Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Jillian Davis Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair 2021-2022

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION…The Junior League welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of individuals, organizations, and communities. In recent years, the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), of which the Junior League of Greensboro is an affiliate, has made a concerted effort to fully realize this commitment with demographic surveys, the AJLI 10-Day Racial Equity Challenge, Candid Conversations series, and more.

“Creating a diverse and inclusive organization is like building a house. It requires a plan, many different types of materials, expertise of all kinds, and continued care and maintenance.” ~Susan Danish- AJLI Executive Director, 2017.

The Junior League of Greensboro reignited its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion during the 2020-2021 League year with the creation of a DE&I Task Force, which consisted of members who expressed an interest in the work of creating a more diverse and inclusive League. We began our work by benchmarking the roles and strategic plans of other Leagues around the country on their diversity efforts. During the 2021-2022 League year, the Task Force was excited to continue its work as a committee.

Our committee has offered training in the DE&I space led by Nicole Smith and Jada Monica Drew, who spoke at the September GMM about encouraging “brave conversations” and led the fun, informative, and interactive Culture Wheel Card Game. During the summer, our committee participated in cultural training during the leadership retreat and introduced the mission of the committee to our Provisionals during their Super Saturday orientation. We have also actively participated in statewide initiatives with other AJLI members to address a range of inequities in our state.

Our committee has been thrilled to present important DE&I content in the Monday Minute focused on educating, inspiring and helping members to have courageous conversations. Additionally, we have highlighted and supported locally-owned minority businesses and ended the year with another training led by Jada Monica Drew, CEO of Social Designs.