021 audited financial statements, please visit www.jlcharlotte.org.
Chart Title
Breakdown of Expenses by Category Breakdown of Expenses by Category Fundraising $61,358
Management & General Management & General $103,546
Breakdown of Expenses by Category
Executive Director Right Moves for Youth
Program Service
Program Services
Chart Title
Breakdown of Expenses by Category
Revenue and Support Management & General
Program Services
Other $31,259
Fundraising
Contributions & Fundraising $142,348
In-Kind Legal Services $35,408
Dues and Fees Chart Title $299,977
Revenue and Support
Membership
Membership Dues and
Investment Income
Investment In-Kind Income $588,245 Other Contributions & Fundraising
Legal Services
Chart Title
ExpensesRevenue vs. Revenue and Support
Membership Du
Yearly Net Assets
Investment Income
In-Kind Legal Se
Revenue and&Support Membership Dues an Expenses Contributions Fundraising Other 560,941 Investment Income
In-Kind RevenueLegal Service
Contributions & Fundraising
Other
$1,097,237
Chart Title
Total Net Assets Year Beginning vs. Year Chart Title Ending
Expenses vs. Revenue vs.Yearly Assets Total Net Assets Year Beginning YearNet Ending: Ending
You are the reason our students have positive mentors and peers to help them be resilient, persevering, and successful during these unprecedented times. - Sabrina Gilchrist,
Fundraising
Fundraising $396,037 Chart Title
Management & General
Arina Kirk Betsy Conway
Program Services
Bginning
Revenue
■ Ending ■ Beginning
Chart Title
Total Net Assets
$2,803,244
$2,895,473 $3,431,769
$2,895,473
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Meet the Junior League of Charlotte Transfer Member of the Year, Anna Reilly By: Tammy Stanard Where did you transfer from? Birmingham, AL.
When was your Provisional year?
My Provisional year was in 2016-2017 in the Junior League of Birmingham.
What brought you to Charlotte?
I recently got married to my husband, Martin. Prior to marriage, we were long distance, as Martin’s career had brought him to Charlotte in 2020. We have really enjoyed getting to know a new city and all the exploring everything Charlotte has to offer.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in New Haven, CT, but moved shortly thereafter. After spending several years in St. Louis, MO, my father’s job brought us to Marietta, GA. I lived in Marietta from fourth grade through highschool and consider it my hometown.
Where did you attend college?
I attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee where I majored in Psychology.
So how did you end up in Birmingham, AL?
After Rhodes, I attended law school at Samford University in Birmingham and graduated in 2015.
What do you do for work?
I work remotely for Cardinal Health out of Dublin, Ohio and am the Manager for Contracts Development and Process. I mainly draft and negotiate contracts on behalf of the company.
What do you like to do in Charlotte?
I really enjoy exploring all the city has to offer, spending time with friends, trying new restaurants and have really enjoyed participating in JLC events all around Charlotte.
What is your placement this year and what did you like best about it?
My placement this year is on the Learning and Development Committee. I found it to be a good placement for getting an introductory into the JLC. The Chair and Vice Chair did a good job adapting throughout the year and the Committee was able to adapt through the pandemic and still provide a service to members to connect, learn new things and gain new skills.
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CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL
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“I am grateful to the Junior League of Charlotte for the experiences that I have received. Through my service and volunteerism, I gained the skills that enabled me to be selected as the first female chair of the Board of Governors at Christchurch School, a school that is celebrating it’s 100 year anniversary. As the Chair, I have initiated a strategic planning program that will lead the school into it’s next century.
Lynne Tatum Little Christchurch School, Board of Governors Junior League of Charlotte, Sustainer member
I encourage you to consider Christchurch School, one of the best college-prep schools in America. Our son is a 2014 graduate and I can’t say enough wonderful things about the curriculum and the experiences.”
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte, NC 28209
704.375.5993 info@jlcharlotte.org jlcharlotte.org
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE
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