The CRIER Winter 2020

Winter 2020

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE

Why She Does it All

PROMOTING WOMEN

IN BUSINESS Recognized repeatedly by Working Mother magazine as one of the “Best Law Firms for Women,�

McGuireWoods empowers our women attorneys to achieve personal goals and professional excellence.

We offer career training and mentoring through our Women Lawyers Network, as well as work-life balance initiatives to sustain career-long success.

We proudly support the The Junior League of Charlotte.

JODIE HERRMANN LAWSON, PARTNER

STEPHANIE BRIGGS EVANS, PARTNER

+1 704 343 2329 | jlawson@mcguirewoods.com

+1 704 343 2249 | sbriggsevans@mcguirewoods.com

Jodie is a versatile civil litigator who has tried cases in federal and state court and before the American Arbitration Association in matters involving business disputes, breaches of contract, financial services litigation, and other complex civil matters.

Stephanie has substantial experience with domestic and international capital markets transactions, securities offerings, corporate transactions, corporate governance and general corporate counseling.

201 North Tryon Street | Suite 3000 | Charlotte, NC 28202-2146

1,100 lawyers | 23 offices | www.mcguirewoods.com

Winter 2020

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE

Why She Does it All Letter from the President

5

Who We Are: JLC by the Numbers

6

You Give & You Get

8

Why She Does it All

10

Lights Camera Fashion!

13

A Conversation with Aimee Greeter

16

Leaguers Who Train Together

19

Making a Sustainable Impact at Reid Park Academy

20

JLC Volunteers

Math

23

2019 Annual Report

24

The Winter 2019-2020 Edition is brought to you by: Candace Williams

Tammy Standard

Christopher Koumbas

Terri White

Jakyia Lowe

Tramayne Osborne

Morgan McDonald

Ty Chandler

Shellisa Multrie

Photography Committee

THE ASSOCIATION OF

JUNIOR LEAGUES INTERNATIONAL, INC. Women building better communities®

Thank you to Nothing Bundt Cakes for supporting The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.

4

Letter from

the President

In my family, the “holidays” start a few days before Thanksgiving and run through January 8. Our holiday season includes Thanksgiving prep for 30+ family members, Thanksgiving Day traditions from sun-up to sun-down, Christmas programs at school, parties, school break, travel to see family, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day traditions, New Year’s Eve celebrations, New Year’s Day relaxation, my daughter’s birthday (January 6), and my birthday (January 8). By the time January 9 rolls around, the Magees are spent – literally and figuratively. At the same time, we are filled with memories, gratitude for our blessings, and love for each other. Despite a 7-week period of chaos, I would not change a thing. Each of the things we “get” to celebrate also “gives” back to us in bountiful tangible – and intangible – ways.

Voluntarism can feel similar. We give in multiple ways, oftentimes to multiple causes. Whether it’s spending our time serving others, using our talents to lead, donating our treasures to provide financial support, or sharing our ties to expand the reach of an organization’s mission, it’s important to remember the “why” we give as we also reflect on what we receive in return.

When I joined the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) in 2008, I sought to be more engaged in my community and increase my network beyond people I already knew. Now, more than a decade later, I realize I have received much more than I anticipated. Yes, I have learned about the needs of Charlotte and how, for 94 years, the JLC has been the catalyst to solving many problems in our community. But I have also had opportunities to develop professional skills, lead large teams of dedicated volunteers, and expand my “us” to include friendships with a diverse group of women with a shared passion to make Charlotte a better place for all to live.

My bonus “return on investment” comes in my two daughters having visible examples of exemplary women committed to improving themselves and our community. To hear my girls talk about JLC women as if each member was a local celebrity reminds me that the next generation is watching. We are not just improving our community, but – together – we are also inspiring our community.

This edition of The CRIER highlights what JLC members give to our community, what they get in return, and why they are committed to voluntarism and the JLC mission. I invite you to learn more and, if you are not already engaged as a member or partner, consider the ways you can join us. Whether you make an investment of time, talents, treasures, or all of the above, I am confident you will receive a return on investment in bountiful tangible – and intangible – ways.

With Gratitude,

Tricia Magee Tricia Magee

5

6

7

In many nonprofit organizations, members join to selflessly give back to their community with little to no expectation of receiving anything in return. What makes the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) different is the alignment of what members give with what they get.

Throughout its 94-year history, the JLC has been dedicated to investing in each, individual member not only as volunteers, but as leaders within the community. It is through this exchange of giving and getting that makes the JLC one-of-a-kind organization. The women of the JLC not only give back to the community, but they get a great deal in return.

The women of the JLC give a lot, for example…

• • • • • • •

They give their time to fostering the JLC mission through organizational placements and the community partners They give their passion to projects and initiatives critical to the development of young children in the community They give vaccinations to children to make sure they can go to school They give meals to families who do not otherwise have the means to put food on the table They give clothes to newborn children of underprivileged mothers in need They give Charlotte students the opportunity to grow and develop with digital education programs They give confidence and support to less fortunate parents and children

It’s easy to see what they give, but it may not be as obvious to see what they get. Through the dedicated investment that the JLC provides each woman, members get just as much as they give.

So what are a few things that members get?

• They get leadership training coordinated by a dedicated team of members who host programs, such as the Leadership Development Institute • They get specialized education and development geared towards bolstering their personal and professional skills • They get opportunities to lead other women and drive change throughout the Charlotte community • They get connected to additional areas and organizations where they can best leverage their expertise and strengths to further value the community through programs such as Get On Board and Public Policy Institute • They get life-long friendships and support from like-minded women, with the added ability to mentor or be mentored “Community volunteerism” does not traditionally go hand-in-hand with “female empowerment”, “leadership development”, or “professional training”, but the JLC isn’t quite a traditional organization. At the JLC, they give and they get.

8

Sholeh Kornegay I give time and leadership skills to the JLC. I get the opportunity to serve the Charlottearea community in multiple ways from the JLC.

Becca Walters I give my time and ideas to the JLC. I get leadership skills from the JLC.

Brandi Edwards What I have received: There have been life lessons around professionalism and how to navigate challenging situations, organizational lessons around the work we do and how it continues to evolve to meet the needs of this ever-changing community, friendship lessons in learning how to ask for help amidst the sometimes challenging workload that the JLC can create and just how many people are willing to support you.

What I have given: The JLC has given me an opportunity to impart some of the things that I love doing the most- I truly enjoy coordinating and facilitating programs, events and trainings. I was a provisional adviser, tapping my interest in developing people. I love the opportunity to be creative.

Meredith Cook

Morgan Squatriglia McDonald

The JLC has helped me create connections with the community and organizations whose missions are aligned with causes I care about. I love meeting new people and enjoy giving my time, talents and treasures with like-minded women. I have met my closest friends in Charlotte through the JCL and glad we connected through the JLC.

I have given my time and leveraged my strengths for the greater good of the Charlotte community I have received leadership training and friendships with incredible women who share the same passion for service and community betterment as I do.

Charlotte Stanton What I have given: What a joy it has been to lock arms with these women and give our time to volunteering.

Whether I am stuffing backpacks, gathering donations, or setting up for a mobile food pantry, I know an impact is made on our community.

What I have received: When I joined the JLC, I had no idea the magnitude of sisterly bond and incredible feeling of warmth from giving back. The impact these women make on our community is stupendous and I continue to be blown away year after year!

Mallory Moyer I give my leadership and tech skills to the JLC. I get personal enrichment and mentor/ mentee opportunities from the JLC.

Jane McIntyre We get lifetime friendships.....We get and develop leadership skills..... We learn our community, especially the nonprofit sector...

Charlitta Hatch I have given my time and energy towards something greater than I could ever imagine.

I have learned how to advocate in the JLC. The advocacy shows up in advocating for others within and outside of the Junior League. I have learned how to turn my advocacy into action to truly broaden impact. Most importantly, I have learned how to advocate for myself in many settings.

9

Why She Does It All

By Ty Chandler

A devoted wife, dedicated mother, and high-powered career woman that still finds time to volunteer in her community. Oh, and she never has a hair out of place, her five-inch heels don’t squeeze her pinky toe and she’s not exhausted by the load of responsibilities that hang over her shoulders. The cultural obsession with how women can do it all and look great while doing it is so prevalent that it shows up in films. Sarah Jessica Parker covered it in her 2011 movie, I Don’t Know How She Does It. In reality, many women do it all, but they find the balancing act can make it almost impossible to give 100 percent to everything all the time.

There’s been so much focus on how to be this superwoman that makes doing everything look easy. But it’s not really about the How, it’s the Why. The Why is what pushes us through when it seems like we have signed on for too

much. The goal is not perfection, but balancing priorities by consistently reconnecting to your purpose. What are your goals and values?

The women of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) make a commitment to voluntarism knowing that their work for the greater Charlotte community comes in addition to their professional and personal obligations. JLC members spend an estimated 8,800 hours volunteering annually. That adds up to 367 days. Keep in mind, JLC members are mothers, wives, caretakers, friends and confidantes. They are also engineers, doctors, lawyers, executives, entrepreneurs and educators. They create, strategize, problem solve and lead.

Volunteering and service extends beyond the JLC, with many members involved in other community groups and organizations. Why do JLC women do it all? Below a JLC member shares her personal story and motivation.

My Story of Why

by Candace Williams

During our first staff meeting for The CRIER as we were getting to know one another and talking about the direction of the magazine, I shared the various things I am juggling.

I am a wife of 23 years, the mother of four children ages 21, 19, 17 and 15, a full time healthcare administrator, high school PTO president at Lake Norman Charter, chaplain of the Charlotte Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, co-chair of the Women’s Business Resource Group and co-chair of the engagement committee of the Black/African-American Business Resource Group at my workplace, chair of the scholarship committee chair for the Greater Charlotte Healthcare Executives Group, and sales committee member of the Playing for Others board. I am in my fifth year with the JLC having served two years with Training and Development, one year as a membership advisor, and now on the staff of The CRIER. In addition, I completed Get on Board (a JLC training program for those looking to develop the skills

necessary to serve on a board of directors) and am currently serving as an intern on the Sugar Creek Charter board with hopes of it turning into a board position.

But why do I do it all? How do I balance it? I know my faith and my family support system are key, but I wanted to offer more to those reading this. To do that, I had to take a deeper dive and do some real self reflection to understand the “why” I do it that leads to the “how” I do it. My husband and my children are my reasons.

They are my priority. In this I know I am not alone. Over the years, I’ve chosen to serve in organizations that directly

“We all have full plates and are juggling competing priorities. My hope, my prayer, is that rather than judge one another, we as women champion and support one another as we are all on our own journey to get it done.”

Candace Williams 10

“The Junior League allows me to build a network of cheerleaders who not only support my success, but also inspire it through their own lives, action and commitments. I do all that I do to initiate and lay the foundation for change in my family and our communities.”

Marshae Smith impact our children. I sought out opportunities for them that I believed would help them grow into compassionate and caring people. With our children now young adults and teenagers, I am in a place where I am engaging more in things that feed my own desire to grow personally and professionally.

Since joining the JLC, I’ve chosen internal placements (focusing on the daily running of the League) because I want to see other women grow in those same ways and love being a part of lifting up other women. I also realized that in many ways I am fueled by my own insecurities. The need to prove my value, to prove my worth. I am plagued by the imposter syndrome: are they going to find me out? While at the same time, I want to give back to the community, particularly in ways that impact children, not just my own. I want to see women rise to the top and live out their personal and professional goals.

It is important to me that I not only do a lot, but do it with excellence. I find myself questioning whether or not I’m doing too much and at the same wondering if I’m doing enough.

Are my children and husband getting enough of me? Have I spent too much time trying to do things that will help them grow into amazing people and not enough time pouring life messages directly into them?

I’ve learned that I can’t give 100% to everything all the time. There are times when I’m all in with the JLC, like right now, as deadlines for The CRIER quickly approach and I have articles to write. At other times, I’m all in for my role as PTO president and will look out months ahead and inundate my fellow PTO presidents with emails when I find the time. And at other times, I may be all in for the women’s BRG, like when we were planning on bringing in a few speakers to present our accomplishments and goals in front of our president & CEO and our EVP & Chief Diversity & Inclusion officer. It is during those times that I am giving of myself primarily to one organization that I have learned to lean on others for support and delegate where I can. I also do a lot of planning and looking ahead. I constantly try new ways to organize all of the moving pieces and to ensure I don’t miss any details and I embrace technology as a tool.

It also is in those moments where I question whether I am doing too much and where I question what would I stop doing. And the truth is, I don’t know. I think it’s all valuable.

It’s all important to me for one reason or another. If anything, I fight the desire to add more to my list. But then I remember that I committed myself to make sure that anything I add provides true value to myself and those I serve. I make sure to count the cost. We all have full plates and are juggling competing priorities. My hope, my prayer, is that rather than judge one another, we as women champion and support one another as we are all on our own journey to get it done.

When all is said and done, I want to know my husband and kids feel loved and supported, grow personally and professionally, and make a positive impact in my community. Will I always get it right? No. Will I make mistakes? Yes, but I will always give it my best and trust that my best is enough.

“I love being really busy. I’m taking a real estate class now.... I did slow down a few months ago, now I’m taking a real estate course. I don’t like being slow...No breaks, full blast, even at 61.”

Lisa Tomilinson 11

YOUR AD HERE WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE CRIER? CONTACT ELIZABETH DEVITT THE CRIER ADVERTISING & SALES COORDINATOR ELIZABETHADEVITT@GMAIL.COM

12

Lights Camera Fashion 2019

by Terri L. White

The 9th Annual Lights Camera Fashion (LCF) fundraiser took over SouthPark Mall on Sunday, October 20 to much fanfare and celebration. Each year the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) hosts this event to raise money and increase awareness of the charitable work the JLC does in the Greater Charlotte area. Chair Victoria Olszowy and Vice-Chair Sara Gosse worked diligently with their committee members to create a great LCF experience for attendees, “We had such a strong committee this year,” said Olszowy. “Every woman brought a different skill set to the mix. They were really able to execute seamlessly many moving pieces, such as donations, internal and external communications, and logistics. In reality, putting on an event like this took a year to plan, and it’s almost like planning a wedding. We really were pleased with the outcome of the event, and luckily we didn’t run into too many issues,” she explained.

The spirit of fashion and fellowship was present and felt among all attendees. People of all backgrounds wore their favorite clothes and accessories, reflecting the myriad of styles and cultures represented by JLC membership and the communities we serve.

“Enjoying my first Lights, Camera, Fashion with my girls,” said JLC Provisional member, Alison Chandler.

LCF attendees were able to enjoy cheese, wine, desserts, and other small plates arranged around the runway in the South Park Mall’s luxury section. Additionally, a variety of retailers offered shopping discounts and gifts with purchases for all ticket holders.

13

“Treating ourselves to 40% off at J. Crew after volunteering at Lights Camera Fashion,” said beammed JLC Active member Britton Dowdy.

An online silent auction preceded the event. Supporters began bidding on items the day before Lights Camera Fashion. People could bid on items like Panthers tickets, a Yeti cooler, jewelry, cooking classes and much more!

Bidding closed the night of the fashion show as people anxiously tried to outbid each other at the last minute.

Raffle tickets for jewelry were sold before the show began. Everyone who bought a raffle ticket received a blinky ring that lit up to add to the fun of the event.

The winner of the raffle received beautiful diamond earrings. VIP ticket holders enjoyed front row seats, as JLC leaders put on their best Naomi Campbell walk in fashions selected by SouthPark retailers, including Athleta, Ann Taylor, Dillard’s and more.

“We are thrilled once again, to be partnering with SouthPark Mall! They are amazing and we couldn’t execute this event without their help,” Olszowy declared.

“Sara and I really took last year’s survey feedback to heart, and we hope everyone appreciated the changes we made to the event this year,” she continued.

Reflecting on why this event is so special and important, Olszowy stated, “Sara and I recognize what the JLC means to the community...we both love fashion and philanthropy, so being able to marry two passions of ours was one of the main reasons we decided to take on leadership of this event.”

Lights Camera Fashion is one of the JLC’s largest events, raising as much as $30,000 some years to support community partners. If you didn’t attend this year, you missed out on a great event with food, fashion, and fun for a purpose! The next Lights Camera Fashion will take place in fall of 2020. Keep up to date with JLC communications for announcements on a date.

Thank you to all of our sponsors that helped make Lights, Camera, Fashion! such a success!

•●Alex and Ani •●Athleta •●Aveda •●Bar Method •●Belk •●Brighton •●Brownlee Jewelers •●Burberry •●Burn Boot Camp •●Carolina Panthers •●Charlotte Youth Ballet •●Club Fetch •●Cyclebar •●DJ America •●Eleanor Kath Photography •●Fabletics •●Gap •●Get Minimized •●J. Crew •●Jack Rogers •●Johnny Was •●Kate Spade •●Kendra Scott •●L’occitane •●Madewell

•●Medi Spa •●Michael Kors •●Mignonne Gavigan •●Moon and Lola •●Orangetheory •●Penny Preville •●Reebok Crossfit Uptown •●Reid’s Fine Food •●Restore Hyper Wellness & Cyrotherapy •●Salud!

•●Scott Brown Media Group •●Scoop Charlotte •●SouthPark Mall •●Suzanne Libfraind •●The Poppy Shop •●TopGolf •●Toska Spa •●Total Wine •●Treehouse Vineyards •●Trina Turk •●Twine and Twig •●UnTuckit •●Vera Bradley •●Yoga One 15

A Conversation with Aimee Greeter

by Jaykia Lowe

Meet Aimee Greeter, a Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) Sustainer and Senior Vice President at Coker Group, a national healthcare advisory firm. Aimee credits her mother for instilling a spirit of unceasing determination, which made her believe she could take on the world. She also helped Aimee foster a love for cold pizza for breakfast and drinking Crystal Lite lemonade. As an author to numerous articles and books, she is often interviewed in healthcare industry publications. Portions of this interview were originally published on the JLC Link Blog in August 2019.

Tell us about yourself I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And before you ask, like most people from Wisconsin, I am indeed a huge Green Bay Packers fan. In fact, when the Packers opened up additional shares for purchase a few years ago, I begged my husband, who cheers for the Packers’ biggest rival team, to buy me one share as a Christmas present. I now like to brag that I am an NFL owner - You know, David Tepper [Carolina Panthers owner]and I are basically peers-hahaha!

In Jessica Andrews’ song, Who I Am, there is one lyric that has always stood out to me, “and when the day is done, my momma’s still my biggest fan.” I have felt this acutely my entire life. I am so incredibly fortunate to have a mother who has been my champion since day one. She gave me the confidence to set big goals, to try hard things, and to never let minor setbacks stop me from achieving my dreams. When I think of the person who has had the biggest impact on my life, it is definitely my sweet momma! I have two older sisters who have been my role models, my inspirations and my sounding boards for my entire life. I am incredibly grateful for the example they set for me, first on what it looked like to be a kind sister, a great friend and a loving daughter, and now as we’ve gotten older, what it looks like to be an awesome mom. I would be lost without them.

I did my undergrad at Michigan State, and then my Masters at Emory. Fun fact, I almost didn’t choose Emory for grad school solely because they didn’t have a football team. After four years at a Big 10 school, spending every Saturday in fall being obsessed with football, I couldn’t imagine not having a local collegiate football team to cheer for. I’m so glad I did, though, both because my Emory education was top-notch and because my roommate at Emory quickly became one of my best friends, and I can’t imagine my life now without her in it.

16

I’ve been in Charlotte for the last 15 years, where does the time go? I came to Charlotte as part of the Teach for America program.

I taught sixth-eighth grade special education at Sedgefield Middle School. I will never forget the fear I had walking into a classroom with 12 special needs seventh-grade boys (I had an all-boy class that year) on my first day! It was a humbling experience, to say the least, to work with my students and I will forever be grateful for it.

How has Junior League helped you develop your potential?

I joined the Junior League in Atlanta while I was in grad school as a way to better connect to the community, make new friends and fill a significant desire I had to contribute philanthropically.

I definitely did not appreciate the value of the organization when I first joined. Over the years, the Junior League has met all my initial goals, and done so much more. In fact, it is because of the League that I was first appointed as a Board member to a local nonprofit. That began a new way for me to serve the community, and without my League experiences and connections that supported me in being selected for that Board seat, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to continue to seek Board seats. Currently, women represent only 22 percent of seats on Fortune 1000 corporate boards. I believe organizations such as the League are well positioned to empower and support women as we work to change that, and I know from my firsthand experience that with the League’s support, it is possible!

What is your favorite childhood memory?

My family has huge celebrations for “Golden Birthdays,” which happen the year you turn the age of the day of your birth. For example, my birthday is August 6, so my Golden Birthday was when I turned 6 years old. I’ll never forget that my aunt gave me a new bike for my birthday that year. It was a gray and pink

Huffy with sparkly metallic pink streamers on the handles, and I thought it was the most beautiful piece of sporting equipment ever made. I rode it up and down our street all day and night, waving to my aunt who was watching me from our front porch.

Best day ever!!

What motivates you to work hard?

This has changed throughout my life. When I was small, it was to make my parents proud. As I got older, I realized that I worked hard because it made me proud. These days, I am motivated to work hard because I realize my children are always watching what I do, and I want to set an example for them that working hard is often necessary, but that is can also be enjoyable and yield positive results. In so many ways, my children have helped me become a truly better version of myself.

If you could choose anything to do for a day, what would it be and why?

Stay home, play with my kids, and enjoy a family dinner on our patio. I travel often for work, so getting a day to just hang out at home, with no real plans, with my husband and two children sounds ideal to me!

What is your proudest accomplishment?

As I mentioned previously, my mom has had a massive influence on the person I am today. Recently, my own daughter was working on learning how to write uppercase letters, and when I asked her about her progress, she cheerfully replied, “You told me I could do it, so I believed I could do it, and now I am doing it!” I am so proud to carry on my mother’s legacy of raising strong, self-confident girls. The world would be a better place if all children grew up believing they can do anything, and then went on to do it!

What is your favorite thing about your career?

As a healthcare consultant, I have the opportunity to travel across the country and work with many, many hospitals and physician groups. This means that I get to meet new people all the time.

Watching and learning from all different types of people and organizations is definitely the best part about my job.

Who is your hero and why?

Dick Hoyt. He is a father who has completed over 1,000 races (including marathons, duathlons and triathlons), all while pushing his son Rick in a wheelchair. After complications at birth, Rick was diagnosed with quadriplegia and cerebral palsy, but Dick and his wife Judy were determined to provide Rick with the most inclusive and joyous life possible. After their first race, Rick told his father, “Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.” And so began Dick’s quest to compete with Rick as much as he possibly could. Every time I am struggling with a race, I think about Rick and how incredibly lucky I am to even be able to run on my own two feet. I’ve never met any of the Hoyts, but I would love to someday, so I could personally share how much their story has meant to me. Dick’s dedication to his son, and to their races, is absolutely heroic in my mind.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I have an interest in continuing to develop my presence on nonprofit and for-profit corporate Boards. I intend to work hard and continue to develop my professional and personal expertise over the next few years such that I would be of value to an organization as they set their strategic direction, address market forces and maintain fiscal accountability.

If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?

When I was a senior in college, I went for my very first job interview. I didn’t wear a suit, or bring a copy of my resume, or even know that much about the company. I assumed, the way so many 21-year olds do, that my intelligence and education would be enough to land the job. Ha! Little did I know. I bombed the interview and absolutely did not get the job. It did, however, teach me the value of preparation, and being more diligent in my professional pursuits, which has served me well in subsequent years, so there is definitely a silver lining to the experience.

What are your hobbies?

I am a certified beekeeper and getting to work in the hives is a passion of mine! I’ll never forget the look on my husband’s face the first time he watched me reach into one of our hives, swarming with 40,000+ bees, not wearing any gloves. While I still occasionally get stung,and it’s usually my fault, not the bees, it hurts a lot less these days as my body has gotten used to it and I barely notice it anymore. Watching them work is so interesting.

I have been a long-distance runner for what feels like my entire life. My older sisters were both runners and during their summer training camps, I would stand on the sidelines with a stopwatch and clipboard and record their intervals. It got me hooked on running, and even though I am a lot slower today than I was when I started running, I still enjoy it just as much.

How do you think your friends would describe you?

My friends know all the good and bad parts about me, so who knows what they would say?! Hahahaha. But, a friend once told me that the thing she liked most about me is that I love with my whole heart. I continue to think of that as one of the best compliments I have ever received! I can only hope all of my friends would describe me as someone who loves others completely.

What is one thing you will never do again and why?

During one spring break vacation, my family and I went on a glass bottom boat in the Bahamas. I went below the deck to a small, dark observation area where I could look down and watch the water, sand and sea life as it passed underneath my feet. Only, I hadn’t realized that for me, darkness + dampness + enclosed spaces + boat motion = seasickness! I felt horrible for the remainder of the boat ride, and I promised myself I would never repeat that experience as long as I could avoid it.

17

Leaguers Who Train Together

By Ty Chandler “Training Tuesdays” are dedicated nights each month to give Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) members opportunities to learn more about the community and themselves. “You can expect a healthy mix of personal development and professional development. So finding ways to experience how to be a free thinker, how to be authentic,” said Brandi Edwards, Training Tuesdays Committee Chair.

This fall, Training Tuesdays kicked off with a Charlotte trivia night.

Teams competed to see who knew the most about the Queen City.

“I thought it was really fun, I really liked learning about Charlotte and making some new friends,” said JLC Provisional member Holly Zadoda. Unfortunately for Zadoda, her team did not win and missed out on a chance to take home the 704 themed swag.

“We blew it the second round,” she laughed. “ But we did well as a team, so that was the most fun part,” Zadoda continued.

Committee members say it is important for League members to learn about the community they serve. “One of our first steps was to think about all of the folks in the JLC who are not necessarily Charlotteans and really give them an opportunity to explore what Charlotte has to offer, as well as how they can leverage their membership in the Junior League to contribute positively and impact the city of Charlotte,” Edwards explained.

Edwards and the Training Tuesdays Committee continued with this theme by hosting a Community/Civic Engagement training in October, teaching members about issues impacting the Charlotte area such as food deserts, homelessness and affordable housing.

The Training Tuesdays Committee also partnered with the Urban Ministries of Durham for a financial hardship simulation.

The interactive experience challenged members to walk in the shoes of those forced to make tough financial decisions. These types of exercises are essential to the JLC mission to improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Take a look below to see how the Training Tuesdays Committee will continue to support the JLC mission, as well as empower the women of the JLC as 2020 begins: Mind/Body/Soul (February 2020) - People often speak about the “mind/body/soul” connection. This workshop will explain their interconnectedness and include a wellness fair.

Poverty Simulation (March 2020) - The poverty simulation is an invaluable experience that will impact your perspectives, and teaches advocacy from a place of knowledge as well as compassion. It will help JLC members to understand the demographic served by this organization.

Authenticity (April 2020) - Exercises will be employed with concrete examples to provide participants with a tool box of expanded knowledge and readiness to lead effectively and authentically.

Diversity and Inclusion (May 2020) - Building on the JLC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the concept will be examined as a business imperative. Asking the questions, what is the impact of not being inclusive and how is inclusion fostered in work/personal experiences?

19

Making a Sustainable Impact at Reid Park Academy

by Ty Chandler

Barb Pellin’s attempts at retirement just never seem to work out.

She always finds more to do or maybe it’s the work that finds her.

“Oh gosh, I retired twice,” she laughed.

In 2010, Pellin decided it was time to end her tenure as Assistant Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), but the break would be brief. “I was approached by the County,” Pellin recalled.

Less than a year into her retirement, the Mecklenburg County Manager and CMS Superintendent asked Pellin to head up a special project that would work with students and their families at Reid Park Academy in West Charlotte. The assignment was a good fit for Pellin. She started her career as a school nurse, eventually becoming the Program Director for the Parent, Adolescent and Child Health Division of the Mecklenburg County Health Department. As an Assistant Superintendent for CMS, she oversaw support services, which included partnerships, family interventions and violence prevention. “In my career, being able to bring those two entities which is you know education and health and human services together. I’ve been very blessed to be able to do that,” she declared.

That combination had a big impact on her approach at Reid Park, where 98 percent of students are eligible for free lunch. She performed extensive research to build the program’s framework, which included visits to the Harlem Children’s Zone and a program in Cincinnati. “What I learned through all that research was that family case management is critical. I think before we had focused on just case management for children, which was okay, but unless you focus on the family as such, they’re not going to get the sustained outcomes that you really need,” she explained.

Pellin knew this program would need help from several community partners. As a Sustainer herself, she found great pride

20

when the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) stepped forward with financial and volunteer support. Reid Park Academy became the JLC’s Cornerstone Project from 2013 to 2018 with $300,000 provided in funding and $500,000 donated in volunteer time.

“The funding provided a project manager, a volunteer coordinator and a piece of the evaluation component,” she said.

When the League’s investment was fulfilled, Pelin knew the program was off to a good start and needed to continue. “We understood from the beginning that the Cornerstone Project was a very defined timeline,” she continued. Mecklenburg County has filled some of those funding gaps and the Reid Park Academy program marches on. She says the JLC’s five year investment had a huge impact, but the results in that time period may not have occurred at the rate that everyone had hoped.

“Research tells you that it takes at least fifteen years to really begin to see any very specific outcomes,” Pellin explained. “So that’s been one of the challenges I think in working with the program, whenever you have a lot of changes you have a lot of challenges, but we survived which is the good news,” she continued.

Even with having to adapt to multiple changes, Pellin says over the last seven years, Reid Park families are starting to do a lot more than just survive. “Our families are certainly more stable,” she said. Pellin says her team’s collective impact approach has tackled issues such as evictions and substance abuse that affect the child and family as a whole.

“What we’ve learned is that most, if not all families have a lot of strength,” she said. “And I think one of those cornerstones in the system of care, in the process we’re using is to call upon the strengths of families and actually work with them. So rather than moving out of the area because there was a high mobility rate,

we see families now choosing to stay within that area. For us, that was a win because, if you can keep families a stable unit, in a geographic area, you have a better chance to work with them and to continue the work that you’re doing...these were our goals from the beginning,” Pellin declared. She says family employment rates have improved, student attendance is up and the number of suspensions have gone down.

Mecklenburg County is rolling out Community Resource Centers countywide modeled after these efforts.

Asked why she still does this at 82 years old, Pellin says, “I guess it’s my love for my family. So often we think that some children can’t succeed, but I’ve learned through my years that every child can succeed. It’s just what you give them to work with and families are the same. I mean, you know people say, oh those families they don’t care. I’ve never met a family that really didn’t care. I met a lot of families who didn’t understand the school system or understand the system out here they have to work with.”

“I guess that’s why I’m so proud of the League because the JLC took a leap in becoming involved in this and I’m grateful they’re still invested in the school community,” Pellin concluded. This past November, thanks to Pellin’s assistance, the JLC’s Service Saturday Task Force partnered with the school and others to provide a full Thanksgiving meal to seventy-five Reid Park families.

21

Candace L. Thompson MBA, RealtorÂŽ, Licensed NC/SC

704-778-0779 Candace.Thompson@CBCarolinas.com www.CLTRealtyGroup.net CLTRealtyGroup

3440 Toringdon Way Ste 110 Charlotte, NC 28277

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

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

22

Thanks to our partner, Main Street Books Davidson, for support of The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.

JLC Volunteers

Math

by Shellisa Multrie

Giving students a strong foundation in math is the goal of Heart Math Tutoring. The program launched in 2013, serving Charlotte students in first-fifth grade who are performing two to three years below grade level in math. The Junior of League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) found a natural partner with Hearth Math. The JLC’s School Ready Initiative focuses on educational needs of children from the communities Hearth Math serves.

they receive each week and it is amazing to see how much they grow over the school year!”

“The JLC has supported Heart Math through generous funding and volunteers, annually sponsoring 1015 tutors,” said Holly Rodden, Grants Manager and Program Director of Heart Math Tutoring.

Through weekly interactions, volunteers build relationships with students centered around academic success.

Students participate with tutors, including JLC members, a few times a week using a guided curriculum for practice. Volunteers commit to 30 minutes or one hour to help students practice a variety of math skills. Students may receive small incentives like stickers for progressing through the math modules. The member volunteer base is the heartbeat of Heart Math.

When asked what she loves about volunteering here, JLC member and Heart Math Tutoring Vice Chair, Lucy Blough says, “Heart Math Tutoring is such a rewarding experience seeing the positive impact we have helping the students improve their math skills as well as their overall confidence. Our students we tutor are always SO excited for the one on one time

“In the past six years, Heart Math Tutoring has grown from two to 23 school sites, of which 10 are located in JLC priority zip code areas,” Rodden explains. “This important work translates to math skills, confidence, and long-term success for Charlotte students,” she continued.

“Part of my role at Heart Math is to be the link between the organization and the schools and communities we serve,” said Gia Page, Heart Math Tutoring Program Coordinator, Statesville Road Elementary School. “Each day that I work towards this mission, I am living my passion and my vision that all students will have equitable access to an education that will help them build and sustain the life which they desire,” she continued.

Heart Math Tutoring shares the JLC’s commitment to improving the community through the work of volunteers. It was designed based on the belief that volunteers can positively influence the trajectory of student academic success, if given the necessary tools and resources.

23

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC)

2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Who We Are The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is an organization of 1,700 Charlotte-area women. We are a diverse group welcoming all women who support our mission. In addition, League members serve on numerous boards and coalitions throughout the region, as well as lead a variety of business, civic and nonprofit organizations.

The JLC is a member of The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI), which is comprised of 292 Leagues throughout the U.S., 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 JLC members may be classified into three distinct categories throughout their tenure: Provisional – First year of membership in the League.

Provisionals are focused on gaining exposure to and a greater understanding of the League’s community involvement, partners, and fundraising.

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

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), the Mentor Program, and the Public Policy Institute (PPI). Additional monthly workshops, Training Tuesdays, focus on a variety of professional, leadership, health and personal growth topics.

Advocacy Since 1926, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) has been committed to advocating for the issues and causes of importance to our 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 policy-makers on issues facing the communities we serve. Our advocacy efforts fall into the following categories: – Draft policy recommendations – Act as JLC liaisons with city, state and federal legislators – Host voter registration drives and Meet the Candidate events Community Projects & Placements • Alexander Youth Network • Allegro Foundation • Baby Bundles • Big Shot Saturdays • Charlotte Speech & Hearing Center • Center for Community Transitions • Digibridge • Done In A Day • Give Kids A Smile • Heart Math Tutoring • Kids in the Kitchen • Project 658 • Promising Pages • Second Harvest Food Bank Total Training & Community Dollars Allocated Estimated Volunteer Hours

$73,509 32,000

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.

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

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

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 leaders, and improving communities. Thank you to our individual and corporate donors who have allowed us to increase our impact in this community. We are grateful for the generosity of all who support the Junior League of Charlotte.

24

JLC Board of Directors 2018-2019 President

Alicia Morris Rudd

President-Elect

Tricia Magee

Executive Vice-President

Ashley Soublet

Chief Financial Officer

Krystal Owens

Nominating Chair

Kellie Lofton

Sustaining Advisor to President

Katrina Ford

Board of Director Secretary

Jacquie Baker

Board of Director Members at Large:

Nantasha Chryst

2018-2019 Annual Report Financials: To view our complete 2018-2019 audited financial statements, please visit www.jlcharlotte.org Revenue 5%

2%

8%

Sherri Belfield Joy Patterson Jamie Mills

19%

Jane Grosse

66%

Destiny Jenkins Kelly-Ann Fasano Toya Allen Elizabeth-Ann Wieber

Membership Dues and Fees

Contribu ons

Ashley Soublet

Executive Vice-President-Elect

Beth Bechhold

President-Elect

Tricia Magee

Nominating Vice-Chair

Emily Reichs

Human Resources Council Manager

Monique Perry

Community Impact Council Manager

Monica Holmes

Assistant Manager

Rhonda Blasingame

Communications Council Manager

Claire Magee

Assistant Manager

Maeghan Beam

Education & Training Council Manager

Julie Brown

Assistant Manager

Whitney Hill

Fund Development Council Manager

Helen King

Assistant Manager

Brittany Wright

VP of Finance

Jillian Ingram

Risk Manager

Neddra Vallesky

Sustaining Advisor to EVP

Lisa Tomlinson

In-Kind

Other Revenue

Expenses

JLC Management Team 2018-2019 Executive Vice-President

Investment Income

15%

26%

Program

59%

Management and General

Fundraising

Total Revenues and Support, Net $574,086 Net Assets End of Year - $1,384,149

These numbers reflect the 2018-2019 audited financial statements of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. which comprise the financial position as of 5/31/2019 and the related statements of activities, functional expenses and cash flows for the year. The JLC’s financial statements were prepared using the accrual basis of accounting. All significant receivables, payables, and other liabilities are reflected. The JLC is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

25

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

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

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

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

To discuss potential involvement, please contact Joanna Bess, Corporate Partner Stewardship Chair, through the JLC office at (704) 375-5993 or office@jlcharlotte.org 26

27

1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte, NC 28209

704.375.5993 info@jlcharlotte.org jlcharlotte.org

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE

ADVERTISING OPTIONS FULL PAGE WITH A SPECIAL PLACEMENT 8 1/2” X 11” SINGLE EDITION $500 | FULL YEAR $750 FULL PAGE 8 1/2” X 11” SINGLE EDITION $375 | FULL YEAR $560 1/2 PAGE (HORIZONTAL) 7.75” x 4.875” or (VERTICAL) 3.75” x 10” SINGLE EDITION $175 | FULL YEAR $260 1/4 PAGE 3.75” x 4.875” SINGLE EDITION $100 | FULL YEAR $150 1/8 PAGE 3.75” x 2.375” SINGLE EDITION $50 | FULL YEAR $75 CONTACT THE CRIER ADVERTISING & SALES COORDINATOR ELIZABETH DEVITT | ELIZABETHADEVITT@GMAIL.COM