Interaction, Volume 25, 2018-2019

ANNUAL ISSUE 2018-2019

VOLUME XXV

WOMEN BUILDING BET T ER COM MUNIT IES. T HAT ’S T HE JUNIOR LE AGUE .

Aspire to lead • Inspire to serve GET TO KNOW YOUR LE AGUE • ORGANIZ ATIONAL DE VELOPMENT WEEK • MEMBER TR AINING

Ap

ublication of the

Junior League of Little Rock

Family Owned, Customer Friendly®

Proud Luxury Sponsor of Holiday House 2018 Our family makes your family our top priority. That is why we offer great deals on the best luxury vehicles - including the QX80 and QX60 - and each vehicle also comes with unparalleled luxurious amenities such as complimentary loaner vehicles and modern customer lounges with WiFi. And like you, our family believes in the community. We’re glad to support the Junior League of Little Rock’s efforts to make Central Arkansas a better place to live and work.

INFINITI OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

21000 Interstate 30 N | Benton | INFINITIofCentralArkansas.com | 501-320-1400

CONTENTS A publication of the Junior League of Little Rock, Inc. Volume XXV, Annual Issue 2018-2019

Editor-in-Chief: Monica Jarrell Staff Writers: Maegan Clark, Kenya Eddings, and Jennifer Shuler

10

Contributing Writers: Rebecca Duty and Mary DeLoney Logan

2018-2019 Board of Directors President: Kimberly Logue Treasurer: Kristen Bextermueller

15 20

Administrative Vice President: Elizabeth "Betsey" Mowery Community Vice President: Candace Anderson Development Vice President: Natalie Hairston Marketing Vice President: Corey Huffty

Training Director: Casey Rockwell

6

Holiday House 30 Years in the Making

9

Presidential Q&A Kim Logue

10

Members of the Month Those Whose Efforts Stand Out

12

Mentorship A Story of Mother & Daughter

15

Christy Copeland 20 Years of Service

16

18

Features

Sustainer Advisor: Vickey Metrailer Treasurer-Elect: Leigh Anne Kreps

Mission: The 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.

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

By The Numbers Facts on Impact

In the Kitchen Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares

Nominating Director: Tabitha McNulty

Interaction is published annually by the Junior League of Little Rock. All rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission, except by other Junior League publications, is prohibited.

5

Little Rock Eats

Membership Vice President: Danielle Collie

Community Impact: The Junior League of Little Rock improves our community by assessing community needs, developing solutions and training civic leaders.

These efforts, concentrated within the following areas of impact, give direction to our organization: school preparedness and nutrition and wellness.

Interaction Staff

Profile

Graphics Manager: Megan Ludvinsky

President-Elect: Jennifer Goss

4

Impact

Interaction Staff Creative Director: Amy Vaughn

Editor’s Note

22 24

JLLR Hosts an Organizational Development Institute Showcasing our legacy, historic building, and southern hospitality.

20

Invest in Yourself Bringing members and the community together through training.

22

Let's Get Social… …with the Committee on Membership Experience.

24

Notable Members Stand-Out Members from 2018

26

Meet the Board Meet the Leadership of JLLR 2018-2019

28

Moneywise Financial Standing

31

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EDITOR’S NOTE

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” —Henry Ford 97 years ago a group of women committed themselves to making Little Rock a better home for women and children. This year we have celebrated the power of our membership and continued to challenge ourselves to become better servant leaders for our community.

We successfully hosted one of the Organizational Development Institutes for the Association of Junior League International. The League rose to the challenge of assisting seven schools with donations for Stuff the Bus. We also joined forces with Everett Infiniti of Central Arkansas to raffle off a car for this year’s Holiday House! Finally, our amazing membership organized training with our community partners to better educate ourselves, and we continued with our mission to reduce childhood obesity through our second year of LYFE. For five years I have continuously witnessed how our members work together to create some of our greatest successes. I’ve seen “women in motion” with our first year of Downtown Dash. I watched “women empowered” as they wore the same outfit Monday through Friday to bring awareness for unsheltered women in Central Arkansas and celebrated Junior League Day with a group of “women daring greatly.” Most importantly, I found a community of “women saying yes,” and I said yes to step up to my first leadership role in the League. I am proud to serve and aspire to continue to lead, as we get closer to 100 years of community service.

All my best,

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EDITORIAL TEAM

MAEGAN CLARK Staff Writer

Celebrating 130 Years

KENYA EDDINGS Staff Writer

Together, with compassionate physicians, caregivers, volunteers and the generosity of many, we are striving to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Learn more at chistvincent.com.

JEN SHULER Staff Writer

Proud sponsors of this year’s Holiday House!

REBECCA DUTY Contributing Writer

MARY DELONEY LOGAN Contributing Writer

MEGAN LUDVINSKY Graphics Manager

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IMPACT | BY THE NUMBERS

1,439

participants

43

Dental Screenings

s

Rigs g i dB n a

Facts on Impact

$392,720 raised at

Holiday House

er

Volunteer hours for 2016 - 2017

k

22,190

oc

Here are just some of the ways our amazing volunteers at JLLR have improved the community.

in 2017

sR

Bo os te r

447

Non Profit Board Institute Attendees

40

Litt

le

Students participating in LYFE this year

7 Stuff the Bus Schools of students who 3,300 Number received school supplies.

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2 “Little Free Libraries� created and maintained

by JLLR

a Re

d

1,100 people at the Arkansas Literary Festival our partner event with the Central Arkansas Library System

Reading Days

3,539 books given

1,157 at our 7

books given at Stuff the Bus other League schools and community this year events

REL AX, THINK, CREATE AND MEET FROM $139/NIGHT FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 877.759.6290 OR VISIT MARRIOT T.COM/LITPB. Business and pleasure come together seamlessly in the Guestroom lobby at the Little Rock Marriott.

A space as expansive as your imagination, with an array of flexible areas that work for impromptu meetings and social gatherings. Now featuring Face Your Day Xpress Salon and Oberkrom Barber Shoppe for easy access to a day of relaxation.

LITTLE ROCK MARRIOTT MARRIOTTLITTLEROCK

THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 SPONSORS FOR MAKING DOWNTOWN DASH A HUGE SUCCESS! To find out more about the 2018 Downtown Dash, visit jllr.org/downtown-dash

INCREDIBLE IRON RUNNER

SIDE KICK SPRINTERS

JUSTICE JOGGERS

WONDER WALKERS

Dassault Falcon Jet

Cache Restaurant

Bella Bridesmaids

Pleasant Ridge Town Center

Dunlap Dental

Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C.

Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic

Merck Animal Health

Little Rock Athletic Clubs

UAMS Sports Medicine Clinic

Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic Tom & Ashley Koonce Western Specialty Contractors

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Whether attending the Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade, enjoying a performance of the Nutcracker at the Robinson Center, or enjoying the NogOff at the Historic Arkansas Museum, you’ll enjoy Little Rock’s myriad of holiday activities. For a complete listing of Little Rock holiday offerings and special events, go to LittleRock.com and find one to share with family and friends.

There’s nothing better than spending time together to make the holiday season bright.

LittleRock.com Bernice Garden

PRESENTING SPONSOR

DIAMOND SPONSORS

PL ATINUM SPONSORS

would like to say

THANK

YOU to our 2018 sponsors

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GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

LUXURY SPONSOR

HOLIDAY HOUSE | IMPACT Nichole McClinton , Tracye Mosley, Rhonna Wade, Mary Fair, and Natalie Hairston welcome shoppers on Friday at Holiday House.

Bringing Christmas Spirit to Central Arkansas Making shoppers merry for almost thirty years. by

M O N I C A JAR R E LL

Twenty-eight years and counting, Holiday House thrives as the League’s most successful fundraiser. Over this four-day event we welcomed over 16,000 visitors, raffled off our first car, and partnered for a second year with Healthy Active Arkansans to host a Nursing Nook for breastfeeding mothers.

Holiday House Chair, Jessica Mitchell, set a personal goal to break fundraising goals and improve upon our successes from last year. She has been able to work with her committee in securing returning sponsors such as, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Southern Glazers, the Marriott Little Rock, and The Promenade at Chenal.

One of this year’s highlights was our new Luxury Sponsor Infiniti of Central Arkansas and our premier raffle prize, an Infiniti QX30.

An important piece to Holiday House was the return of our Holiday House Nursing Nook. In conjunction with Healthy Active Arkansas and Ethan Allen, we were able to provide a comfortable, quiet, private space for mothers who wanted to come shop but also need to care for their small children. In support of our mission to focus on women and children we wanted to help mothers who supported Holiday House, while needing to care for their infant. We provided refreshments, information about newborn care and breastfeeding, a changing station, as well as certified lactation consultants for new moms who came out to support Holiday House.

Thank you to our sponsors, the 2018 Holiday House Committee, and League volunteers for making this year’s event a success!

Luxury Raffle Winners The biggest winners are the League’s community projects that Holiday House helps to support with the funds raised through our shopping event. This year we had some notable raffle winners as well.

Billie Cartwright is the proud new owner of a PK360 Grill and Smoker, Susie Williams is headed to Walt Disney World with a deluxe resort package, Victoria Ryles won a stylish vintage Chanel Matelasse Double Flap Quilted Purse, and Greg Rucker (shown at left) drove off in a new Infiniti QX30!

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PROFILE | PRESIDENTIAL Q&A

CATCHING UP WITH KIM This Texas native lets us in on how JLLR has impacted her life.

Interview by Kenya Eddings | Photography by Sydney Rasch

What influenced your decision to join the Junior League of Little Rock?

Just a few months after moving to Little Rock, a colleague encouraged me to join the JLLR to meet other women who were passionate about serving their community, and to learn more about opportunities to give back in the city I now call home. She and other members that I met spoke so glowingly of the JLLR that I knew I had to try it out. I now know exactly why they spoke so highly of JLLR. I see daily just how our organization empowers emerging female leaders and positively impacts the lives of women and children in Central Arkansas.

What has been your favorite placement in the League?

I have had so many great experiences as a JLLR member, but one of my favorite placements was when I served on the first two years of the revitalized Advocacy committee and got to help shape how the League interacts and engages with our community and elected leaders on public policy issues.

How do you maintain balance between JLLR and your career?

I am very fortunate to have people in my life who are incredibly supportive of my JLLR involvement - both in my personal and my professional life. It's not always easy to balance both JLLR and career but that support makes all the difference.

Aspire to Lead - Inspire to Serve is your chosen theme for the year is. How do you hope to see JLLR members live out that mission this year?

This year's theme is all about asking ourselves what the characteristics of a great leader are and how we can be the type of leaders who inspire others. My hope is that JLLR members live out that theme this year by taking advantage of opportunities to think and act like a leader regardless of what their particular placement or category might be and that they use those leadership opportunities to build relationships that encourage and inspire others both within our organization and in the community.

What advice do you have for new members?

The JLLR offers so many great opportunities - fantastic training, meaningful service, and fun social activities. Take advantage of those chances to get to know other members and what the JLLR is all about, but don't forget to pace yourself at the same time.

If you could describe the Junior League of Little Rock in one word, what would it be?

Empowering

“I see daily just how our organization empowers emerging female leaders and positively impacts the lives of women and children in Central Arkansas.”

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KIM'S FUN FACTS FAVORITE DRINK? Coffee

MASSAGE OR FACIAL? Massage HIDDEN TALENT? Salsa dancing IF YOU COULD COOK FOR ONE PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE? AND, WHAT’S ON THE MENU? Jane Goodall - lasagna

LEAST FAVORITE FOOD? Green olives

BEST GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED? My mother secretly spent an entire year cross-stitching a Thomas Kinkade painting of Snow White that she saw me admiring in a gallery.

LAST MOVIE YOU SAW? Murder on the Orient Express

FAVORITE ‘80S ARTIST? U2

FAVORITE SPORT AND TEAM? Baseball and the Texas Rangers

WHAT WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT? Barracuda by Heart

WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU RECORDED ON YOUR DVR? So You Think You Can Dance

FAVORITE ZOO ANIMAL? Tiger

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PROFILE | MEMBERS OF THE MONTH

Kind of a Big Deal Each month at JLLR we recognize a member whose efforts stand out.

Jenna Martin

Lauren Hall January 2018 Member of the Month Holiday House Business Manager Elect

Kristin Bryant February 2018 Member of the Month 2017 Holiday House Chair

Sarah Hays

December 2017 Member of the Month Headquarters Chair

Marisha Collins

Morgan McKinney

Jenny Beck

Mandy Keller

April 2018 Member of the Month Administrative Support Committee, Research & Development (R&D), and Recruitment

May 2018 Member of the Month Business Manager Downtown Dash 2018

June 2018 Member of the Month Recruitment Chair

July 2018 Member of the Month Stuff the Bus Chair

Christina Aleman

Stephanie Fraze

Jennifer King

Stacy Martin

August 2018 Member of the Month Nonprofit Center Committee Chair

September 2018 Member of the Month Boosters and Big Rigs Chair

September 2018 Member of the Month KOTA Camp Chair

October 2018 Member of the Month Nonprofit Board Institute Chair

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March 2018 Member of the Month Advocacy Committee Chair

This year’s event included a turnout of over 1,100 attendees! We were able to complete 447 dental screenings, 46 hearing screenings, and 51 sports physicals.

We gave school supplies to 400 + children, provided a bike safety course for 110 children, and gave away 10 bikes.

Thank you to our Truck Sponsors

Thank you to our Vendors

• MEMS

• American Red Cross

• Arkansas Game and Fish

• ACH Education

• UAMS Pharmacy Kappa Psi

• Scouts of America

• East End Towing

• Buddy and Dena Rhoads with Big Frank grill

• Hiland Dairy

• Cooking Matters

• UAMS APRN Faculty and Staff

• Children International

Thank You 2018 Partners!

Thank You 2018 Sponsors!

2018-2019 | Volume XXV | Interaction | 13

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MENTORSHIP | PROFILE

Like Mother, Like Daughter The tradition of community service in the Junior League of Little Rock continues. by

BY K E N YA L . E D D I N G S

PHOTO BY SY DNEY R ASCH

Service in the Junior League of Little Rock is infectious! In some cases, it’s a family affair. Consider Yolonda Callahan and Chavania Brown, for example. Yolanda joined JLLR in 2011 and her daughter Chavania is currently a New Member. I got the chance to catch up with them to find out what service together in Junior League of Little Rock means to them.

What do you do professionally?

Yolonda Callahan (YC): I work for the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services as an Auditor for the TANF Division.

Chavania Brown (CB): I work for the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services as the Administrative Assistant for the Assistant Director.

What is your membership status?

YC: I am an Active member. I’ve been a member for 7 years.

CB: I am a New Member/ Provisional.

What has been your favorite placement and/or experience so far and why?

YC: For me, GROW (Girls Realizing Opportunities Within) was my favorite placement. Giving back to the girls, and seeing the happiness on their faces while working with them, and serving the community was such a joy!

CB: The New Member retreat. Although it was very formal, it was fun! Meeting all the New Members and being introduced to such an amazing organization has been great.

What advice did you give your daughter, Chavania before she joined the League?

YC: I told her to enjoy the experience of the League and make it a memorable one by meeting new people and appreciate the opportunity to serve our community.

What advice would you give other women who are considering joining Junior League of Little Rock with their mom?

CB: I would tell them to go for it! It’s very exciting to be a part of something with your mother.

Oh and to make sure you live up to your mother’s potential.

What has it been like serving with your mom?

CB: It has been a very amazing experience, having something socially that we both can relate to. And serving the community with her, side by side, is the best!

Why did you join JLLR? YC: I wanted to work in the community and serve with an organization that has been around for years.

CB: I joined the League because, over the years I’ve watched my mother serve. Through her, I was able to see what an amazing organization the League is and how much outreach the organization provides to our community. I had to be a part of this amazing group of women!

Do you belong to any other community service organizations?

YC: Yes. I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Order of Eastern Star.

CB: Yes. I am a member of Order of Eastern Star.

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PHOTO BY JENNIFER GOSS

PROFILE | CHRISTY COPELAND From left to right: Daughter: Sydney Copeland, Mother-in-law: Marilyn Copeland, Husband: Scott Copeland, Kim Logue, and Christy Copeland

Looking Back, Moving Forward: 20 Years of Service to the League As she celebrates her 20th anniversary as Office Manager for the Junior League of Little Rock, Christy Copeland is only looking forward to celebrating many more. Copeland started working parttime at the League in 1998 after leaving what is now known as the Downtown Little Rock Partnership Association after 13 years of service. As a wife and mother to a then 7-year-old daughter, Christy not only enjoyed the flexibility of the position, but also the comfort of having a community of women supporting her.

In the past 20 years, Christy has seen the League grow and change, not only with change of leadership, but also with the purchase of the historic three-story building that we now know as the League headquarters. It was during this period that the League moved downtown. Christy recalls moving into our headquarters, and the amount of attention community projects within the organization began to receive. Watching the League grow in Little Rock has been one of Christy’s favorite parts of her career. She sees her job as holding down the fort and assisting in areas where she can offer help. Being behind the scenes is what she finds the most rewarding, as a natural caretaker she enjoys helping and supporting others.

Just as she supports the league, she also supports each new incoming president. Though each year’s president and theme will be different, Christy’s strategy is to offer teamwork and flexibility to the League’s leadership however she can. With a family and career of her own, Christy displays a lot of care and compassion with her relationships

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by

M AE G A N C L AR K

within the league. She knows when you take care of others, they will also take care of you. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, Christy did not have to miss much work because there was a huge support system around her helping her get the job done. It is a comfort to Christy to have this kind of supportive community, one that she does not take for granted.

There is a lot of wisdom to be learned from someone who has been a key-player within the League for so many years. Not only for League leadership but for new and current members as well. Christy’s advice for anyone to be successful is to stay organized. With all that life can bring, it is easy to have projects snowball if you don’t stay on top of them. Christy believes that if you commit yourself to an organization, then it is your responsibility to stay on top of those duties that others depend on. She was quintessential in several League capital campaigns to help meet deadlines and fundraising goals.

As the League reaches 100 years of service, Christy sees nothing but a positive future ahead. “The League has done a phenomenal job keeping its members trained to keep moving in the future,” said Christy. That is exactly what she wants for the League, “to keep on keepin’ on.” Do not let her years of service detract from her future. She is not leaving the organization anytime soon. When you have a teammate like Christy Copeland on your side, the leadership, the members, and the community are all headed to a bright future together.

When the community works together, the community works A vibrant community depends on the participation of its members. The more diverse their backgrounds, experience and skills, the more unique their contributions to the community can be.

Bank of America supports the Junior League of Little Rock for celebrating individuality while supporting the common goals that bring progress to everyone.

Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local Life’s better when we’re connected® ©2018 Bank of America Corporation | SPN-128-AD | ARRYK5V8

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IN THE KITCHEN

A Throw-Back Favorite These classic treats are likely to fly off the plate before you can say, “Those are for dessert!”

Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares

from page 214 of Big Taste of Litt le Rock

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

¼ cup packed dark brown sugar

1. Combine the brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar and peanut butter in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer; some of the brown sugar lumps may remain.

4. Microwave on medium for 1 to 2 minutes or until melted; mix well.

2. Press into a greased 9×9-inch pan.

6. Chill until set.

1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar 2 cups creamy peanut butter 2 (4 oz.) milk chocolate bars 1 (4 oz.) semisweet chocolate bar 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3. Combine the milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.

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5. Spread over the peanut butter layer.

7. Cut into small squares to serve.

Visit jllr.org to purchase

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The Junior League of Little Rock Hosts an Organizational Development Institute Showcasing our legacy, historic building, and southern hospitality. by

J E N S H U LE R

On October 19th over two hundred and fifty attendees from forty-four leagues attended the Organizational Development Institute (ODI) hosted by the Junior League of Little Rock.

We even had some international attendees from Canada! This institute is a preparation track for incoming and current league leaders who are on the board or are coming in to major leadership positions in their League. The purpose is to prepare members for their role to be successful in league leadership positions. Our League sent seven leaders to ODI. Programs at Organizational Development Institutes are often key tracks that contribute to a healthy functioning league. The key tracks can vary, and a total of seven can be offered, six were offered in Little Rock. The tracks included: Membership Development, Community Impact, Diversified Fund Development, League Operations, Governance, and Diversity and Inclusion.

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Opposite top to bottom: ODI Attendees Mix & Mingle at the Junior League of Little Rock Ballroom; Ashley Jones, Ines Sucre, and Judy Home networking on Friday; JLLR Member Jenny Beck shows some southern hospitality to ODI attendees This page left to right: Kayla Alfrey and Jennifer Goss welcome attendees; Sabrina Lewellen and Kim Logue take a moment to pose for the camera amidst ODI.

Our fearless ODI Planning Committee, Deanna Ray, Alli Clark, Jenny Beck, Priscilla Howard, and Chair Sabrina Lewellen did a fantastic job of representing the League and putting together an amazing Institute. Little Rock had the third best attendee satisfaction score for ODI. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the committee, we scored an 8.8. The highest ever score given by attendees for an ODI was 9.2, the baseline AJLI likes to have is 8.5.

There were many memorable moments for Sabrina, including the number of individuals she met, and the large number of delegates that said they were coming back. It has been almost 10 years since ODI was hosted in Little Rock. The AJLI Chief Officer of Learning, Juwon Choi, describes ODI as a feel-good conference since most attendees are first-time attendees, and what made it special was what the Junior League of Little Rock brought to it.

Sabrina adds it was an honor to chair the planning committee, and she appreciates the trust of the membership to allow her to lead. “When you are chosen to host an AJLI event, AJLI has entrusted you to

share the signature of your league. It was a risk to take everyone to our building, most receptions are hosted in the host hotel, but we wanted to share our building and all that we have achieved in almost 100 years as a league.”

When you are chosen to host an AJLI event, AJLI has entrusted you to share the signature of your league. —Sabrina N. Lewellen The journey to host ODI started with Amanda Richardson in 2016. Amanda met with AJLI while she was in New York to accept an award on behalf of our league and personally asked for an annual meeting to be hosted in Little Rock. Sabrina continued this conversation, working with AJLI, and in October of 2017 we were notified that we were chosen. The planning committee was small, but the model was efficient with 5 committee members. The process was streamlined, and AJLI will try to replicate our process in the future.

If you are interested in any other annual meetings or AJLI conferences, take a look at the AJLI website: ajli.org

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ILLUSTR ATION BY: A M Y VAUGHN

Invest in Yourself

Bringing members and the community together through training by

M E AG A N C L AR K

At the core of the Junior League’s mission it states that we are an organization of trained volunteers. 2018-2019 Training Director, Casey Rockwell has taken that statement to create a robust program that includes video-style TED-talk “Take 10 Trainings,” educational workshops featuring social media marketing and even a fun chocolate-tasting event just within the past few months. By listening to what the members and the League not only needs but also wants, Casey and her committee are paving a new way forward for what training looks like within the League.

Within any volunteer organization the membership community is always changing. The Training Committee is working to meet the needs of its member today and in the future with new programs. With the new video “Take 10 Trainings,” a member can engage with the league within how it best suits their current lifestyle needs. “By taking it online, we were able to engage new community partners into sharing their leadership lessons with us and reach our members at home, at work, or at the League,” Casey said. This year, the Training Committee is seeking to develop skills in marketing, financial literacy, and developing skills for long term sustainability. By creating these types of training programs not only digital but within the League, it empowers the League, the members, and the community to do more together.

It is not only the Training Committee who has made these events so successful, but the members who attend these events are also spreading their positive experience of these well-attended trainings. “While I would like to say that it is the training that brings our members in, I honestly have to say that attendance has been so high this year due to the passion of our members.” The Training Committee’s goal is to help members assist each community partner at the highest level. Though training is focused on members for now, Casey does see an opportunity to grow training beyond our members and extend it to our community. Casey said, “It is my sincerest desire that our greatest result will be seen through our projects and the impact that we can make in Little Rock.”

for que st ions or sug ge st ions e m ai l: t r ai n i ng @jl lr.org

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Let's Get Social … … with the Committee on Membership Experience. by

R E B E CC A D U T Y

For this League year, the Committee on Membership Experience (CME), was tasked with keeping League members connected through social events. CME provides outreach to members with life events through congratulatory and condolence notes. As the League focuses on our membership, CME continues to reach out to not only active and new members but sustainers as well. Alicia Wyles is this year’s chair and is in her seventh active year with the League. To date they have hosted lunches at Cantina Laredo and U.S. Pizza, happy hour events, a family -friendly gathering for First Thursday at La Terreza Rum Lounge, and a complimentary workout class at Orangetheory Fitness Midtown.

The Committee on Membership Experience has a goal to bring a variety of events for members to participate in; from family-friendly gatherings at The Little Rock Zoo, to bowling with spouses and partners at Dust Bowl.

By bringing our membership together outside general meetings, the League can further support members who are going through life events or give kudos to members who are going above and beyond. CME offers members a way to connect with each other outside the regular obligations. The events are an easy, no pressure way to meet other members who share the same interests.

We hope by adding a social connection to the League in addition to the common interest to better our community, the Committee on Membership Experience will retain members who want to stay and serve.

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Alicia’s placement on this fun, involved, and enthusiastic committee is the perfect fit with her original interest in joining the Junior League of Little Rock. Alicia is not originally from Little Rock and was looking for an opportunity to connect with the community and volunteer. Joining the League has allowed Alicia to get more involved and meet several inspiring women in the process. She hopes that CME will be able to keep the long-term momentum going and continue to take into consideration what kind of events will appeal to the membership.

In the coming months, CME has several more events planned. Some of the highlights will include lunch meetups, social events, and a family-friendly event.

There is a new wine club that will meet through the next League year. In the future, Alicia hopes that each year the committee will try a new social group idea. If you would like to see groups like a book club, or a moms’ group please let your League leadership know. The goal for the committee is for social groups such as these to take off and eventually not need committee oversight. We have had continued success with Leaguers who Lunch and after-meeting socials. Alicia and her committee hope that these events will turn into a standing League tradition.

Would you like to see more groups? Email Alicia at alicia.wyles@gmail.com or the 2019 CME chair Kayla at kaylaalfrey31@gmail.com with your suggestions!

Top three photos: JLLR members enjoy lunch at US Pizza in the Heights. Top photo: Jordon Addison, Jenny Beck, and Mary McCraw; middle left: Alicia Wyles, Danielle Collie, and Kayla Alfrey; middle right: Maradyth McKenzie and Nikki Crane.

Bottom photo: Members pose for a post-workout pic at Orangetheory Fitness Little Rock Mid-Town.

2018-2019 | Volume XXV | Interaction | 25

NOTABLE MEMBERS

by

M O N I C A JAR R E LL

Elizabeth Crow Mowery Award: Kerri Michael

Kerri Michael and Elizabeth “Betsey” Mowery have plenty in common, but the trait that we can see daily in the League is that they are both doers. League members describe Kerri as energetic, enthusiastic, positive, and supportive. We are proud to have her as an active Sustainer in our League.

Kerri’s passion for the League carries over to her professional and personal life.

She is a supportive mom to a creative sixteen-year-old daughter, Lily, and serves as the Development Director for the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. She focuses on impacting the systems in place to make sure Arkansan children can lead healthy lives.

Kerri currently serves as the Sustainer Advisor to the Development Council, but one of her most memorable active member years was when she served as the Stuff the Bus Chair. Kerri says it was powerful to see her hard work translate directly into impact by giving school supplies to children. Kerri is inspired to continue to serve our community by events such as the Organizational Development Institutes, and she credits the League for making her a better leader.

Kerri Michael, like Betsey, has served our League community in a way that cannot be measured. We are thankful for women like them who not only aspire to lead but also inspire others to do so as well.

Active Member of the Year: Amberlie Jones

Amberlie Jones was inspired to join the League in 2014 by her friend Deanna Dorrough Ray. Deanna spoke so highly of the League, it only took three years to convince her! She has been on community placements since her first Active Year, but her most memorable moment was getting the phone call to be the Chair-Elect for LYFE. Amberlie recounted, “To know that someone had the confidence in me to lead was really remarkable.” Looking to the future, Amberlie is seeing how the League works from an Administrative perspective as Chair Elect for Placement.

Amberlie is newly engaged to be married and manages two clinics for the Graduate Medical Education program at Baptist Health in North Little Rock.

Amberlie credits her Google Calendar for being able to balance wedding planning, work, League obligations, and time with her fur children, Kelby, a German Shepherd, and Karl, a pit bull.

Amberlie loves recognizing what each member brings to the League in helping to accomplish a collective goal. She says that it is in her DNA to lead. She also loves being part of a community where women are here to make a difference and a positive impact. While we are diverse in our skill set, Amberlie is, “excited to continue on this journey [of leadership] with the Junior League of Little Rock.”

CHEERS TO OUR NEW ACTIVES, WELCOMED MAY 2018 Kodi Avera Rachel Nicole Binkley Alison Paige Bloodworth Sarah Tumlin Bronni Nicole Wilson Civic Mashauna Evette Conley

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Chemeka Cooper Jocelyn Craig Chandler Chase Crews Elizabeth Brotman Daniel Meagan Elizabeth Davis Emily Deer

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Kate Redden East Allison Nicole Enderlin Kaylyn Presley Hager Trenace Nicole Hardamon Mary Blohm Hargraves Andria Harris

Shanelle G. Harris Hollis Jordan Henry Jamie Hill Lindsey Marie Horton Takeia Shavonne Johnson Kearstyn Jones

Maggie Elizabeth Jones Natasha Deshun Jones Ashley Nicole Louks Karonda R. Lowe Megan Kearney Ludvinsky

NOTABLE MEMBERS New Member of the Year: Lisa Shahim Lisa has always had a servant’s heart. She started her career in nursing in 1995, and works in the Infection Prevention Department at the Arkansas Surgical Hospital. She is also one of twelve children! This taught Lisa core values that have led her to be successful professionally and personally.

Lisa, “always felt that tugging at my heart to belong to something bigger than myself.” The opportunity to impact the community in several different ways influenced her to join the Junior League.

Lisa feels that our League is strong because of the diversity it offers while still being joined together by a common goal. A great example of this was during Little Readers Rock. Lisa witnessed how excited the school children were when they were allowed to choose a couple of books to take home with them.

Lisa also had an unforgettable time at this year’s Downtown Dash, where she set a personal best! These are her most memorable New Member Year experiences. Lisa loves to attend League workshops where she can meet new League friends and, “feel inspired to become more than I am.” Lisa loves a challenge and the chance to meet other women who help her grow. Lisa’s placements allow her to serve as Co-Chair of the Arrangements committee and a Little Readers Rock committee member.

JOEL’S PHOTOGR A PH Y

Sustainer of the Year: Laura Doramus

Laura has a long history of service, starting with the Junior League of Dallas in 1987. Laura’s sister, Genny, actually nominated her for membership because at that time the Junior League of Dallas had closed admissions. After a move to Little Rock, and a second child, Laura transferred her membership to Little Rock in 1989.

Laura’s most memorable experience in the League was serving on the Bargain Barn Committee. Laura not only accomplished something new for her community with this large group of women but also made close friends. Laura says the League taught her how to delegate and how much more fun it is to work as a group than on your own. She stays inspired by remaining an active Sustainer.

In her League career Laura has been involved in and witnessed the impact of our many community projects. As a volunteer for the Little Rock School District, “our focus on literacy through Little Readers Rock as well as the Stuff the Bus program have been particularly meaningful.” From her days on the Solicitations Subcommittee to working with our Sustainers to ensure they continue to be a vital part of our League, Laura inspires other active members to lead. Laura hosted the Sustainer Fall Fiesta this past September and continues to surround herself with dedicated and accomplished women. We are privileged this Texas transfer found her Junior League home in Little Rock.

Kayla Marsh Channing Nicole McBride Laura McCuen Angelica Mercado Tracye Mosley

Meagan Elise Murphy Taylor Nicole Newkirk Jennifer Emily Nicholls Taryn Pegram Madeline Elizabeth Pitcock

Anna Kathleen Plyler Danele A. Poole Sharonda Alicia Randle Natalie Sigsby Rogers Lisa Shahim

Summer Shewmake Allison Leigh Stephens Lauren Williams Taylor Samantha Tessaro Jamala M. Thomas

Latoya R. Vaughn Whitney Wade LeCole White Jasmine Williams Ashley Young

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MEET THE BOARD Kimberly Logue President In 2009, after moving from her home state of Texas to Little Rock, Kim Logue was encouraged by a colleague to join the Junior League of Little Rock as a great way to learn about the community.

Kim attended the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and then earned her law degree at Pace University School of Law in New York. Through her JLLR membership, Kim has had the opportunity to serve with GROW, Advocacy, Research & Development (R&D) Chair, Training Director, and several task forces and special committees. With her message “Aspire to Lead, Inspire to Serve,” it is Kim’s goal to continue the League's long legacy of developing and encouraging future community visionaries.

Born and raised in Little Rock, volunteering in the community has always been a priority of Jennifer’s. She has served as Treasurer, Little Readers Rock Chair, Financial Planning Chair, and ANMT Committee Member. Her most memorable committee was Little Readers Rock. She and her committee members worked to improve the League’s impact on the community and were able to distribute over 5,700 books during the 2017-2018 League year.

Jennifer received her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Master’s degree in Business Administration at University of Central Arkansas.

Professionally, she works for UA Little Rock Public Radio as the Finance Director.

Meet the leadership of JLLR 2019 by

J E N S H U LE R

Kristen Bextermueller Treasurer Kristen has long regarded the Junior League of Little Rock as an impactful and inspirational organization. She’s valued six active years of service with JLLR through various placements on the Holiday House Committee and most recently as the 2017/2018 Treasurer-Elect. Professionally, Kristen has worked in Corporate Finance with Bank of the Ozarks for 11 years, where she serves on the ALCO & Investments Committee as well as the Enterprise Stress Testing Advisory Council. Kristen earned a B.S.B.A. in Financial Management/Investments from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville in 2005 and a M.B.A. from the University of Arkansas Little Rock in 2006.

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Elizabeth “Betsey” Mowery Administrative Vice President Little Rock is Betsey’s hometown. It’s where she and her husband got married, their children were born, and where their children grew up. In the past 22 years Betsey has completed Community, Ways & Means, and In-League placements. Her favorite placements have been the most challenging; the ones where she felt valued, appreciated, and as though her contributions were both wanted and needed. That’s exactly how she’d like the women who serve on this year’s Administrative Council to feel: valued, appreciated, and that their contributions are wanted and needed. Betsey can’t wait to see what they accomplish together!

PHOTOS BY: LIZZ Y YATES PHOTOGR A PH Y

Jennifer Goss President-Elect

MEET THE BOARD Candace Anderson Community Vice President Candace attended Mississippi State University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and then attended the University of Arkansas School of Law. In her nine years as an Active member of the League, Candace has had the opportunity to volunteer on many of the organizations’ community projects. She feels “united, the women of the Junior League of Little Rock make change happen.”

Candace is honored to have a front row seat to participate in every project the League funds and witness the impact trained volunteers have on Little Rock.

Natalie Hairston Development Vice President

Danielle Collie Membership Vice President

Natalie Hairston was born in Seoul, South Korea and adopted when she was three months old by a wonderful family in Little Rock, Arkansas, and feels she’s lived a great life since then. She is privileged to have been a member of the Junior League of Little Rock since 2012. Natalie joined the League because she wanted to make a difference in the community.

In 2007, Natalie graduated from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock with her Bachelors in Business Administration. She is currently a Vice President of Commercial Lending at Bank of the Ozarks. When not working or volunteering Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

Danielle Collie was born in Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock Central High School.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Danielle moved back to Little Rock to be closer to friends and family and expand her career.

She’s been a member of the Junior League of Little Rock for 6 years, and her favorite committee so far has been Recruitment. Danielle is an Account Executive at Delta Dental and is charged with handling a segment of new group sales across the state of Arkansas. Danielle knows that her service as Membership Vice President for the 2018-2019 year will be a busy but exciting time.

Corey Huffty Marketing Vice President Corey Huffty's six-year membership in the League continues to help Corey grow personally, professionally, and as volunteer. Service to the community is important to Corey and as such she is involved as board member of the Hillcrest Residents Association, and Arts and Culture Commissioner for the City of Little Rock. Professionally, Corey is the manager of the Arkansas Children's Hospital Auxillary, a female-led volunteer organization.

She feels her League experience positioned her for the opportunity to help lead another female volunteer group. Corey holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a double major in Political Science and Mass Communications.

theme of the year:

Aspire to Lead, Inspire to Serve 2018-2019 | Volume XXV | Interaction | 29

MEET THE BOARD

Inspire… and motivate others to reach their full potential.

Tabitha McNulty was born in Memphis, TN. Tabitha majored in Political Science and Communications.

Upon graduation she attended law school at the William H. Bowen School of Law in Little Rock.

Professionally, Tabitha is an attorney specializing in child welfare appeals. She chose membership in JLLR because growing up she always had a strong sense of community and was constantly volunteering.

Tabitha is currently in her ninth Active year and recounts Buckle and Be Safe as her first placement.

In addition to service on the Nominating committee Tabitha has also served on 6K Café, Community Focus, The League Cares (TLC), and the board as the Membership Vice President

Casey Rockwell Training Director

Leigh Anne Kreps Treasurer-Elect After volunteering for a shift at Riverfest, and following encouragement from her father and fellow Riverfest committee members, Leigh Anne joined the League in 2013 and currently serves as Treasurer-Elect. Leigh Anne is the Operations Director for the Cornerstone Pharmacy(s) group and The Hounds’ Hideaway. She has a B.S.B.A. with a minor in Real Estate Finance from University of Arkansas and a M.B.A. from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Leigh Anne’s previous placements include Little Readers Rock, Downtown Dash and Holiday House. Leigh Anne loves spending time with her husband, family, friends and most importantly her sweet baby girl, Harper.

Dr. Casey Rockwell holds a Juris Doctorate and Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Masters in Public Service from The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock specializing in Business Law. Casey joined the Junior League of Little Rock to further her passion of giving back to the community. Within the League, Casey has served on the Training committee, the Nonprofit Board Institute, and the Annual fund. This year, Casey is excited to tie in her new role as Training Director.

Vickey Metrailer Sustainer Advisor to the Board Vickey joined the League in 1986. The League placement she’s proudest of is Potluck. She and her committee members took the idea of a food recovery program and made it a reality. She loved Riverfest placements and in 1996 chaired the festival when the League transitioned it 100% to the community. She received the Hickingbotham Award from Komen in 2008 for her years of service with Susan G. Komen Arkansas. For over 10 years, Vickey served her mother and her three sisters through their battles with dementia and heart disease. The confidence and skills she gained from community work equipped her with what she needed to be an effective advocate for those vulnerable women.

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PHOTOS BY: LIZZ Y YATES PHOTOGR A PH Y

Aspire… to be a leader through action and service.

Tabitha McNulty Nominating Director

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents. . . . . . . $1,195,154 Contributions receivable, net. . . . . . . . $60,431 Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $166,191 Prepaid and other assets . . . . . . . . . . $25,963 Investment securities. . . . . . . . . . .$1,787,727 Property and Equipment, net . . . . . $3,094,861 Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,330,327

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities: Accounts Payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,455 Accrued Liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,855 Deferred Revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . $140,539 Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . $173,849 Net Assets: Unrestricted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,521,805 Temporarily Restricted. . . . . . . . . . $920,648 Permanently Restricted . . . . . . . . . $714,025 Total Net Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . $6,156,478 Total Liabilities and Net Assets. . . $6,330,327

Junior League of Little Rock presents its statement of financial position for the period ending May 31, 2018.

It's never too late to make a difference...

The 1922 Society is Junior League of Little Rock's newest giving opportunity.

The Society funding benefits the community and all areas of the JLLR. With it, the extraordinary opportunities, projects, facilities and volunteer programs will continue to be preserved.

To sign up today: www.jllr.org/donate Contact Christy Copeland for more information 501.375.5557 2018-2019 | Volume XXV | Interaction | 31

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