Perspectives Magazine - 2025-26

Perspectives MAGAZINE OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CINCINNATI

2025-2026

Contents

2025-2026 LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IN THIS ISSUE

3. Message from the President 4. Mahjong for All

5. Alpine Elegance: A Night at the Lodge 6. Cheers to 15 Years: Tour of Kitchens 8. An Afternoon with Elizabeth Smart 10. Serving with Heart: CandO in Action 11. History of the Columbia Center 12. Around the League

Katie Dulle Rebecca Bryson Sam Zehnder Sarah Houseman Erica Burns J.J. Wales Kelly Barber Erika Lundstedt Sarah Clark Erica Bock Meredith Comin Saralou Durham Danya Karram Tara Mosley Dionn Tron

President President-Elect Secretary Legal Advisor Treasurer Presidential Advisor Immediate Past President Nominating Chair DEI&B Chair Strategic Planning Director Member At-Large Member At-Large Member At-Large Member At-Large Member At-Large

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM

14. Sustainers Do Have More Fun

Mary Taliaferro Katie Ziegler Elizabeth Desrosiers Liz Mason Lauren Krebs Emma Lipscomb Katie Arendt Emily Thobe Lauren Thaman Emily Headley Diavione Williams Madalyn Vershay

16. Growing the League 17. Membership Spotlight 18. Annual Celebration 20. Annual Fund 21. Looking Ahead 22. Membership Milestones

Executive Vice President Executive Vice President-Elect VP Communications VP Community Impact VP Finance VP Fund Development VP Membership VP Training & Development VP Sustainer Council VP Sustainer Council DEI&B Vice Chair Nominating Vice Chair

ON THE COVER Elizabeth Smart (center) Spring Fundraiser Committee members

THANK YOU The Content Committee would like to extend our gratitude to the many women who volunteered their time, knowledge, opinions, and experiences to make this issue possible.

Perspectives, the magazine of the Junior League of Cincinnati, provides insight into the happenings of the League each year.

Past issues can be found online at cincinnati.jl.org/media/perspectives-magazine

The Association of Junior Leagues International is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

For more news and events, follow us on social media.

JLCincinnati

JLCincy

cincinnati.jl.org

3500 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226 | 513.871.9339

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UPCOMING ISSUES The next issue of Perspectives will be published at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 League year.

EDITORIAL STAFF Elizabeth Desrosiers, VP of Communications Mollie Flynn, Managing Editor Ariel Murphy, Assistant Editor Brookelle Wesley, Content Writer Maggie Logan, Content Writer Liz Urso, Content Writer Brooke Evans, Content Writer Additional Contributors: Kelly Blount, Laura Damurjian, Katie Dulle, Jenn Beeson

Message from THE PRESIDENT

DEAR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS,

As I reflect on this year, I keep returning to a quote I recently read by James March: “Leadership is plumbing and poetry.”

At first glance, it feels like an unusual pairing. But the more I sat with it, the more it felt deeply connected to this year in the Junior League of Cincinnati.

When we think about leadership, we naturally focus on what’s visible: the accomplishments, the celebrations, and the impact. And we certainly experienced many of those moments this year. We sold out our 15th Tour of Kitchens, welcomed Elizabeth Smart to Cincinnati for a community conversation, launched a new microgrants program to provide timely support to organizations in our community, exceeded our fundraising goals, and continued to grow the Columbia Center as a vibrant gathering place in our community.

The poetry is often what people remember. But the plumbing, the thoughtful and sometimes invisible work beneath the surface, is what allows meaningful things to endure.

Sometimes leadership looks like mentorship, encouragement, and women stepping confidently into new roles. Sometimes it looks like difficult conversations, evaluating structures, writing policies, and building systems that better support our members and strengthen the organization for the future.

This year, we also spent time looking ahead. We developed a new strategic plan to guide the League’s next chapter and began exploring a return to our nonprofit development roots through the possibility of a Junior League of Cincinnati owned-and-operated community project.

One of the things I love most about the League is that leadership happens at every level. Not just in formal positions, but in the women who continue to show up for one another with grace, flexibility, creativity, and care. And one of the things that makes this organization so unique is the way women work across generations, constantly reaching back to move forward, learning from the women who came before us while creating space for the women who will lead after us.

At the end of the day, this organization is powered by volunteers. Women balancing careers, families, responsibilities, and real life while still choosing to show up and do meaningful work together.

It has been an honor to serve alongside all of you. Thank you for the countless ways you continue to move this organization forward.

And I look forward to all the JLC will continue to build together in the years ahead.

Katie Dulle, JLC President (2025-26) Junior League of Cincinnati | 3

Mahjong for All WHY EVERYONE’S PLAYING MAHJONG (AND WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO)

BY ARIEL MURPHY (CONTENT VICE CHAIR) When I hear or see Mahjong, my brain goes to the scene in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ where Rachel allows her future mother-in-law to win. Watching the scene and strategies unfold captured my attention. Fortunately for the Junior League of Cincinnati, Sarah-Belle Harville introduced us all to Mahjong last year…and we haven’t looked back.

Mahjong as we know it today dates back to China around the mid-1800s. Prior to the game of tiles, cards were used to play and are a longer tradition than the tiles. Today, there are over 40 variations of Mahjong around the world. The U.S. has adopted its own version of the game and depending on where you live, there could be another variation of the game. Mahjong has been passed down from generation to generation and continues to pique people's interest.

Sarah-Belle Harville is a first year active within JLC and recently served as the CoChair for Membership Engagement. Last December, she hosted the first ‘How to Play Mahjong’ session at the Columbia Center. The event instantly had a wait list and was the event of the year. Since then, Sarah-Belle has been able to build her own Mahjong company, host classes and leagues, provide items for silent auctions, and help spread the fun of Mahjong across the city.

I was lucky enough to be a new member with Sarah-Belle and to participate in that first event she hosted. She and I sat down for a quick Q&A. 4 | Summer 2026

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER MAHJONG AND WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING? “I first started playing in 2019, but Mahjong became really popular in Dallas during the pandemic, while I was still living there. Some friends taught my mom, who then taught my sister and I. We spent a lot of time playing during the lockdown.”

A YEAR AGO, YOU TAUGHT A SMALL GROUP OF LADIES AT THE COLUMBIA CENTER. NOW YOU HAVE MULTIPLE LEAGUES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, NUMEROUS TEACHING REQUESTS, AND EVEN TWO PEOPLE ASSISTING YOU. CONSIDERING THIS GROWTH, DID YOU ANTICIPATE MAHJONG’S RAPID EXPANSION IN CINCINNATI? “No! When I first taught the JLC group, the intention was to make friends. I had just moved to Cincinnati and it was my way of meeting people/getting out there, but no one knew how to play. I had absolutely no idea how it would blow up. I love seeing the community it’s created and the opportunities it’s afforded. At the end of the day, the ladies at JLC are the reason any of this has happened and there’s so much more to come!”

FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH MAHJONG, IF YOU WERE TO DESCRIBE THE GAME IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE? “Strategic, stylish and social!”

Celebrating Together ALPINE ELEGANCE: A NIGHT AT THE LODGE

BY ARIEL MURPHY (CONTENT VICE CHAIR) AND LAURA DAMURJIAN (ENGAGEMENT VICE CHAIR) On Friday, January 16th, the Columbia Center underwent a breathtaking transformation. The familiar space was reimagined as a wintery, cozy ski lodge, brimming with warm amber lighting, rustic alpine touches, and an unmistakable festive charm. For one night only, the city felt miles away; as guests stepped into the mountaininspired photo booth—complete with faux snow and snowballs—the illusion was complete.

THE SCENE & THE SOUND The energy of the evening was set by DJ Hannah, whose curated playlist kept the dance floor packed from start to finish. Guests fully committed to the theme, trading their usual evening wear for a stunning display of après-ski apparel. Whether they were showing off their moves on the dance floor or mingling by the "slopes," the spirit of the mountain was alive and well.

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES No lodge experience is complete without gourmet comforts.

Party-goers enjoyed a sophisticated spread of hors d'oeuvres, featuring crowd favorites like mini grilled cheese and savory beef wellingtons. To wash it down, the talented team at Bars on Wheels kept the spirits high, serving up expertly crafted cocktails that perfectly complemented the evening’s chill atmosphere.

STYLE & COMPETITION It is no secret that the ladies of the League have a passion for a theme, and this year was no exception. The room was a sea of cozy knits, faux furs, and shimmering ski metallics. The competition for the best-dressed awards was fierce, but a few standout looks truly captured the peak of alpine fashion: Cozy Chalet: Sarah Townsend Ski Glam: Bre and Dylan Gaffney Lodge Lux: Leslie and Max Touassi Beyond the fashion, the night also celebrated culinary talent with our highly anticipated bake-off. A huge congratulations to Katie Arendt, who claimed the top prize with her irresistible butterscotch shortbread cookies—the perfect sweet finish to a winter night.

A HEARTFELT THANKS The Membership Engagement Committee would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone who attended. Your creativity and energy made the evening truly magical, proving once again that this community knows how to celebrate in style. We’re already looking forward to our next gathering!

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Cheers to 15 Years:

Tour of Kitchens HER STRENGTH, OUR INSPIRATION TOUR OF KITCHENS 2025: A SOLD-OUT CELEBRATION IN EAST WALNUT HILLS

BY BROOKELLE WESLEY (CONTENT WRITER) For the first time in its 15-year history, the Junior League of Cincinnati’s Tour of Kitchens reached a complete sellout. Held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, the event welcomed 400 guests—marking a record-breaking year for ticket sales and an extraordinary moment for this beloved tradition.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who purchased tickets and supported the event. Your participation not only creates a lasting impact for our members but also strengthens the greater Cincinnati community. Every ticket, every sponsor, and every volunteer hour fuels the League’s mission of advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community change.

This year, the 15th annual Tour of Kitchens took place in the historic neighborhood of East Walnut Hills.

Established in the mid-19th century around a small German-Catholic community, East Walnut Hills is renowned for its rich architectural heritage and striking variety of historic homes. Many residences date from the 1880s to the 1920s and showcase Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Victorian styles—some of which remain beautifully preserved today. This combination of history, character, and design made East Walnut Hills the perfect setting for an event celebrating creativity and artistry in home design.

Guests spent the day exploring a curated selection of homes throughout the neighborhood, each highlighting distinctive layouts, thoughtful renovations, and the latest trends in design. The immersive experience included chef demonstrations, tastings, and opportunities to engage with both homeowners and designers. Culinary offerings for the day included sips, savories, and sweets provided

by Rocktails Brands Bars on Wheels, Café Alma, Chef Austin of CookinGenie, Chef DB Miller, Cincinnati Distilling, Breadsmith, Willow Run Custom Bourbon, Chef Kiyahnna of CookinGenie, Conscious Seed, Daveed’s Catering, Naturally Nourished Wellness, and Livery.

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The Tour of Kitchens Committee did an exceptional job planning and executing the event, ensuring it was memorable for both members and guests. The event also serves as a wonderful introduction for potential Junior League members to experience the organization’s mission and community impact firsthand.

The enthusiasm and turnout this year reflect the growing excitement around the Tour of Kitchens and the collective support for the League’s mission.

We are incredibly grateful to our generous supporters and sponsors for helping make the 15th annual Tour of Kitchens a success. This year’s sponsors included Nazley Mamedova Law, Zobrist Design Group, Trulieve, Institute for Reproductive Health, Pfizer, LCNB National Bank, Smiles Created Dentistry, CookinGenie, Bartlett Wealth Management, The Law Office of M. Erin Wilkins, Courtenay Lambert Floral and Event Design, Blended Collective, TYE Flower Co., Proxi Fulfillment Solutions, j&c Studios, Richter & Phillips, Wow Window Boxes, and Erin Conover Murray – Kitchen+Bath Designs.

We also extend our appreciation to the vendors and partners who joined us at the Toast to Tour: Jackie O’s, 6’N The Morning’ Breakfast, General Mills, Cereal Bar, Tillage Clothing Company, Tru Fru, Rock Your Beauty, Designs by Glenda, Elizabeth’s Closet, Simply Unique Designs, Launch Party, Nusa, Café Alma, Redbud Embroidery, Bethany House Services, Bailey Gates Ceramics, HER Cincinnati, Karen Wellington Foundation, Refugee Connect, and Dress for Success Cincinnati.

A special thank you goes to the partners who contributed to the Tour of Kitchens raffle: Columbia Center, WOW Windowboxes, Southern Belle Mahjong, Mahjong with Meg, Cincinnati Distilling, CookinGenie, and Gomez. Your support adds an extra layer of excitement and generosity to the event.

We can’t wait to see everyone again for the 16th annual Tour of Kitchens on Saturday, November 14th! Tour of Kitchens 2026 promises more inspiration, design, and community celebration.

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Women Doing a World of Good AN AFTERNOON WITH ELIZABETH SMART

BY JENN BEESON (SPRING FUNDRAISER CO-CHAIR) We all have a story; we face unexpected detours and rely on hope in our darkest moments. The Junior League of Cincinnati was incredibly proud to host Elizabeth Smart as part of our annual spring fundraiser to hear her story of strength and resilience firsthand.

Elizabeth Smart became a household name after surviving a ninemonth abduction at the age of 14. Since her safe return in 2003, Smart has transformed tragedy into triumph, advocating for legislative change and founding the Elizabeth Smart Foundation to combat sexual violence and support recovery for survivors. She is the author of My Story and Where There’s Hope, along with her newest book Detours which debuted in December of 2025.

Women Doing a World of Good: An Afternoon with Elizabeth Smart was created to unite community members from across the Greater Cincinnati area for a powerful and action-driven conversation on advocacy and resources available to support women and children.

The event began with a VIP luncheon featuring Bailey Family Catering and a brief intro to the historic location of Memorial Hall.

During the keynote, Elizabeth recounted her experiences and how she has turned her story of survival into one of hope and healing.

A few takeaways from her speech: EVERYONE HAS A STORY. Each person carries their own experiences—both joyful and difficult—and there is no value in comparing hardships. Elizabeth emphasized the importance of honoring our individual journeys and creating space for others to feel seen, heard, and validated in their own stories.

CHOOSE TO LOOK FOR LIGHT, EVEN IN DARKNESS. In the most difficult moments, it can be easy to feel consumed by what’s going wrong. Elizabeth shared that one coping strategy was to find even the smallest perspective shift—reminding herself that things could be worse, even in a simple way like “it could be snowing.” That mindset helped her hold onto a sense of resilience and perspective when it mattered most.

OUR STRENGTH IS OFTEN GREATER THAN WE REALIZE. When faced with unimaginable circumstances, Elizabeth discovered a powerful truth: we are capable of far more than we think. Her story is a testament to the inner strength and resilience that can emerge, even in the face of profound adversity.

Elizabeth’s resilience, courage, and commitment to positive impact continue to inspire millions across the globe.

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After the keynote, Rickell Howard-Smith, President and CEO of YWCA Cincinnati, led our Q&A portion of the event, followed by an exclusive book signing meet and greet with Elizabeth for the VIP ticket holders.

The event concluded with the Connection Collective, a time to reflect, learn, activate, and support through Cincinnati organizations that are making a difference in our local community.

Proceeds from the event supported the Junior League of Cincinnati’s mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. This includes support for our current signature partner, HER Cincinnati, which provides resources and programming to empower women to break cycles of poverty, addiction, and human trafficking.

Women Doing a World of Good: An Afternoon with Elizabeth Smart was a true reflection of purpose, connection, and celebration of women’s leadership.

This very successful event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, vendors, and so many women throughout the JLC.

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Serving with Heart

CANDO IN ACTION

BY KELLY BLOUNT (CANDO VICE CHAIR) & BROOKELLE WESLEY (CONTENT WRITER) To further strengthen our connection with the community, the Junior League remains committed to giving back to the neighborhoods where we live and work, investing our time and energy in meaningful service.

SATURDAY HOOPS At Saturday Hoops the Junior League embraces the spirit of each season through arts and crafts activities. Each program is designed to spark imagination and celebrate creativity.

Beyond crafting, the League is deeply committed to engaging with children in the community, providing meaningful opportunities for them to learn, explore, and express themselves outside the classroom. By fostering a welcoming and supportive environment, the Junior League encourages young minds to develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for creativity.

MEALS ON WHEELS The Junior League of Cincinnati supports local seniors by organizing snack packing and frozen meal packing initiatives for those enrolled in the Meals on Wheels of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Volunteers carefully prepare and package nutritious items to help ensure recipients have reliable access to food.

Once assembled, weekly volunteers deliver the meals directly to seniors who may be living alone or in isolation.

These deliveries provide not only essential nourishment, but also a meaningful point of connection and care within the community.

KAREN WELLINGTON FOUNDATION The Karen Wellington Foundation (KWF) mission is to put "FUN" on the calendars of women and families living with breast cancer. In support of this mission, we create personalized, encouraging cards that are included in KWF’s signature “Boxes of FUN” for women living with breast cancer. Each card serves as a small but meaningful reminder that they are supported, celebrated, and surrounded by a caring community.

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QUEEN CITY BOOK BANK Junior League of Cincinnati volunteers dedicate their time to Queen City Book Bank by sorting, organizing, and labeling books in the warehouse, helping to create a more efficient and accessible system. Their efforts ensure that materials are easy to locate and ready for distribution, supporting the organization’s broader mission to promote literacy and expand access to books within the community.

OUR DAILY BREAD Our Daily Bread (Cincinnati Soup Kitchen) aims to provide stability and hope to guests in need by offering meals, hospitality, and services in a safe, respectful environment.

In addition to the Soup Kitchen and Social Center, Our Daily Bread provides bagged lunches and essential ingredients to partner agencies that serve individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Junior League of Cincinnati volunteers play an active role in this effort by preparing peanut butter and jelly and deli meat sandwiches for the community, ensuring that nutritious, convenient meals are available to those who need them most.

BETHANY HOUSE At Bethany House, Junior League volunteers assist by serving dinner to clients, helping to create a warm and welcoming mealtime environment. In addition to supporting the evening meal, we often organize a small craft activity for the children, giving parents a chance to enjoy a few quiet moments while their kids engage in something creative and fun.

On one special evening, we also celebrated the children who had birthdays that month by handing out cake and ice cream—turning an ordinary night into a joyful celebration filled with smiles.

HER CINCINNATI To further our commitment to our signature partner, Junior League volunteers visit HER Cincinnati quarterly for events such as Birthday Bingo, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere for the residents.

In addition to the games, attendees enjoyed a relaxing and energizing yoga session led by CandO Committee member Sarah Ward Ream. The class offered a refreshing opportunity to unwind, stretch, and focus on wellness— adding another meaningful element to an already memorable evening.

History of the Columbia Center A HOME FOR WOMEN DOING A WORLD OF GOOD

BY LIZ URSO (CONTENT WRITER) Perched along Columbia Parkway with sweeping views of the city, the Columbia Center is much more than a beautiful historic building; it is the heart of the Junior League of Cincinnati (JLC). For decades, it has served as a gathering place, headquarters, and enduring symbol of the League’s commitment to leadership, service, and community impact.

Before calling the Columbia Center home, the Junior League of Cincinnati met in a variety of borrowed and rented spaces across the city. As the League grew in size, scope, and influence, our leaders recognized the need for a permanent home that would support member training, community programming, and long-term sustainability. This vision came to life in the late 1980s through the determination and courage of League leaders who believed deeply in investing in the League’s future.

In 1988, the Junior League of Cincinnati officially moved into the Columbia Center, located at 3500 Columbia Parkway. The journey to ownership was not without risk. Banks initially declined to finance the purchase, unsure of lending to a volunteer-led organization. Ultimately, the loan was secured through the advocacy of League members, and in a remarkable act of faith, then-President and longtime member Saralou Durham personally signed the loan, assuming responsibility to ensure the League would have a permanent home. Her leadership and conviction remain part of the Columbia Center’s legacy today.

Once purchased, the building quickly became central to League life. The Columbia Center provided space for General Membership Meetings, leadership training, committee work, and community partnerships. Perhaps most importantly, it created a home base where generations of women could come together to develop skills, build relationships, and launch programs that would shape Greater Cincinnati. Many of the League’s most impactful initiatives were incubated within its walls.

Over the years, the Columbia Center has evolved to meet the changing needs of the League and the community. Through thoughtful stewardship, including significant renovations supported by the Centennial Campaign, the building has been modernized while preserving its historic character.

Updates have expanded meeting spaces, added archive storage, enhanced accessibility, and upgraded kitchens and event areas to better support both League use and rentals.

Today, the Columbia Center is a mission-driven asset. In addition to serving as JLC headquarters, it functions as a revenue-generating event venue, hosting nonprofit meetings, weddings, community gatherings, and League fundraisers. Rental income provides a reliable stream of support for the League’s operations while allowing the JLC to “gift” space to partner organizations aligned with its mission.

More than bricks and mortar, the Columbia Center represents the foresight of women who believed in building something lasting. Every meeting held, new member welcomed, and community partnership formed within its rooms carries that legacy forward.

As the Junior League of Cincinnati continues to develop women to do a world of good, the Columbia Center stands as both a foundation and a beacon, honoring the past while supporting the work of today and tomorrow.

Junior League of Cincinnati | 15

League

AROUND THE

VOLUNTEER EFFORTS League members participated in impactful volunteer work organized by the CandO committee this year. Members volunteered at Bethany House, serving dinner and playing games with the families. CandO events also included Freestore Foodbank, Our Daily Bread sandwich making and Our Daily Bread Scraps Off. Members also introduced their families to the JLC by packing snack bags at Family Volunteer Day. These snapshots offer just a glimpse into the committee’s continued efforts to service the community.

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS Friendships are forged in the Junior League as our members learn, grow, lead, volunteer and have fun alongside each other. This year, a variety of events brought the women in our League together, including insightful GMMs, a Holiday Market event, New Member Haunted Ghost Tour, a self defense class at the Columbia Center, a trip down to Keeneland, and Art After Dark at the Cincinnati Art Muesuem.

GMMs This year, we brought back inhome GMMs. Across the city and throughout a week, JLC members gathered in smaller groups to have focused and meaningful conversations around DEIB.

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Sustainers Have More Fun! A LOOK BACK AT AN EVENTFUL 2025-2026 FOR SUSTAINERS

BY EMILY HEADLEY (VP, SUSTAINERS) & LAUREN THAMAN (VP, SUSTAINERS) Inspired by the upcoming 250th celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Sustainer Co-Vice Presidents chose the theme “An Americana Tribute to Service and Community” for the 2025-2026 Junior League year.

They reflected not only on our country’s founding ideals but also on the contributions made by members of the Junior League who give back through acts of service, compassion, and leadership. From advocating for children and families, to fostering leadership among women, to simply showing up where help is needed most, JLC members’ service echoes the values on which our country was built.

With that in mind, they hosted a Kick-off and Showcase where members were invited to preview engagement opportunities for the year and enjoy a talk by Cincinnati Enquirer History Columnist and Author Jeff Suess. Jeff talked about Cincinnati's Riverboat history as preparations were made to attend America’s River Roots celebration.

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Gourmet Classes, where members gather for dinner or lunch preceded by a cooking demonstration, are always popular. This year, a highlight was visiting the new Osher Center at the University of Cincinnati. One of eleven centers in the world, the UC Osher Center is transforming healthcare from a “disease-care” system to a “well-care” system focused on prevention and selfcare. Sustaining member Carrie Hayden and her husband John generously gifted the teaching kitchen which joins the group wellness area on the fifth floor of the “Blood Cancer Healing Center.” We salute Carrie and John for partnering with UC to accelerate integrative health care in our area through this amazing gift to The Osher Center. Its power is transformative and will have a tangible impact on individuals and our community.

Sustainers enjoyed other annual events including attending the Tour of Kitchens together on a bus, an annual holiday party at the Cincinnati Woman’s Club, a spring floral class led by Courtenay Lambert and attending the League’s annual spring fundraiser. The marquee event of the Sustainer year is always the Annual Luncheon at the Cincinnati Country Club where members gathered to celebrate Cookie Nowland award winner Martha Steier along with other members celebrating significant milestones.

The heart of Sustainer programming are the clubs that meet regularly including book, garden, games, social, lunch and a movie, and transfer dinners. The Adopt-A-Class group continued this year by visiting all three Kindergarten classrooms at the Academy of World Languages.

This group is led by Keke Sansalone (pictured right) and is a wonderful example of league members continuing to make a difference in the lives of young children in our community.

Sustaining members continue to be an integral part of the Junior League and carry on the legacy of the spirit of service and purpose that our League and country were founded on.

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Growing the League

BY BROOKE EVANS (CONTENT WRITER) The 2025-2026 JLC year has been incredibly busy! Eight recruiting events were planned for prospective JLC members under the leadership of Chair, Kayla Nehus, and Vice Chair, Rose O’Deens.

The recruitment events this year included our Recruitment Kickoff, Galentine’s Day, Social Hour, Social Shuffle, Coffee Chat, Self Defense, Our Daily Bread, and a wellness / mindfulness night!

One of our most well-attended events this year was Self Defense. Here members and prospective members alike were able to learn practical, real-world safety techniques to be used in their everyday lives. Another well-attended event was the Coffee Chat at Mom N’ Em coffee. At this event, prospective women were able to chat with members about their experiences with JLC in a comfortable environment.

In addition to the fun events prospective members participated in this year, they were also able to experience first hand how JLC gives back. Prospective women made sandwiches for Our Daily Bread. Events like this help prospective members experience the core of what the JLC is about and see how impactful the JLC is in the Greater Cincinnati community.

More than 34 prospective new members showed up to these events to learn more about Junior League. Our hope is that everyone walked away with an understanding that the JLC is a community full of diverse women ready to welcome the next group in with open arms.

Junior League of Cincinnati is a space where everyone from new moms, recent graduates, women in the workplace, empty nesters, married, and single women alike can feel seen, heard, and empowered. Chair of Recruitment, Kayla Nehus shares, “We are so excited to be wrapping this year on such a high note.”

KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE JLC? Recruiting new members to join the League is the responsibility of all of our members. Join us in sharing your JLC experience and encouraging women in your life to consider joining the League. Reach out to recruitment@jlcincinnati.org to learn more about how prospective new members can get involved.

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Membership SPOTLIGHT

Catch up with JLC member, Laura Damurjian, and hear about her League experience.

1. What influenced your decision to join the Junior League?

“The Junior League has always been a part of my life. My mom held several leadership roles, so I was introduced to the League at a young age and attended events with her starting around age five. When I moved back to Cincinnati after living in New York City, joining felt like a natural next step. It was a meaningful way to build connections in my community and give back to the city where I would be raising my children.”

2. What aspects of the Junior League encourage you to remain involved?

“During my new member year, someone shared that you truly get out of the League what you put into it—and I’ve found that to be so true. The Junior League offers opportunities for every season of life, whether you’re able to dive in fully or participate in smaller ways. Beyond that, the sense of sisterhood is incredibly special. It’s a group of women who collaborate, uplift one another, and genuinely understand life’s ebbs and flows, offering support both personally and professionally.”

3. What are your goals or plans with the League moving forward?

“After experiencing a lot of family changes—welcoming two babies in two years—I haven’t been able to take on as much leadership as I once envisioned. This year, I’ve enjoyed getting more involved with the Engagement Committee, and it’s been wonderful to slowly step back in. Looking ahead, I hope to continue increasing my involvement and eventually take on a larger role, especially in supporting events and engagement initiatives.”

4. In what ways has your experience with the Junior League impacted your personal or professional growth?

“On a personal level, the Junior League has helped me rebuild a strong sense of community after moving back to Cincinnati. Professionally, I’ve recently begun freelancing again after having my second child, and I’m hopeful that the League’s network will continue to be a valuable source of connection, support, and growth as I navigate this next chapter.”

5. Can you describe a memorable experience with the League?

“One of my most memorable experiences was participating in a poverty simulation during my new member program. I vividly remember being assigned the role of a mother who did not speak English and was struggling to put food on the table. At the time, I was pregnant, which made the experience especially emotional and impactful. It was both humbling and eye-opening, and it deepened my understanding of challenges so many people face daily. I’m grateful the League provided such a powerful learning opportunity, and it inspired me to become more aware of ways to give back beyond the League, including participating in my community’s monthly food drive.”

Want to tell your story? Reach out to content@jlcincinnati.org to be featured in an upcoming member spotlight!

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Annual Celebration IN FULL BLOOM

BY REBECCA BRYSON (PRESIDENT ELECT) On May 12, 2026, Junior League of Cincinnati members gathered to celebrate another successful JLC year, recognize outstanding members for their contributions, and welcome new members to the JLC. The Engagement Committee put on a beautiful “In Full Bloom” themed evening, with MadTree Brewing serving as the perfect backdrop for the event.

We are so grateful to the MadTree team for their hospitality and to the Engagement Committee for all their hard work to make this event a success.

The Annual Meeting is all about celebrating success and the hardworking members that make things come together.

Each member of the Junior League of Cincinnati is critical to our success as an organization. This gathering reminds us to celebrate the big and small, all of which makes an impact on the organization and in turn the community which we serve. We heard from our President, Katie Dulle, who wrapped up this year's successes and had a small preview of what’s to come from our President Elect, Rebecca Bryson.

The following members were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the JLC: Katie Arendt, Jeanne Boyce Morrison President Award Martha Lowe Steier, Cookie Nowland Sustainer Award Jacqueline Schuler, Excellence in Training Award Recruitment Committee, Transformational Team Award Mica Cunningham-Lilly, Shannon Marks Outstanding New Member Award Emily Fedders, Rising Star Award Lauren Krebs, Community Impact Award Emily Haun, Empowerment, Vision, and Performance Award

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WELCOME TO THE JLC 2025-2026 NEW MEMBER CLASS! Kourtnesha Anderson Sam Ballachino Abby Bryant Bryttni Carpenter Ashley Clos Mica Cunningham-Lilly Sarah Davenport- Bauman Julie Dierker Danielle DiSclafani Betsy Ehmcke Kathlyn Fessler Claire Glimore Evelyn Gulla

Samantha Hedges Sarah Locaputo Morgan Magowan Vanessa Marek Monica McFadden Halt Kaylah McFarland Annie Menegay Madison Minshall Anna O’Neill Helen O’Shaughnessey Mackenzie Pulte Trisha Reddy

Greta Riley Adriana Rueda-Harms Lauren Sieve Meg Snyder Mary Spahr Jessica Tarvin Sarah Townsend Harper Trautman Camille Vainrib Katie Woebkenberg Shannon Wrona

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Annual Fund 2025-2026 DRIVING ENGAGEMENT THROUGH PARTICIPATION

BY BROOKE EVANS (CONTENT WRITER) The Annual Fund is a member and donor supported yearround giving campaign that provides unrestricted funding for the League each year. These funds directly support three core areas of impact: the League’s grant program, its Community and Organizational (CandO) Impact Partners, and the leadership development of its current members.

During the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the Junior League of Cincinnati’s Annual Fund marked a notable shift in how the organization approaches member giving. With a membership base of approximately 700 women, the League set a substantial goal of raising $25,000. This goal prioritized broad member participation over monetary donation size – focusing on removing barriers to participation.

The Annual Fund launched at the very beginning of the 2025-2026 year helping keep the fund top of mind. This reinforced its importance to the League’s mission while building early momentum.

This year’s campaign focused on a powerful mission that every member's contribution matters. While a $1 donation counts as participation, the League signaled to members that involvement in the Annual Fund is more important than the amount given. This new approach helped reframe giving as an act of collective commitment rather than placing individual pressure on any particular member.

To help encourage membership engagement, the League incorporated a series of incentives to celebrate participation. Members who contributed $40 received a Junior League of Cincinnati car magnet, offering a visual symbol of their support. Members who donated $106 were entered into a raffle for a coveted Tour of Kitchens ticket.

These incentives helped keep donations exciting and increased membership engagement in the Annual Fund.

Monthly progress has continuously been shared with members, providing consistent and transparent updates.

This reinforced a shared sense of accountability. While the League did not achieve 100% participation this year, the impact of this new approach was significant and we exceeded our fundraising goal!

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Most importantly, the 2025-2026 Annual Fund demonstrated that success in fundraising is not solely measured by dollars raised but also by the strength of member involvement and connection.

While celebrating participation at every level, the Junior League of Cincinnati laid the groundwork for a more inclusive culture of giving for years to come.

Member MILESTONES

YASHNA PATEL Yashna and Dhruv welcomed their first child on February 25th, 2025.

Sanjana Meenakshi Patel has already filled their hearts with more love than they ever imagined possible.

LESLIE TOUASSI On August 1, 2025, Leslie Touassi began a new position within Mt Healthy City Schools for the 25-26 school year as the Director of Student Services.

ELIZABETH DESROSIERS

EMILY RADLEY

Elizabeth and Andrew welcomed their third child, Grace, on March 3rd, 2026. She joins her big sister Ellie and big brother Thomas.

Emily and Jay welcomed their second son, Henry Ryan Radley on November 12th,2025. “Hank” joins big brother James.

Submit Your Milestone We love to celebrate you! Share your promotions, retirements, awards & nominations, new babies, engagements, weddings, and other milestones! Submit your milestone by logging into the JLC member site at jl.org.

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Member MILESTONES

Community Award Winners

KELLY BLOUNT: CINCINNATI OPEN CINCY SERVES AWARD & WOMEN100 CINCY VOICES OF VISION AWARD

DR. ENDIA CRABTREE: CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER 40 UNDER 40

KATIE DULLE: CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER 40 UNDER 40

ELIZABETH DESROSIERS: CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER 40 UNDER 40

Submit Your Milestone We love to celebrate you! Share your promotions, retirements, awards & nominations, new babies, engagements, weddings, and other milestones! Submit your milestone by logging into the JLC member site at jl.org.

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3500 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226

Looking Ahead TO THE 2026-27 JLC YEAR AUGUST 1ST NEW MEMBER BRUNCH SEPTEMBER 8TH FIRST GMM SEPTEMBER 15TH FIRST NEW MEMBER MEETING NOVEMBER 14TH TOUR OF KITCHENS

2026-2027 CORE TEAM

REBECCA BRYSON

KATIE ZIEGLER

SAMANTHA ZEHNDER

LESLIE TOUASSI

ASHLEY ROUSTER