President’s Perspective

Dear JLC members and friends,

We have experienced a spring like no other this year. How quickly the world changed as the COVID-19 pandemic forced all of us to reevaluate the lives we are living. I am sincerely grateful to each of you for adapting alongside us and continuously raising a hand to offer help. In the midst of working to stay safe and healthy, the veil of racial inequities that are pervasive in our cities and our countries was raised once again. One of our core values as an organization is our belief that lasting societal change is achieved through collaboration. Now more than ever before, it is crucial to be listening to one another, to be learning from and supporting our Black members as well as all members of color, and to hold ourselves accountable to being an authentic ally in this fight for justice.

The 100th year of the Junior League of Cincinnati has been momentous for so many reasons. Members have shown their commitment in a multitude of ways, from supporting our Centennial Campaign, preparing for the AJLI Annual Conference, celebrating our Centennial Gala and the continued work on raising awareness from

The Little Black Dress Initiative to Sweet Cheeks

and Tidal Babe. There is a clear dedication that we are all engaged in purposeful work both inside the JLC and outside in our community. If you attended our virtual April GMM, you heard more about our new strategic plan and at its core are five very important pillars: Culture, Community, Cultivate, Change, Care. These pillars are what we plan to weave throughout every facet of the JLC. There will be purposeful offerings and continued training on how important it is that we step into the ownership of who we are. Though we have

accomplished so much this year, there is still work to be done.

From enhancing the civic fabric of Greater Cincinnati, to expanding and building a diverse membership that reflects our community, we can continue building an organization positioned for success in the next 100 years.

As we find ourselves in unprecedented times, we must step up, speak out and continue to lead with grace, compassion and integrity.

Thank you for your passionate commitment to the JLC and never wavering on the ability to rise to the occasion no matter how big the occasion gets.

All my gratitude,

Meredith L. Comin JLC President