3. President’s Perspective
4. Closing Out the Year at JLC’s 103rd Annual Meeting
6. A Successful Seond Year of Partnership with Family Nurturing Center
7. Strategic Plan Overview
8. Long-lasting Partnership with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
9. What’s in my Bag?
10. A Night of Fashion and Philanthropy, The Spring Fashion Show: Silhouette
12. Spring has Sprung at the JLC: Photo Centerfold
14. Exploring “America’s Truth: Cincinnati” Documentary with DEIB
14. Highlights From Volunteer Appreciation Night
15. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Meet Our New Tenant!
16. The Future of Fundraising with Donor Relations
17. Celebrating Holi
The Perspectives 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 is the magazine of the Junior League of Cincinnati, published multiple times throughout the year. Past issues and advertising rates can be found online at www.jlcincinnati.org/media/perspectivesmagazine.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KATE FORTLAGE, President
RENÉ ROBERS, President-Elect
MOLLY ROBERTS, Secretary
ALLISON SMITH, Treasurer
MEREDITH COMIN, Presidential Advisor
TARA MOSLEY, Immediate Past President
KATIE MAY, Strategic Planning Director
SARAH HOUSEMAN, Legal Advisor
KATIE DULLE, Nominating Chair
DEANNA HILLARD, DEIB Chair
SARAH CLARK, At Large Member
DANYA KARAM, At Large Member
SARALOU DURHAM, At Large Member
SHELLEY POFFENBERGER, At Large Member
MEGAN STACEY, At Large Member
J.J. WALES, At Large Member
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM
SAM ZEHNDER, Executive Vice President
ERINN CARLSON, Executive Vice President-Elect
KATIE ZIEGLER, VP Communications
LESLIE TOUASSI, VP Community Impact
EMILY REINHOLD, VP Finance
JACKLYN OLINGER, VP Fund Development
CASEY BURLEIGH, VP Membership
MEGAN BUSAM, VP Training & Development
EMILY UBEL, Recording Secretary
BYRD BERGERON, Nominating Vice Chair
JENNIFER LINDEMAN, DEIB Vice Chair
MARTY HUMES, VP Sustainer Council
JAMIE HUMES, VP Sustainer Council
Our new mission, voted upon by AJLI in May 2022 and the JLC in September 2022, is “The Junior League of Cincinnati is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.”
The value of JLC membership is provided in three ways: creation of meaningful connections, service opportunities, and valuable civic and personal development training.
Let’s discuss training. Looking at this year, we have offered over 35 training opportunities for our members and leaders. Highlighting a few notable ones in the last quarter:
• Board Bank , where we trained 13 members for nonprofit board service
• Women’s Heart Health Forum, where members came to learn about our heart health from Dr. Quesada of the Christ Hospital Women’s Heart Center. We also heard from two nonprofits, American Heart Association and Closing the Health Gap, on what they are doing in Cincinnati to help with health-related issues
• March GMM, where a panel of organizations including Ignite, YWCA, Family Nurturing Center, St. Vincent de Paul, and Mindpeace shared more on Cincinnati needs and how to take action
• DEIB Watch Night and “I’m Still Here” Book Discussion, two diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging opportunities where members gathered at the Columbia Center to watch America’s Truth: Cincinnati documentary or discuss Austin Channing Brown’s memoir
• Launch into Leadership, where interested members could learn about how to become a JLC leader
While this year has been full of tangible training opportunities, an Ad Hoc committee, led by Anne Miller, has spent time thinking about the future of training. The Ad Hoc just completed their final recommendations to the Board and hopefully you have caught a more detailed glimpse of their learnings and recommendations in a recent e-blast. A few highlights on how the JLC can foster a more robust culture of training:.
• Define what it means to be a JLC trained volunteer
• Align training to the skills nonprofits in Cincinnati need
• Create a training plan that is intentionally aligned with our community focus area
• Tap into community partners to facilitate training
The Ad Hoc has started drafting what it means to be a trained volunteer. Does this resonate with you? A JLC of Cincinnati trained volunteer:
1. Has compassion and empathy for, and awareness of, the needs and challenges of the community we serve
2. Has fundraising skills to support the financial needs of the communities and organizations we serve
3. Has experience leading others
4. Has received training for board service or serves on a board(s)
5. Shows up prepared to serve our community by doing prereads, arriving on time and in appropriate attire and mindset for the work to be done
6. Represents the JLC and our partners well at all times These recommendations have been memorialized into our board-approved Strategic Plan that you can read more about on page seven of this issue.
The new Strategic Plan also has input from 3 other Ad Hocs that were working behind the scenes this year (Financial Ad Hoc, Community Ad Hoc, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Leadership Ad Hoc). The plan includes goals and strategies to increase our impact in our community, foster internal belonging, and continue to be fiscally responsible.
You will see the details of this plan as it rolls out in 23/24 JLC year though I wanted to mention it here to raise awareness that this important strategic work is being done to help the JLC continue to live our mission and our commitment to provide value to both our members and our community at large.
I hope this message fills you with as much excitement as I have for our future. While I wind down my Presidential responsibilities, I plan to remain an active member working alongside you to make these plans a reality. I encourage you to join and help us continue the legacy of 103 years of impact.
Love,
Kate Fortlage 2022-2023 President
The Junior League of Cincinnati’s 103rd Annual Meeting took place at the Columbia Center on Tuesday, May 16th. The Membership Engagement Committee, chaired by Meg Anacker and Samantha Markle, planned a wonderful event with a summer cookout theme.
The evening began with a Year in Review video created by president, Kate Fortlage, (which can be viewed using the QR code if you missed it), followed by an induction of new Active members and celebration of member service milestones.
Each year the Junior League of Cincinnati bestows seven major awards to people and organizations that uphold the ideals and values of the JLC.
We would like to congratulate this year’s award winners:
• Community Impact Award: Rebecca Bryson
• Rising Star Award: Jessica Burnett
• Excellence in Training Award: Mary Taliaferro
• Shanon Marks New Member Award: Rachel Romer
This year, we included an additional award category:
• JLC Man of the Year: Casey Kohake
• Jeanne Boyce Morrison President’s Award: Katey Baron and Yashna Patel
• Transformational Team Award: Member Curriculum Committee
• Cookie Nowland Sustainer Award: Judy Dalambakis
The night continued with an induction of our new Sustaining members: Melissa Barclay, Sadie Bonifas, Erica Burns, Katie Foster, Kylie Hartman, Mary Ann Jentz McDufford, Erin Lee, Catherine Lentz, Anne Miller and Megan Stacey.
The night included a sweet farewell to our outgoing President, Kate Fortlage, who will continue on the board next year as Immediate Past President. We also welcomed our incoming President, René Robers, whose term began on June 1, 2023.
We would also like to recognize our outgoing 2022-2023 Board and EMT leaders:
• Tara Mosley, Immediate Past President
• Katie Dulle, Nominating Chair
• Shelley Poffenberger, Board Member at Large
• J.J. Wales, Board Member at Large
• Sam Zehnder, Executive Vice President
Incoming 2023-2024 Board and EMT Leaders:
• Kelly Barber, President-Elect
• Byrd Bergeron, Nominating Chair
• Meredith Comin, Board Member at Large
• Danielle Deja, Board Member at Large
• Dionn Tronn, Board Member at Large
• Meg Anacker, Nominating Vice Chair
• Emily Uebel, Recording Secretary
• Leslie Touassi, VP of Community Impact
• Jacklyn Olinger, VP of Fund Development
• Jamie Humes, VP of Sustainer Council
• Jennifer Lindeman, Vice Chair of DEIB
• Katey Baron, VP of Fund Development
• Rebecca Bryson, VP of Community Impact
• Brittany Gruber, VP of Training & Development
• Kathryn Harsh, VP of Sustainer Council
• Emily Haun, Executive Vice President-Elect
• Jenny Mauch, Vice Chair of DEI&B
Thank you to all of these incredible women for their years of service in these outgoing positions as well as our leaders coming into new positions! We look forward to watching you succeed in your roles.
A full list of leadership positions for the 2023-2024 League year can be found on our members homepage under Leadership List.
JLC and Family Nurturing Center (FNC)’s second year of partnership continued to thrive with another amazing year. Family Nurturing Center’s mission is to end the cycle of child abuse by promoting individual well-being and healthy family relationships. JLC showed our support for FNC during April for Child Abuse Prevention Month. On March 24, JLC members attended the Tom Gill Blue Ribbon Ceremony to kick off the month of advocacy and support. JLC also supported FNC’s annual Prom for a Purpose fundraiser on April 28 at Hotel Covington providing numerous volunteers and attendees. A thriving partnership between JLC and FNC signifies a strong commitment to making a positive impact in the community. The continued success of the partnership highlights the dedication and collaboration between the two organizations. Building on the achievements of the past two years, the JLC and FNC can look forward to further enhancing the collaboration and making meaningful differences. Bridget Fantaci and Gina Ryan, Chair and Co-Chair of JLC’s Program Acceleration Committee said that the committee wanted to focus on how we can best support FNC in our final year of the partnership. Some opportunities include:
• Direct service opportunities: JLC is interested in engaging in direct service opportunities for League members, aiming for one opportunity in the fall and one in the spring. These opportunities would allow JLC members to have hands-on involvement in supporting FNC’s participants and their families, as well as supporting FNC staff. This year, JLC decorated the adult and children’s lobby with activity books, words of encouragement, and a chalkboard wall. JLC members also painted pumpkins and collected seasonal decor including corn stalks and straw from Gorman Farm and donated to their fall festival. The Program Acceleration committee would like to continue supporting such events and activities.
• Training for JLC members: JLC recognizes the value of training and development for their members as a key point of our mission. Many League members have already attended FNC Foundations training offered over the past two years. For the upcoming year, in partnership with FNC, we hope to provide training on specific skill sets that can be applied in members’ interactions with participants and their families, including de-escalation and other action-oriented skills, which will be beneficial in both JLC members’ roles with FNC and their personal lives.
• Support for FNC’s advocacy efforts: JLC expresses their desire to continue supporting FNC’s advocacy efforts around child abuse awareness and prevention. JLC aims to contribute to these initiatives in Year 3 and potentially expand our involvement in raising awareness and promoting prevention in the community.
We have enjoyed a successful partnership over the last two years with FNC and look forward to further supporting Family Nurturing Center in the next year through direct service, training, and advocacy.
Below is the approved strategic plan for 2023 - 2026 It has also been abbreviated for easy reading, as the strategic actions have been removed You can find the full plan on the Members Only website
Katie May, JLC Strategic Planning Director, led a Board Committee this year to evolve our Strategic Plan. The JLC reviews this plan approximately every three years to ensure that we focus our activities on what is most important for the future of our organization. Advice from many committees, including the Community and Training Ad Hocs and the DEIB leadership team, were taken into account to form this plan. The Board approved the new Strategic Plan in May with the intention that we will start taking action against it starting June 1, 2023 as Councils and Committees work on their plans for the ‘23-’24 year. In addition to a new Strategic Plan, a separate DEIB organizing plan was developed. Both documents can be viewed in full on the Members Only website under “Resources / Strategic and Annual Plan.”
To the right is the approved strategic plan for 2023-2026. It has also been abbreviated for easy reading, as the strategic actions have been removed. You can find the full plan on the Members Only website using the QR code below.
JLC desires to accelerate our mission in the Greater Cincinnati Community
Goals: 1
Align with at least one community partner on strategic initiatives by 2025 to accelerate our mission Design and deliver a project with longevity that lasts 5+ years that engages 90% of members each year
90% of CandO partners agree JLC volunteers were impactful
JLC desires to develop a robust culture of training
Goals: 1 2 3
Design and deliver updated training curriculum by 2025
At least 80% of new members transition to active status
At least 2 trainings annually provided by a community partner
JLC desires to build an inclusive and equitable culture
Goals: 1 2
Deliver progress against DEIB pillars: internal infrastructure, training & awareness, external engagement & communication, and recruitment
Develop a culture of respect as measured via the member survey
JLC desires to optimize volunteer efforts for meaningful connection
Goals: 1 2
75% of active members engaged in all Big 3 activities (Project, Fundraisers, GMMs) and provide sustainer opportunities for involvement
80% of leaders report that they would consider another leadership role in the future
3
75% activities touch mission or values
JLC desires be fiscally responsible to fund our mission and continue our legacy
Goals:
65% of fundraising revenue is distributed to mission minded activities
Diversify and grow revenue stream by 5% by 2026 with 10% of funding generated from external sources
Launch a new fundraising model by 23/24 to be initiated by 24/25
By Kimberly Perros
The Junior League of Cincinnati and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) have shared a strong partnership since its beginnings. Kim Kern, Managing Director and CEO of the Children’s Theatre, provided the JLC with an interview about the upcoming renovation of the Emery Theater, the future (and past), home of the TCT.
The legacy of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati began with JLC Member, Helen Schuster-Martin, and the SchusterMartin School of Drama in 1919, and continued with the Junior League Players in 1924. For nearly 30 years, JLC members managed, acted in, and produced entertainment under the name, “Junior League Players.’’ Helen used her expertise, with the help of the Junior League, to launch the renowned children’s theater many of us have come to love. In 1947, the Junior League of Cincinnati provided a $12,600 grant to incorporate The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati as a separate entity. The two partnerships have worked together over the past 100 years to share the love of theater and the children in Cincinnati. The TCT 90th Anniversary Gala honored JLC with the first-ever Enchanted Award, an award given to individuals and organizations that have had a significant impact on TCT. JLC was originally considered for the award, said Kern, due to the long history of their partnership. Kern continued to share the positive impact of the JLC with TCT due to the on-going volunteers of the League with the performances such as ushers and other aids with specific TCT events.
TCT is the oldest professional theater for young audiences in the country, one of the top four children theaters in the nation, and the largest in terms of youth attendance. TCT MainStage productions see over 100,000 families with children and students annually and is often a child’s first exposure to live theater. TCT on Tour takes the magic of live theater directly to children in their schools, and sees an additional 50,000 students annually. TCT Academy offers performing arts instruction to children ages 18 months to 18 years with many of their students having gone on to successful Broadway careers. Lastly, Kern explained that, even though it costs TCT $25 to put a child in a seat, no school ever pays more than $10 a ticket, and schools with 50% or more of their students eligible for free/reduced lunch programs only pay $5 per ticket.
The next chapter for TCT is the upcoming reimagination of the Emery Theater, taking the TCT back to its original home from 100 years ago. The auditorium was built by the famous architecture firm Samuel Hannaford & Sons and was hailed for its near perfect acoustics and unobstructed sight lines. TCT performed at the Emery Auditorium from 1949 until
1969, before moving to the Taft Theater. In a few short years, TCT will be reopening its doors for live performances at the Emery, says Kern. Renovations of the theater are slated to begin in November of 2023 with plans for completion in early 2025. Kern addressed how the Emery Theater will be an anchor venue in OTR offering expanded programming, new and original works, performances for the very young and middle schoolers specifically, as well as international children’s performances never before seen in Cincinnati. She mentioned the current works of organizations such as Doodle Pop from South Korea and Paper Boats from Australia as potential partners in presenting these international performances.
The historical union of JLC and TCT continues to have an important role in the renovated Emery Theater. Kern shared how the new theater will benefit with more JLC members to volunteer due to the growing number of shows TCT plans to produce and present. The final stages of the campaign for the reconstruction of the Emery Theater will help contribute to the historic preservation, while installing technology that will make the Emery a state-of-the-art venue unlike anything in the region including a 20’x20’ turntable stage lift, projection mapping, an automated fly system, and a 40’x60’ video wall. The total budget and costs for the renovations for the Emery Theater is $48 million. Kern said about those that have toured the Emery to date, “People are awestruck and excited.” Kern would be happy to provide JLC members with tours of the space during which, using design architect GBBN’s augmented reality software, individuals are able to literally see the space transform before their eyes. Please check the QR Code for a YouTube link that showcases the design plans for Emery Theater.
The partnership with TCT has made lasting change to our youth and overall community. The new theater will continue the work of TCT for another 100+ years to come. The League can continue their partnership through volunteership and by contributing to the campaign. We as members can join the call to action with our talents and time investment in this organization that has positively impacted our community for the last 103 years. During the 2022-2023 League year, CandO organized six volunteer events to support TCT at the Taft Theater. We look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.
What’s in my bag? Keep reading to get some insight into my life and maybe some tips and tricks along the way to help you through your “Junior Leaguing” day!
To start off, I carry a lot of baggage in my durable L.L. Bean Junior League tote bag. This bag is my “go-to” in order to promote Junior League locally and also because it stores so much! You can call the JLC office to purchase your own Junior League tote bag.
I generally have several meetings and events that I go to in a week. Whether it is a founder’s event for the Cincinnati Art Museum or checking in on cute penguins at the Newport Aquarium, I am prepared. I serve as a board member for the W.A.V.E. Foundation at Newport Aquarium and boy, does this badge come in handy when you are walking around Newport on the Levee and pop in for a visit at the aquarium! I also carry my Junior League badge because I am constantly going to events and never want someone to feel awkward if they forgot my name. My other passion is art. By joining the Catalyst board for the Cincinnati Art Museum, I hope to get more people engaged in museum events. One event that we are hosting soon is called “A Happening,” featuring the new Pablo Picasso exhibition. My handy invitation that I have pictured came in the mail the other day and I like carrying it around in my bag to show to other people I think would be interested in the event. Two other items that I have from the Cincinnati Art Museum are my ballet painting wallet and lotus compact mirror. (Tip: CAM has a great gift shop filled with unique and cute essentials. This is where I find my friends some awesome gifts for special occasions! Fun fact: the gift shop was started by the Junior League through the honored late Sustainer, Marjorie Motch!)
My current read is the book “House of Jaipur,” by John Zubrzycki. This book is about the historical Gayatri Devi who was a princess consort of Jaipur, India. As a welleducated poised woman, she is someone that was the Indian equivalent to Kate Middleton. My “Nauti Nite” gala photo booth picture from Newport Aquarium is my bookmark. My agenda is my life. I love crossing out things that I have done and I also use it to quickly take notes during Junior League meetings. One meeting in particular that I need my pen for is the Perspectives content meeting. I carry this magazine to mark inside like a Vogue editor on what we can change or how we can make the magazine more aesthetically pleasing. It also inspires me to read through and jot some creative ideas down for the next issue. After a long day of meetings and events, I use my rose quartz gua sha or take in some deep breaths of my rose scented moisturizer and eat my Trader Joe’s snacks. The espresso beans are the best dessert to end the day. It is my tiramisu in a bag!
Since I have moved to Cincinnati, I have realized that the weather is very unpredictable. I always carry my umbrella that keeps my southern blowout fresh incase it starts to drizzle. If it is super sunny and hot, I am constantly staying
hydrated with my large water bottle. It also helps me if I sip water before I present to an audience! I have also started carrying it around more because I just joined a local Barre class to keep myself on top of my health and well-being. Barre is what centers me as we usually end the session in mediation after challenging yoga moves.
I hope you had fun being nosy and getting an insight into my life! Keep “Junior-Leaguing!”
What does my bag say about me?
That I am really involved in the community and attend many local events.
What are some items that I consider as a must-have? Obviously, my keys, wallet, water, and emergency snacks from Trader Joe’s (I always fall for their marketing.)
If you could gift anything in your bag, what would it be? My lotus compact mirror. It is super pretty and comes in handy before I walk into a meeting or event.
If you could switch bags with someone, who would it be?
Emma Watson! She fills her bag with natural skin products, and she is naturally cold like me, so she carries a blanket in her bag, and she always has some interesting reads!
Would you recommend the Junior League tote to other members?
Absolutely! I find this bag to be durable, cute, and stores more than you think.
On the evening of April 1, 2023, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center was transformed into a glamorous runway for the highly anticipated Junior League of Cincinnati’s Spring Fashion Show: Silhouette. This year, the Spring Fundraiser Committee, chaired by Erin Lee and vice-chaired by Christina Yardley, collaborated with the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) committee to emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses at the heart of social justice education. The fashion show featured members donning clothes from businesses that represented a variety of backgrounds, reflecting Cincinnati’s diverse community. This iconic venue, which was recently voted the #1 History Museum in the Nation by USA Today, was chosen not only for its stunning architecture, but also as a way to support a fellow non-profit organization, and to introduce members and guests to a local treasure that honors the legacy of freedom and social justice.
Three-hundred guests were treated to a champagne toast courtesy of Trilogy Fitness Systems, delectable appetizers and desserts by Elegant Fare, and an open bar with select wines and beer. The enchanted runway show, emceed by WLWT’s Meredith Stutz and featuring music by DJ BlacknMyles, showcased the latest looks for women, men, and children from Cincinnati’s finest boutiques.
The Junior League’s signature spring fundraiser raised an impressive $50,000 to support its mission of advancing women’s leadership, meaningful community impact, and their current community partner, Family Nurturing Center. Kate Fortlage, President of the Junior League of Cincinnati, shared how the fashion show has been a long-standing tradition that supports fundraising, membership, and community engagement. To kick off the festivities, Cynthia Amnéus from the Cincinnati Art Museum, a Chief Curator and Curator of Fashion Arts and Textiles with over two decades of experience, presented at the March General Membership Meeting on how fashion has been a source of women’s empowerment. In the lead-up to the event, social media influencer, Angie Knows the Truth (@angieknowsthetruth), helped generate buzz and excitement around the fashion show by hosting a giveaway on Instagram. This creative collaboration not only raised awareness about the Junior League of Cincinnati and their mission but also helped sell more tickets, attracting a diverse and enthusiastic audience to the event.
During the event, guests had the opportunity to peruse highly coveted silent auction items and shop a curated popup boutique featuring the latest trends from local businesses, such as Brideface, Classic Prep Monograms, Co-Op on Camargo, and Portaluca, Maximillian Furs, Kendra Scott, Jackie O’s, and Hutch Baby. Additionally, guests could purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win fabulous prizes, including a Ferragamo handbag, a diamond bracelet, and a Bengals game ball autographed by wide receiver, Tyler Boyd.
The Junior League of Cincinnati would like to extend its gratitude to all the individuals and organizations whose generous partnerships made this event possible, particularly the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for hosting; our sponsors Roto-Rooter, Brideface, Manley Burke, LHH (formerly Parker + Lynch Legal), Trilogy Fitness Systems, Luxe Sunless, and Madison Wealth Management; DJ BlackNMyles for providing musical entertainment; Laura Sioux Photography for capturing the evening and CG Marketing & Communications for providing printed materials.
A special thank you goes to the Junior League of Cincinnati staff, Managing Director Ashley Rouster and and former Office Coordinator, Maggie Walriven, the fashionable models, the numerous volunteers, and the JLC Garden Club for donating the beautiful flowers. This unforgettable night of fashion and philanthropy showcased the power of community collaboration and the importance of supporting local businesses, while raising funds to create a meaningful impact on the lives of those the Junior League serves.
As the evening drew to a close, guests left the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center with a renewed sense of purpose, pride in their community, and a deeper appreciation for the impact of supporting local businesses. The spring fashion show not only showcased the latest trends but also highlighted the incredible power of people coming together to support important causes, such as advancing women’s leadership and promoting social justice education.
By continuing to support the Junior League and its mission, we can ensure that the organization’s positive impact on the community endures and expands in the years to come.
As we look back on the unforgettable evening that was the Spring Fashion Show, let us also look forward with hope and anticipation to what the future holds. Together, we can continue to elevate the world of fashion in our city while also making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need—one stylish step at a time.
Photographs from the event can be found on the Junior League of Cincinnati Facebook page.
JLC Members joined Dress for Success Cincinnati to assist with sorting and organizing clothing donations. Dress for Success empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help them arrive in work and life. Afterwards, there was a shopping party at Portaluca where proceeds support Dress for Success.
Kate Fortlage opened and introduced members of the Advocacy & Education committee and leadership panel. Members included Debbie Brooks, YWCA; Jane Hermes, FNC; Jamie Markle, Ignite Philanthropy; Sunnie Johnson Laine, St. Vincent de Paul; and Susan Shelton, MindPeace. Katie Arendt spoke on Membership Recruitment, Jennifer Lindeman spoke on starting a DEIB library, and Erin Lee gave Fashion Show updates. Members also heard from Cynthia Amneus, Head Curator of the Cincinnati Art Museum on Women’s Empowerment through fashion.
The JLC toured the Islamic Center of Cincinnati and enjoyed dinner together. This was an opportunity to listen and learn more about the Ramadan holiday.
The JLC gathered to watch the annual Kentucky Derby at the Green House in Covington.
DEIB hosted an evening to tal about Austin Channing Brown’s memoir, “I’m Still Here”. Members discussed the book about Austin’s experience as a black, Christian female in middle-class white America, waling through her experiences in work, school and church.
Women’s Heart Health Forum Community Impact hosted a Women’s Heart HealthForum in April featuring an exciting panel of professionals. Read more about the event on the JLC blog!
The annual Sustainer SOUPER Luncheon event returned to the Columbia Center on February 14th, giving sustainers an opportunity to reconnect, share and enjoy a special day together!
(This issue’s cover photo is from this event!)
Camille Healy & Keke Sansalone CoChaired the Sustainer Adopt-a-Class at the Academy of World Languages. Students participated in a variety of activities from learning about aviation to experimenting with chemistry and creating slime!
JLC members joined the Colerain Community Association for the Great American Cleanup. They picked up litter, planted flowers, weeded, mulched, and helped maintain public areas.
JLC Board Member, Danya Karram was honored as a 2023 YWCA Career Woman of Achievement! JLC members came together to support her and the other phenomenal women leaders of our community at the YWCA luncheon.
Great content is posted year round on the JLC website: jlcincinnati.org/category/news
RECENT POSTS:
• The JLC Hosts Women’s Health Forum
• The JLC Tours the Urban League’s New Center for Social Justice
• Board Ad Hoc Sets Stage for Next JLC Project
• 2022-2023 Ad Hoc on Training Year-End Summary and Recommendations
The watch night event organized by JLC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee in February, featuring the documentary “America’s Truth: Cincinnati,” aimed to provide a platform for members to gather, watch the documentary, and engage in discussions about racial disparities and systemic issues affecting their communities. This initiative aligns with JLC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by fostering understanding and creating a safe space for exploring important topics.
“America’s Truth: Cincinnati” is the first documentary produced by the Center of Community Resilience, highlighting how structural racism in policies, practices, and programs creates and sustains racial trauma and inequity by race and place. The film sheds light on the racial history and systemic inequities that have influenced Cincinnati’s culture, politics, and race relations.
The documentary begins by exploring Glendale, a historic village where black settlers established themselves and had underground tunnels and a train that aided slaves in their quest for freedom. It emphasizes the challenges faced in preserving the historical site and recognizing the full story of America’s history, particularly the lack of representation of African American history in national sites. The statistic that only 2% of the 95,000 sites on the National Register focuses on African Americans underscores the need to confront the truth of systemic racism and acknowledge the courageous efforts made to seek justice.
The film also addresses structural racism, which relies on a system of racial hierarchies centered around whiteness, resulting in a significant racial wealth gap. In Cincinnati, white families possess ten times the wealth of black families, leading to 55% of black families in Hamilton County living in poverty. Additionally, black families face challenges in home ownership, with less than one-third owning homes compared to two-thirds of white families, despite making up 40% of Cincinnati’s population. Housing policies, urban renewal, court systems, policing practices, and the battle for desegregation in public education all contribute to perpetuating a cycle of trauma and racial disparities within the Cincinnati community.
The experiences of black neighborhoods in Cincinnati, such as the rezoning of Lincoln Heights to remove the business district from its tax base, further highlight the historical shaping of the country based on race.
Following the documentary screening, JLC members engaged in discussions led by the DEIB committee. Recognizing and confronting these systemic issues are essential steps toward working for a more equitable society. By understanding the historical context, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and implementing systemic changes, it becomes possible to address and dismantle the structures that perpetuate racial disparities and promote healing and equity within the community.
America’s Truth is the first documentary produced by the Center for Community Resilience (CCR) to demonstrate how structural racism in policies, practices, and programs creates and sustains racial trauma and inequity by race and place. You can register to access the film using the QR code below or visiting ccr.publichealth.gwu.edu/americas-truth
Download the America’s Truth discussion guide (PDF) to help start a conversation on Truth in your community. To learn more about the Cincinnati Truth & Equity process, check out the Truth & Equity: Cincinnati case study Both of these resources are also available using the QR code link.
The mission of Junior League of Cincinnati is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Nationally, Volunteer Appreciation Week is celebrated in April, and the JLC has hosted an annual Volunteer Appreciation Night the past few years to give all members as volunteers and to provide a chance to shine and have their contributions recognized by the JLC. This year’s ceremony awarded six members for various areas of service and volunteering with our partners including; Girls On The Run, Saturday Hoops, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, Mentoring Plus, Our Daily Bread, Family Nurturing Center, and many more. The awards night was hosted at the Columbia Center with the help of CandO’s chair, Emily Keller.
The awards night opened with a quote from Aesop’s Fables story, The Lion and The Mouse, “No act of kindness,no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Members and leaders were then recognized for their efforts throughout the year as volunteers, including:
• Small But Mighty Award: Yashna Patel. Yashna is an Active member who helped serve on both the Engagement committee and Perspectives committee for 2022-2023 League year. She assisted with serving on the Perspectives Committee as vice chair.
• New Member MVP Award: Rachel Romer and Daniella “Dani” Rodriguez, two members who were showcased for their contributions this year. Rachel served on the Spring Fundraiser committee and Dani served on the CandO committee.
• Service With A Smile Award: Emily Bakes. Emily is an Active member who serves as chair of the Marketing committee.
• Digital Cheetah AwROARd: Amy Jo Jones. Amy Jo Jones is chair of the Online committee.
• Flower Power Award: Kathryn Harsh. Kathryn is a Sustainer and contributed beautiful flowers for the fashion show and other events throughout the year.
The ceremony closed another quote saying,“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. Thank you.” by Joseph Addison, an English political writer and poet.
JLC values all our volunteers and the impact they make in the JLC and our community.
Your clothing is the first impression you give to others. Now you can make that first impression count, with an assist from Jenn - your personal stylist!
Make your wardrobe work for you. Styled by Jenn will:
• Come to your house and edit your closet and help you organize your wardrobe
• Shop with you to fill gaps in your wardrobe
• Work with you to put together fun and creative outfit ideas
“At The Oakley Soap Co. we believe in cereal for dinner, play-dates with wine and wearing pajamas in the carpool line.” This is the opening line you will read when you visit theoakleysoapco.com to shop for guilt-free products to indulge in some self care. That opening line made me feel right at home, like our newest tenant in the JLC building, Laura Pipitone, owner of The Oakley Soap Co. I sat down with Laura to learn more about her business, how she came to be a tenant at Columbia Center, and her first encounter with our Managing Director, Ashley Rouster. In 2017, Laura was working part time and looking for a creative outlet and by 2020, what started as a fun hobby turned into a full time business. While many businesses suffered at the height of the pandemic, Laura’s business thrived, being able to help meet the needs of everyone seeking any soap they could get their hands on. Not only was she able to meet this need, but she did it all while creating 100% vegan and sustainably sourced products that are environmentally friendly. Laura’s business is sourced out of her home, and her business was operated solely online - without a brick and mortar space, which Laura prefers to work from.
Cue Ashley Rouster, Managing Director of JLC. “I saw a post on Facebook from Laura sharing that she was struggling to find a place to expand that met her needs. I was familiar with her business through her philanthropic efforts and all the ways she gives back to our community and immediately thought of our lower level. I reached out to Laura and we found out our space would be a great match! We are thrilled to be hosting her as a tenant and sharing our space with a community minded female owned local business.”
Laura will be using the basement of Junior League for “a production facility. I’m looking to expand and cannot add to my current space. I’m looking to be able to create larger batches of products.”
Laura is the sole employee of The Oakley Soap Co, who runs the business start to finish. “I make the products, run the social media pages and my website.” Her husband assists, as well as her kids - they work for ice cream. “I am looking to bring someone on, and looking to create jobs for women who can’t have a ‘traditional’ schedule - i.e. full time moms who are looking for a family working environment.”
Impressively, 98% of Laura’s supplies are purchased from women-owned businesses. Laura felt the Junior League of Cincinnati was a great match because of our mission in empowering women as leaders and involvement in the community. Laura’s also proudly partners with Transform, an organization that provides free wardrobes for transgender and gender non conforming youth. Part of her proceeds go to this organization and towards providing donation baskets for the Cincinnati Public Schools District.
If you haven’t put this article down already to check out her website, do it. (Well, maybe after finishing reading this as you’re already in the home stretch). Laura loves meeting new people in the Cincinnati area and welcomes women of the JLC to pop their heads in to say hello. Her products are not only guilt-free and safe for us and the environment, but you can check out more of her story as well as enjoy the witty humor and charisma her website displays. Laura is also working on a JLC-inspired soap, so be on the lookout for that!
If you’re at a JLC event and post about it, please tag the JLC We love to share what our members are doing in the community!
Insta: @jlcincy / FB: jlcincinnati / LinkedIn: junior-league-of-cincinnati/
By: Danielle Peace
Our previous Donor Relations Chair and new Vice President of Fund Development, Katey Baron, has been dedicated to building new goals for the future of fundraising for the Junior League of Cincinnati.
A key component of the plan is to focus on corporate sponsorships; by reaching out to various corporations to sponsor the JLC for the whole year, organizations and companies will have the chance for multiple points of exposure at GMMs, events and fundraisers. The Donor Relations Committee is creating new sponsorship packets which will be available for sharing soon. “We will be looking to start asking for sponsorships around early to mid-summer. We are looking at internal as well as external sponsors. The goal is to cut down on operating expenses,” shared Katey
You can help by asking your companies or organizations you know in the community, that we can create a relationship with. You may also donate to the Annual Fund which contributes to our operating budget and helps further our mission. Suggestions for corporate sponsorships can be sent to donations@jlcincinnati.org and the donations link to the Annual Fund can be found at the top of our website, under “Donate” at jlcincinnati.org
By: Yashna Patel
The Junior League of Cincinnati celebrated its first Holi event in May! Holi is known as the festival of colors that has an overarching theme of good over evil. Several League members had the opportunity to learn about the practices and customs of this Hindu festival as one of our diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging initiatives. The event started with a twenty-minute presentation with conversations on how Indians celebrate the festival in the U.S. as well as in India, the origins and history of Holi, and ended with a Bollywood video that demonstrated what generally happens during a Holi celebration. As we closed the Columbia Center, members gathered to eat some Indian sweets and delicacies as well drink a mix of pomegranate and lemonade juice we called “The Ruby.” Members enjoyed learning some Bollywood dance moves and grooving to energetic Indian music and the festival of colors began! As the members saw the bags of color being cut open, they couldn’t wait to dig in and start throwing it around. There were several passerby cars that must have wondered why we weren’t running as the “Color Run” is what comes to mind with colored powder. Little did they know that our nonprofit was busy celebrating spring! Holi is generally in February or March, but if the weather is cold, Holi can be quite miserable which is why it was decided it would be in May during the spring season. Thank you to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Membership Engagement committee, Meg Anaker and Sam Markle, for helping make this happen.
Roto-Rooter, Brideface, Manley Burke, LHH (formerly Parker + Lynch Legal), Trilogy Fitness Systems, Luxe Sunless, Madison Wealth Management, Megan Stacey Group, DJ BlackNMyles Laura Sioux Photography, and CG Marketing & Communications
