Message from the President

DEAR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS,

Congratulations on your success this year with the Junior League of Cincinnati! We are so grateful for what you have contributed to this chapter in our story; as our stakeholders and owners in this business, we are proud to share the progress you have made in 2023 - 2024

Across our six councils, our members and leaders supported the launch of our new strategic plan and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) organizing plan, focusing on future-proofing what we do and how we show up to make an impact internally and in our community This also included meaningful work done by the Board to continue to be good stewards of our finances and make the most of our member’s experience, so that they continue to renew towards lifelong membership, transitioning to Sustainers to continue their legacy

Kudos to you for exceeding the revenue goals for both fundraisers, including the launch of a new concept, A Night in Monte Carlo We also exceeded our Annual Fund for the second year in a row, and appreciate your support in this important component of our operating budget.

This year our new annual sponsorship program, including Renee Grace Bridal, surpassed our goal for support and also increased Columbia Center rentals, including our space being leveraged by 26 community nonprofits

Speaking of community, we were thrilled to learn at the Association of Junior Leagues international (AJLI) conference, that we won an award for our work for the inaugural Find the Good Day! We are proud of how our members led through the end of our 3-year partnership with the Family Nurturing Center. We also completed an RFP process to identify our new partner, which received 27 applications! JLC is thrilled to welcome HERCincinnati, to pilot HER Collective, a women’s small business co-op that leverages shared operations, marketing, and retail outreach tools & resources - and equipping women to do so much more!

Other milestone moments this year include our new brand identity, honoring 21 Board Bank graduates, two more women’s health forums focused on infertility and family planning, and perimenopause/menopause We launched Little Leaguers and updated the Mother’s Room at Columbia Center; Nominating received more applications than roles for both spring & fall slate; we met our strategic plan goal of retaining 80% of New Members transitioning to Actives!

Since I joined as a New Member in June of 2011, I have navigated and grown through my adult life, and the League has grown with me, providing friendships, opportunities and experiences that have stretched and strengthened me; the Junior League has provided me with the support system and positive distractions I needed to navigate all of life’s celebrations & storms As I step into sustainerhood and reflect back, I hope that your experience as a member also shapes your life in a way that makes an impact on you - personally and professionally - and on your friends, family and the community And that you will give consideration to throwing your hat in the ring for the highest levels of leadership - the investment of your time & talent is worth it!

With love & appreciation,

René Robers,

JLC President