2021-2022 JLLR Interaction Magazine

ANNUAL ISSUE 2021-2022 | VOLUME XXVIII

The League of Extraordinary Women Celebrating 100 years of service

Features Centennial Celebration Holiday House IMPACT

Our newest branch is on your phone.

At Simmons Bank, we believe in making banking as easy as possible. So you can bank when you want, where you want and how you want. Whether you’d like to make a mobile deposit before bed, pay bills with your morning coffee, or check out with just a tap of your debit card. That’s banking at the speed of Simmons.

Learn more at simmonsbank.com.

Hold your camera over the QR code to download our Mobile Banking App.

Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.

App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.

CONTENTS

A publication of Junior League of Little Rock, Inc. Volume XXVIII. Annual Issue 2021-2022

Interaction Staff Editor: Shannon Heard Staff Writers: Eliza Gaines and Barbara Scott Contributing Writers: Isabella Bradley, Ellon Cockrill, Mimi Hurst Rachel McLemore, Betsey Mowery, Maddie Schmidt, and Kara Wilkins Layout and design provided by Leslie Norris-Lee and Lauren Cerrato

2021-2022 Board of Directors President: Maradyth McKenzie President Elect: Tabitha McNulty Sustainer Advisor: Virginia Porta Administrative Vice President: Christina Aleman Community Vice President: Telischa Lewis Development Vice President: Lauren Hardy Marketing Vice President: Candice Hickman

Leadership

4 President's Note 5 Board of Directors 6 Editor’s Note & Contributors

Features

8 Centennial

One Hundred Years of Service JLLR Through the Years Timeline

11 Looking Forward: Celebrating a Legacy of Impact 13 Holiday House Celebrating 30 Years

Membership Vice President: Sara Beth Leader Nominating Director: Marly Gammill Training Director: Jamie Reed-Moss Treasurer: Jenna Martin Treasurer Elect: Jessica Blair

Mission: Junior League of Little Rock is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Junior League of Little Rock welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities Interaction is published annually by Junior League of Little Rock. All rights are reserved.

Reproduction without permission, except by other Junior League publications, is prohibited.

Impact

12 Service in Action 15 By the Numbers

Our Members

16 Notable Names Member Profiles

Moneywise

19 Statement of Financial Standing

Junior League of Little Rock 401 S. Scott St. Little Rock, AR 72201 501-375-JLLR jllr.org

2021-2022 | Volume XXVIII | Interaction | 3

PRESIDENT’S NOTE It is my great honor to serve as Junior League of Little Rock (JLLR) President as our organization celebrates a century of service. JLLR is a pillar of community impact, and the collective voices of its Members continue to influence change. The work we do demonstrates time and again our passion and commitment to supporting our community. We are proud of these inspiring and diverse civic-minded women who are empowering the next generation of female leaders. I am honored to serve alongside them as volunteers committed to transforming our city into a place where all are able to thrive.

For 100 years, JLLR Members, reflecting a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and professional pursuits, have remained committed to leading change and transforming communities. As a training organization, Junior League has always provided women an opportunity to invest in their personal and professional leadership growth, the byproduct of which is sustained community impact through the mobilization and action of our members. By working together to identify unmet needs and forging effective coalitions, it is our collective differences that make us such a strong force.

The JLLR legacy can be seen throughout our community as we continue to provide volunteers, funding, and leadership support in an effort to establish long-lasting projects. Many of our city’s cherished organizations were established or founded in part by the visionary and effective leadership of League Members, including Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Potluck, Gaines House, Volunteers in Public Schools (ViPS), and Riverfest, just to name a few. While our history is something we celebrate, we know our work is not done.

Over the last year, we have collectively experienced a truly unprecedented time that highlighted many existing community issues. The growing digital divide challenged our ability to keep members connected with each other and their community. But Junior League women are fearless and undeterred in our mission.

I’m excited for JLLR Members to safely re-engage in-person as we navigate a new normal. I am confident in the resolve of JLLR Members to find innovative ways to continue our legacy of impact.

We truly appreciate all who have embraced the mission of JLLR and its Members, whose hard work and commitment have been a driving force behind the kinds of initiatives and institutions that make our community a healthier, more vital place to live. I hope you will join me in supporting this strong network of passionate female leaders.

Whether you choose to support our organization by attending an event, with a donation, or by joining as a Member, you ensure the Junior League of Little Rock’s vision of women as catalysts for lasting community change endures.

With Gratitude,

Maradyth McKenzie 2021 – 2022 President

4 | Interaction | Volume XXVIII | 2021-2022

MEET THE BOARD

The League of Extraordinary Leaders We asked the 2021-2022 Board of Directors to answer why they decided to join Junior League of Little Rock.

Maradyth McKenzie

Tabitha McNulty

Virginia Porta

Christina Aleman

"Junior League of Little Rock membership means being part of a strong network of passionate women whose lasting impact can be seen throughout our community."

"My opportunity to serve as the membership Vice President allowed me to really learn human resource skills and help me learn to better communicate both in my professional and personal relationships. I joined the League to become more invested in the Little Rock community, and I’m so grateful, but surprised, for the meaningful, lifelong friendships I made!"

"JLLR is not a white-glove and pearls organization. When I joined JLLR in the 1990s, there was a stereotype of a Junior League member. Very little of that stereotype was true then and even less is true now. I wasn't a native Arkansan, was in a male-dominated industry, and I worked full-time. Then, as we do now, we got down to business, did the work, and made results happen."

"As Non-Profit Center Chair, sometimes you have to deal with difficult situations. During one of those times, another member gave me a piece of advice. She said to always sandwich the negative with the positive and to be direct but dress it up with pearls. Great advice that still serves me today."

President

President Elect

Sustainer Advisor

Administrative Vice President

Telischa Lewis

Lauren Hardy

Candice Hickman

Sara Beth Leader

"There is truly no organization like JLLR. It's an organization where you not only are trained to become exceptionally qualified leaders, you help your community by improving the lives of people through meaningful programs and initiatives. It's an organization where new skills are developed, new friendships are formed, meaningful relationships are created, and communities are transformed."

“I always love the opportunity to share with those outside of the League our legacy projects, they generally have no idea so many of the things they love in our community, were started by the Junior League of Little Rock.”

"In my League experience, not only have I gotten to meet and spend time with a great group of women, it's incredibly rewarding to see the results of my time and effort on the ways and means committees come through in all of the community projects."

“I am always grateful that each role/task we accept in the League is considered a learning opportunity. It has allowed me to feel more comfortable taking risks and trying new ideas, which results in my growth and the growth of the impact that we strive to make in our community.”

Community Vice President

Development Vice President

Marketing Vice President

Membership Vice President

2021-2022 | Volume XXVIII | Interaction | 5

MEET THE BOARD | CONTRIBUTORS

Marly Gammill

Jamie Reed-Moss

Jenna Martin

Jessica Blair

“I am a proud daughter of a former JLLR member. Growing up, I got to see my mom in service and because of this, I felt a calling to volunteer throughout high school, college and graduate school. After 9 years I am still answering the call to serve our community. What’s more is that I am now a mother, and I hope to inspire my children just as my mom inspired me.”

"If you're interested in serving the community, gaining life-long leadership skills while working beside a diverse group of highly talented women, and building your network of friends, JLLR is THE place for you!"

"Through leadership and training opportunities provided to me as a member of Junior League of Little Rock, like the Non-Profit Board Institute, I’ve been able to build my personal and professional skillset and pour into amazing non-profits who are making an impact in Central Arkansas!"

“I have felt and seen significant growth within myself during my time in the League, which I did not expect. Gaining friendships with amazing women, learning how to work in committees to pull together events, witnessing the greatness we provide within our community, and learning how to lead within the organization has brought so much happiness into my life!”

Nominating Director

Training Director

Treasurer

EDITOR’S NOTE For 100 years, Junior League of Little Rock has been a pillar in the community through the service, mentorship, and leadership development of dynamic women. As a Central Arkansas native, it’s my honor and responsibility to move my community forward by giving back.

When the Interaction team researched the history of the League, we were amazed at how influential earlier projects were on the vital work we do today. We’re beyond grateful for the trailblazing women in the League throughout the years who made a difference in Little Rock and the state of Arkansas. We hope you enjoy flipping through the pages of Interaction and learning more about our past, present, and future. Cheers to 100 years of women bettering our communities!

All my best, Shannon Heard Interaction Editor

6 | Interaction | Volume XXVIII | 2021-2022

Treasurer Elect

Staff Writers Eliza Gaines

Barbara Scott

Contributing Writers Isabella Bradley Ellon Cockrill Mimi Hurst Rachel McLemore Betsey Mowery Maddie Schmidt Kara Wilkins

Celebrate a century of service with measurable impact throughout Central Arkansas and support the Junior League of Little Rock vision for the future. Invest in this community service and leadership as Junior League of Little Rock continues to develop the potential of women.

Join the Second Century Campaign and help improve the lives of women and children, and the quality of life in our community.

Supporters Below $500 Friends $500 to $999 Investors $1,000 to $2,499 Benefactors $2,500 to $4,999 Leaders $5,000 to $9,999 Visionaries $10,000 to $49,000 Preservationists $50,000 or above PLEDGES

The Baby Welfare Station ............................................................................................................ 1920s

• Pledge payment can be made at time pledge is made or by December 31st

Bargain Box........................................................................................................................... 1962 – 1977

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (prev. Arkansas Arts Center).......................................... 1960s Gaines House ................................................................................................................................. 1960s Riverfest ............................................................................................................................................. 1970s Centers for Youth & Families (prev. Parent Center) ............................................................ 1980s Seven on Your Side ........................................................................................................................ 1980s Potluck................................................................................................................................................ 1990s Museum of Discovery (prev. Arkansas Museum of Science and History) .................. 1990s KOTA Camp (prev. Camp For Fun) .......................................................................................... 2000s Preservation of: Trapnall Hall ........................................................................................................................... 1926-1976 Junior League of Little Rock Building (prev. Woman’s City Club) .................. 2001-Present

• Amounts of $500 or more payable over a three-year period

• Tax deductible for the year payment is made

RECOGNITION

• All pledges of $500 or more will be featured on a donor plaque at the JLLR Building

MATCHING GIFTS

• Let us know if your employer will match you

Bargain Barn ........................................................................................................................ 1978 – 2008 Bargain Boutique ............................................................................................................... 2006 – 2012 Little Rock Cooks ................................................................................................................................. 1972 Traditions ............................................................................................................................................. 1983 Apron Strings ....................................................................................................................................... 1997 Big Taste of Little Rock ..................................................................................................................... 2009 Holiday House ..................................................................................................................... 1991 – Now

Scan to visit the Second Century Campaign website: jllr.org/second-century-campaign

For more information about the Second Century Campaign contact: Maggie Young / 501-519-3829 / maggie@sweap.com Tabitha McNulty / 501-786-7808 / tabitha.mcnulty@arkansas.gov

jllr.org/second-century-campaign

FEATURE | CENTENNIAL

One Hundred Years of Service JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LITTLE ROCK

Rachel McLemore, Mimi Hurst, and Betsey Mowery

Founded in 1914 as an auxiliary to the United Charities of Little Rock, Junior League of Little Rock (JLLR) began its work as a Junior League and member of the Association of Junior Leagues of America in 1922. Since its inception, the League has focused on training women with varied backgrounds, interests, and professional pursuits to work together to identify unmet needs, forge effective coalitions, and work for change. Through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers, JLLR has established many successful initiatives that have become independent charitable projects and continue to make a tangible impact on the community.

Perhaps the most important project in the League’s early history was the Child (Baby) Welfare Station, which was housed in the Arsenal Tower Building in City Park (now known as MacArthur Park). As has become the organization’s operating procedure, JLLR began by conducting a survey of conditions in Little Rock, assisted by Dr. John Thames. With this survey, League leaders chose to focus on the Child Welfare Station for their first independent project.

JLLR:Through the Years 1920s

1930s

1940s

1960s

1970s

The Baby Welfare Station

Visiting Nurses

Speech Correction School

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (formerly the

Riverfest

Arkansas Arts Center)

and Gaines House

8 | Interaction | Volume XXVIII | 2021-2022

CENTENNIAL | FEATURE A nurse and several volunteer physicians would assist mothers who could bring in infants and preschool-aged children for examination and receive education on care and feeding. The Child Welfare Station was an enormous success, expanding from three to five days of operation and serving thousands of local children. In 1937, feeling that the Child Welfare Station could operate independently and could serve the city in other areas, JLLR turned the Child Welfare Station over to the City of Little Rock. This started another League tradition: letting well established projects go in order to fill a new need in the community.

Additionally, another League tradition since the beginning was that projects were visionary at the time of their development and establishment. Junior League of Little Rock had and has a visionary view for projects to positively impact children, youth, women, families, and the quality of life for all in Little Rock. There are many visionary projects, but a few notable ones include: In the late 1950s, JLLR had the desire to develop a Community Arts Center since the benefits of Arts and Cultural events enhance the quality of life for all citizens, a novel focus at that time. In 1959, the League signed an agreement between the Museum of Fine Arts and the Community Arts Center to combine support for what would become the Arkansas Arts Center (now known as the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts). JLLR was instrumental with ideas, volunteers, and fundraising during the early 1960s.

At the dedication of the new Arkansas Arts Center in May 1963, JLLR President Barbara Penick was presented a plaque and special citation from the City of Little Rock Mayor Byron R. Morse for the JLLR’s involvement with the creation of the Arkansas Arts Center.

In the 1960s, The Gaines House was established through the combined efforts of JLLR, the Pulaski County Mental Health Association, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and Altrusa International of Little Rock. Gaines House served as a transitional

Making Little Rock Our Home JLLR has long been a pioneer in downtown Little Rock, with our first headquarters located at Trapnall Hall. In the early 2000’s, JLLR embarked upon the preservation of the Woman’s City Club, which remains our current headquarters.

Ways and Means Projects Over the years, the League has raised the funds to help serve our community through follies, cookbooks, thrift shops and sales, a 5/10K race, a holiday market, and our membership dues.

Notable Fundraising Projects 1947-1952 | Charity Horse Show 1962-1977 | Bargain Box 1978-2007 | Bargain Barn

Little Rock Cooks (1972)

1980’s | Traditions (1983) 1991-Present | Holiday House

Apron Strings (1997)

2007-2012 | Bargain Boutique

Big Taste of Little Rock (2009)

2014-2019 | Downtown Dash

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

Centers for Youth & Families (formerly Parent Center) and Seven on Your Side

Potluck and Museum of Discovery (formerly

KOTA Camp (formerly Camp for Fun), Stuff the Bus, GROW (Girls Realizing

Boosters and Big

Arkansas Museum of Science and History)

Opportunities Within)

Rigs, Nonprofit Board Institute, and Little Readers Rock

2021-2022 | Volume XXVIII | Interaction | 9

FEATURE | CENTENNIAL

Charity Horse Show

Downtown Dash

residence facility for homeless women with mental, physical, or behavioral health disabilities and opened in 1967. Public recognition of mental health issues was more novel in the 1960s than today. Each organization was responsible for a different area of expertise, with JLLR taking the lead in writing the initial grants for the project and helping to raise matching funds, conducting a public relations campaign, and placing volunteers in the house to help residents during their transition. JLLR continued its involvement with Gaines House until it formally turned over the project in 1972.

In the 1970s, the concept of outdoor festivals was still a novel idea. However, the American Wind Symphony approached JLLR with a plan to host a summer arts festival along the river. Recognizing their commitment to improving the community, not just socially and economically, but also culturally, the League members took the idea and ran with it. The Summer Arts Festival was held in July 1978 at Murray Park and this was the initial festival that would evolve into what became more popularly known as Riverfest. Held traditionally on Memorial Day weekend, JLLR provided volunteers and a project chairman who worked to build the infrastructure necessary to sustain Riverfest and encouraged local businesses and the arts community to embrace the festival. JLLR remained highly involved throughout the years with thirty-one JLLR members serving as the Riverfest Chairman.

JLLR volunteers continued to remain involved with Riverfest Inc., after its formal volunteer requirements ended in 1995.

In the late 1980s, Junior League of Little Rock and KATV Channel 7 developed a broad-based consumer information and referral phone line called Seven on Your Side, with JLLR volunteers answering the phone calls. Seven on Your Side was a forerunner of the consumer advocate type organizations that are prevalent today, and it continues to help public callers.

10 | Interaction | Volume XXVIII | 2021-2022

Bargain Barn

Holiday House

In the early 1990s, JLLR embarked on another innovative idea to assist with prepared and unused food rescue and distribution to individuals. JLLR, the Interfaith Hunger Task Force, and the Arkansas Food Bank worked together to form Potluck in 1991. Potluck is a nonprofit organization that redistributes prepared and unused food free of charge to a large and growing network of nonprofit community food programs. JLLR provided $25,500 to support the organization from 1990-1993 and leased a refrigerated truck (valued at $30,000) that the League owned to Potluck for $10 to help the organization serve more families. In addition to monetary donations, JLLR members served countless volunteer hours with Potluck.

Throughout the years, JLLR has also raised millions of dollars to ensure the success of League projects and continued support of community partners. Our Ways and Means projects are League fundraisers that appropriately fund our mission and community based projects. There have been many Ways and Means projects since our inception including three Barns: Box, Bargain and Boutique, four cookbooks (Little Rock Cooks, Traditions, Apron Strings, Big Taste of Little Rock), and Holiday House, which celebrated its 30th year in 2021!

Junior League of Little Rock’s commitment to its mission is borne out in its tradition of conducting community surveys to identify needs, launching successful projects to address those needs, and allowing those projects to stand alone once established in order for the League to focus on other community needs. Standing on the precipice of our 100th active year in Little Rock, it is important that we look back, celebrate the impact we’ve had on the community, acknowledge the growth our organization has undergone and look forward to continuing our efforts to better assist our community. We look forward to developing more visionary projects to help citizens of Little Rock during our next 100 years!

CENTENNIAL | FEATURE

Celebrating a Legacy of Impact LOOKING FORWARD:

Kara Wilkins and Ellon Cockrill

On behalf of the entire Centennial Celebration Committee (CCC), we are so excited for you all to join us in 2022 for our year-long celebration of JLLR and its many accomplishments. Our theme for the year is “Legacy of Impact” and the centennial year will feature many activities that are open to all League membership. Our centennial year will kick off on January 20th with a press conference followed by our January General Membership Meeting, where we will get a report from the Centennial Celebration Committee. This will be an exciting day to jump start our year long celebration!

The first activity to celebrate 100 years will be 100 volunteers serving the Arkansas Food Bank on Saturday, January 22nd. Sustainers can look for the sign-up link on the JLLR website, JLLR.org/ Centennial. Actives can use this as a community focus opportunity. Throughout the year, we will continue to host events for both League members and the general public, including participation in a panel honoring Women’s History Month at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, a Centennial exhibit, and a spectacular finale event to close out the year in style!

Since a centennial only happens once every 100 years, we also want to use this time to re-engage Sustainers to remember the great times that you had as a JLLR member! To help with that effort, the Centennial membership subcommittee will host a series of membership activities, including Reminisce and RE-Member gatherings based on Provisional class, past committee placements, and much more. We also want you to come out and volunteer with us at our Legacy projects! Watch for JLLR communication about these volunteer opportunities and sign up!

Lastly, we need your help in ensuring the future of the League—this winter will formally launch the Second Century Campaign, which will help support JLLR during our Centennial year and beyond. Watch for ways to support! Be on the lookout for more information about possibly hosting a Second Century Preview Party soon!

If you have any questions or are interested in helping during our centennial year, please do not hesitate to contact the Centennial Celebration Committee at centennial@jllr.org.

2021-2022 | Volume XXVIII | Interaction | 11

IMPACT | SERVICE IN ACTION

100 Years of Impact

12 | Interaction | Volume XXVIII | 2021-2022

HOLIDAY HOUSE | FEATURE

Celebrating 30 Years of Holiday House Isabella Bradley and Maddie Schmidt

Black Friday shopping takes on a whole new meaning when Junior League of Little Rock’s Holiday House, presented by Simmons Bank, comes to town each year.

The 30th annual fundraiser for Junior League took the 2020 year off for safety precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and came back in 2021 ready to celebrate.

“We were very excited to help kick-off the shopping season with our 30th annual Holiday House event,” said Holiday House Chair Keri Richmond. “After a tough year for our community, we were excited to celebrate the 30th year of Holiday House safely. By shopping at Holiday House, you’re shopping for a cause. Holiday House provides significant funding for the League’s community programs in areas such as promoting children’s literacy, providing free wellness screenings, and serving youth with developmental needs.”

History proves the success of Holiday House with the number of attendees. Over the years, more than 15,000 shoppers have walked through the Statehouse Convention Center doors over the span of four days to get their holiday shopping started. “Just thinking

about opening those doors each year, I think of the smiles and hugs that you see of families embracing, kids running up to grandparents, and sorority sisters coming together again,” said Isabella Bradley, Publicity Chair for Holiday House 2021. “Holiday House is a time for so many to come together, but also brings our committee together all working for a common goal. We’ve become friends, and in the process are doing good for our community.”

Holiday House is a reminder to all that when women come together, the power to do anything is possible. Since 1990, Holiday House has collectively raised over $6 million for the JLLR’s community service projects including Stuff the Bus, Nightingales, LYFE, Kota Camp, Little Readers Rock and Boosters & Big Rigs. The event generates more than 50 percent of all funding for the League’s community projects. Holiday House is the largest holiday shopping event in central Arkansas and hosts nearly 200 merchants.

In 2020, a time when the League was ready to promote and celebrate 30 years of Holiday House, COVID-19 shut it down. And while so many committee and league members were disappointed,

2021-2022 | Volume XXVIII | Interaction | 13

FEATURE | HOLIDAY HOUSE the community responded in the same way.

Reading posts on social media and hearing around Central Arkansas, “We go every year, I can’t believe it!” COVID-19 guidelines from the local and state level were followed this year to ensure the safety of all shoppers. So, as so many consider it their one-stop-shop for Christmas shopping, a reunion of friends near and far, Holiday House was just as ready to open its doors this year!

Junior League of Little Rock is honored to be inducted into the 2022 Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. A ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

More information can be found at arwomenshalloffame.com.

14 | Interaction | Volume XXVIII | 2021-2022

BY THE NUMBERS | IMPACT

Women Making An Impact

Here are just a few ways Junior League of Little Rock makes an impact on our community.

STUFF THE BUS

62,724

Elementary schools Students received in school supplies

$40,000

KOTA CAMP

100

Campers over 4 camps

NON PROFIT BOARD INSTITUTE

40

Participants over Spring and Fall Sessions

80

NIGHTINGALES

$400

Sweaters created for the AR Children's Hospital NICU

of wish list items fulfilled

3

BOARDWALK

$1,000

Community Partners added for a total of 15 worth of supplies donated

4

LITTLE READERS ROCK Little Free Libraries Added

1,000

150

book bags given away to kids and 150 book books collected bags donated to CALS

700

Masks donated

100

Valentine Cards to Veterans

100

Thank You notes to Educators

5,000

Members of the community impacted

664

Hours of community service

2021-2022 | Volume XXVIII | Interaction | 15

OUR MEMBERS | NOTABLE NAMES Junior League of Little Rock is full of women making a difference in the community. Here are just a few recognized during the 2020-2021 League year for their leadership and continued commitment to JLLR. Eliza Gaines and Barbara Scott

◊ Hometown | Roanoke, Virginia ◊ Family | A husband, Kevin, and two grown children ◊ Education | B.A. in Chemistry from the University of Arkansas; M.D. from UAMS ◊ Job | Doctor specializing in Emergency Medicine at Baptist Medical Center ◊ Favorite hobby | Spending time with friends and family, travel, exercise ◊ Years in JLLR | 1993-2000

Elicia Kennedy | Sustainer of the Year Elicia Kennedy was a third-year resident in Emergency Medicine and the only female in her year of residency when she decided to join the League to meet other women.

“The JLLR gave me so much more than I anticipated,” Elicia says. In addition to learning much about the community and what service looks like, Elicia says she made some of my dearest friends to this day. She remarks, “I met women in all aspects of life — stay-at-home moms, accountants, lawyers, and retirees. It was wonderful!”

Elicia says that lessons learned from the League are still with her to this day. Working in the emergency department at Baptist during Covid has been challenging and stressful. “It has taught me to take each day and never take it for granted,” Elicia says. “I have grown in faith and learned to be much more mindful. I am grateful for all my blessings, including my friends and what I have learned from Junior League.”

Emily Powell Carpenter | Active Member of the Year Emily’s interest in JLLR was sparked after seeing a billboard and talking with a coworker, Tricia Wilson, who became her League Sponsor when she joined. Since graduating college, Emily was missing the camaraderie of being involved in a group that dedicated time to volunteering and serving others; she is an alumnus of Tau Beta Sigma, the national honorary band sorority.

One of Emily’s favorite parts about being in the League has been finding women to be mentors and supporters inside and out of JLLR. Emily’s advice for anyone considering joining: “Ask yourself why you want to join - if you want to grow yourself and your community, then Junior League will most likely be a great experience for you.”

◊ Hometown | Jonesboro, AR (Bellflower, CA) ◊ Family | Husband, Matt Carpenter; dad, Delbert Powell; furbaby, Hazel (8 year old cat) ◊ Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio art and Master of Arts in Teaching ◊ Job | Digital Learning Specialist at the Arkansas Department of Education ◊ Favorite hobby | Reading, going outside, cycling, running, yoga, arts and crafts ◊ Guilty pleasure | Astrology and Enneagram memes ◊ Years in JLLR | 2013-present

16 | Interaction | Volume XXVIII | 2021-2022

NOTABLE NAMES | OUR MEMBERS Sabrina Lewellan | Elizabeth "Betsey" Mowery Member of the Year Sabrina Lewellan, JLLR’s 2017-2018 President, is in her sixteenth year of the Junior League and still enjoys the opportunity to serve the membership and surrounding community. “In JLLR, I am surrounded by the hustle, heart and collective YES of a powerhouse organization of women making a sustainable and lasting impact,” Sabrina says.

Sabrina said her parents required their children to be committed to serving their communities, and after moving back to Arkansas after law school, she wanted to learn everything she could about Little Rock. She credits Kelly Reed, Bridgette Frazier, and Tamika Edwards for encouraging her to join JLLR in 2005.

“I would tell someone who is thinking about joining the Junior League that it is unmatched when it comes to training female civic and community leaders,” Sabrina says. “We are in our centennial year of individual and organizational service to Little Rock. Everything you see and know about our organization is due to the vision and efforts of thousands of women who, over the years, repeatedly showed up and fearlessly said yes to community investment and leadership development.”

◊ Hometown | Salem, Arkansas ◊ Family | Married to Bradley and a proud stepmom of two boys ◊ Education | Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Master of Science in Higher Education ◊ Job | Lighting Quotations Specialist for Central Texas at Hossley Lighting and Power Solutions ◊ Favorite hobby | Reading and snuggling her Boston Terrier puppies ◊ Guilty pleasure | DIY projects ◊ Years in JLLR | 2020-present

◊ Hometown | Jonesboro, AR ◊ Education | B.S. in Agriculture/ Food Science from Florida A&M and J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School ◊ Job | Deputy Director and Assistant Secretary of the Arkansas State Senate. ◊ Favorite hobby | Board and card games with my game group, traveling, movies, the arts community and fellowship dinners with my circle of friends ◊ Guilty pleasure | Playing Fishdom on my iPad ◊ Years in JLLR | 2005-present

Kristen McColey | New Member of the Year Kristen decided to join JLLR because she believes that the organization focuses on the same group she came from. “I grew up very poor in a small community in northern Arkansas,” Kristen says. “I spent my entire life looking for the right group to belong to. One that focused on truly helping those in need. JLLR is the epitome of everything I’ve ever wanted in a group.”

Kristen’s first year was during the pandemic, and she was impressed with the way that the league came up with out-of-the-box ideas to serve the community when it was needed the most.

Kristen says her most rewarding experience so far has been Little Readers Rock. “Growing up in poverty, reading was my escape. While other kids went on family vacations multiple times a year, the only escape I had was through reading,” Kristen says. “So to find out that JLLR has a committee solely focused on providing access to books for the same group of children like I was? They’ll have to force me to ever leave this committee!”

2021-2022 | Volume XXVIII | Interaction | 17

OUR MEMBERS | NOTABLE NAMES Cheers to our 2020 – 2021 Members of the Month June | Jennifer King

October | Tracey Bradley-Simmons

February | Lauren Hardy

July | Ginsie Higgs

November | Rebecca Duty

March | Emily Powell Carpenter

August | Christina Aleman

December | Stephanie Wise

September | Suma Ashok

January | Ganelle McBryde

April | Ashley Haggard and Stephanie Fraze

Cheers to our New Actives, welcomed May 2021 Adria Allen Alexandria Barnes Kris Barnes Michelle Barnes Nadia Beacham Altricia Breedlove Christina Cole Adrienne Collins India Dillard Ashley Embry Cassandra Fonseca Kimberly Forga Morgan Fortune Este Frazier Felecia Green Rebekah Hallman Ashley Henry-Saorrono

Termeka Hubbard Apryl Jackson Kimara Jenkins Janee Jones-Lankford Jerri Kay Amanda Kennedy Fallon Lee Mary Lincer Cugini Madison Kathryn Maus Kristen McColey Shayla Marie McNeal Michelle McVay LaJoy Montgomery Quinyatta Mumford Camille Neemann Samantha Nutter

Taylor Pearson Jacqueline Pendleton Verenice Perez Shannon Porter April Prewitt Hanna Qedan Sydney Rasch Rosalind Reams Mia Robinson Takisha Sanders Ashley Stepps Tavonia Strickland Ra’Shan Stubbs Sheena Tolbert Greer Veon Jillian Wilson

Active Members Going Sustainer Laura Aday

2013

Hedi Hemenway

2014

Jana Law

2014

Candace Anderson

2010

Laura Hum

2014

Mary McCraw

2012

Annie Cross

2014

Sonya Jackson

2014

Branndii Peterson

2013

Laura Curtner

2014

Monica Jarrell

2012

Olivia Ramsey

2014

Eliza Gaines

2014

Jennifer King

2014

Casey Rockwell

2014

Sherri Green

2014

Leigh Anne Kreps

2014

Nealey Wells

2014

Cory Grummer

2014

April Lasater

2014

Justine Young

2013

Lauren Hall

2014

18 | Interaction | Volume XXVIII | 2021-2022

MONEYWISE Statement of Financial Position Junior League of Little Rock presents its statement of financial position for the period ending May 31, 2021.

Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Contributions Receivable, Net Prepaid and Other Assets

$960,350 $250 $10,136 $26,046

Investment Securities

$2,252,607

Property and Equipment, Net

$2,792,005

Total Assets

$6,041,394

Liabilities

Liabilities and Net Assets

Accounts Payable

$7,651

Accrued Liabilities

$2,539

Delivered Revenue

$124,971

Notes Payable Total Liabilities

$19,916 $155,077

Net Assets Unrestricted Restricted

Total Net Assets Total Liabilities and Net Assets

$5,071,572 $776,877

$5,848,449 $6,003,526

THANK YOU to our

Emerald Sponsor 2021-2022 | Volume XXVIII | Interaction | 19

IMPACT |

Non-Profit Organization

US POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO. 1674 LITTLE ROCK, AR

Junior League of Little Rock 401 S. Scott St. Little Rock, AR 72201

We’ve Been Preparing For Your Project Since 1945.

Whether you need a simple one color business card or a full-color annual report, TCPrint Solutions has the best solution for all your printing needs.

Whatever your project, we’re ready for it.

thinktcprint™

20 | Interaction | Volume XXVIII | 2021-2022 501-945-7165 | tcprint.com