ANNUAL ISSUE 2020-2021 • VOLUME XXVII
LEARNING TO
PIVOT IN A PANDEMIC
COMMUNITY Serving Little Rock During COVID-19 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
DEVELOPMENT Rethinking Fundraising
Help ensure a bright future for the Junior League of Little Rock. BECOME A MEMBER OF THE 1922 SOCIETY TODAY. RECEIVE SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS SUCH AS: • • • • • • •
Acknowledgement in JLLR’s annual publication Interaction Invitation to the annual Holiday House Cocktail Social on Preview Night Complimentary tickets to Holiday House Preview Night Invitation to the annual Spring Social Event Invitation to the 1922 Centennial Celebration Free special classes offered (i.e. cooking, scrapbooking, painting, etc.) Recognition Junior League's Digital Cheetah membership profile
For more information contact 1922 Society Chair, Ganelle McBryde at ganellemcbryde@gmail.com.
The Junior League of Little Rock is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
CONTENTS A publication of the Junior League of Little Rock, Inc. Volume XXVII, Annual Issue 2020-2021
President's Note
4
Contributors
5
Impact
Interaction Staff
Community Council Pivoting in a Pandemic
6
Stuff the Bus and Boosters & Big Rigs
7
Layout and design generously donated by At Home in Arkansas
Little Readers Rock
7
Nonprofit Board Institute Annual Nonprofit Board Training Goes Virtual
8
2020-2021 Board of Directors
Kota Camp "Camp in a Box" Brings the Experience to Campers' Homes
9
Editor: Mary DeLoney Logan Staff Writers: Eliza Gaines and Kara Wilkins Contributing Writers: Candace Anderson, Sara Beth Leader, Tracey Bradley-Simmons, Meagan Davis Lofton, Mandy Ellis Keller, LeCole White
6
President: Casey Rockwell President Elect: Maradyth McKenzie Treasurer: Lauren Hall Administrative Vice President: Mary Fair Community Vice President: Sara Beth Leader Development Vice President: Meagan Davis Lofton
7
Marketing Vice President: Mary DeLoney Logan Membership Vice President: Amberlie Pearce Nominating Director: Mary McCraw Training Director: Candace Anderson Sustainer Advisor: Kim Battle
Leadership Week The League Year Kicks Off with Online Training Events
10
General Meetings
11
Advocacy
11
Treasurer Elect: Jenna Martin
Features
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.
7
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 health and wellness.
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.
Junior League of Little Rock 401 S. Scott St. Little Rock, AR 72201 501-375-JLLR www.jllr.org
Development Reimagined When the 30th annual Holiday House gets postponed, JLLR gets creative.
12
Our Commitment to Diversity JLLR adopts an Advisory Committee to lead Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts.
14
Our Members
10 On the cover: Members wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recruitment Admission & New Member Training Updates
15
Notable Names Members of the Year and More
16
Moneywise Statement of Financial Standing
19
2020-2021 | Volume XXVII | Interaction | 3
PRESIDENT’S NOTE
As a former training director and now president of the Junior League of Little Rock, I am committed to our mission focus of training our members. As an active member, I am also a recipient of our many trainings. Throughout my time in the League, I have had the opportunity to attend the Organizational Development Institute, the All Arkansas Conference, the Fall and Spring conference put on by the Association of Junior Leagues International, and countless lunch and learns, general meetings, and chair trainings. This idea of training is at the core of what we do. We train volunteers to be prepared for anything. These trainings have prepared me and our League to face the challenges that have come with 2020. We have been able to reimagine our development initiatives to provide a stable financial state for our League. We have been able to address the calls for help from our neighbors. We have been able to expand our offerings so that the children of our community are prepared with school supplies and masks to start the year. We have been able to fill our Little Free Libraries with books reflecting greater representation. And we have been able to continue to fulfill our promise to our community. As you turn through the pages of this magazine, I hope you stand in awe with me at the amazing work our League has accomplished this year. This work would not be possible without the strong legacy and commitment of our sustainers, the ingenuity and perseverance of our active members, and the promise of a bright future from our new members. By watching your amazing League at work, we hope that you are proud of what is being accomplished and inspired to join us in our future efforts. With the notion of “Better Together” as our call, Junior League of Little Rock continues to blaze a trail in its 99th year.
All my best,
Casey Rockwell JLLR President, 2020-2021
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CONTRIBUTORS Junior League of Little Rock
COOKBOOK SALE Eliza Gaines Contributing Writer Eliza, a Little Rock native, is the managing editor of the Arkansas DemocratGazette. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned her B.A. in English and later her M.A. in Mass Communication. Eliza is married to Alec, an attorney, and they have three children. She enjoys traveling and playing tennis.
Cookbook
Public
Member
Big Taste of Little Rock
$19.22 $15.95
Apron Strings
$19.22 $15.95
Traditions
$19.22 $15.95
Little Rock Cooks
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
To purchase visit JLLR.org
Kara Wilkins Contributing Writer Kara is the owner and principal consultant at KWilkins Consulting Group, LLC and has over a decade of experience working with diverse communities to create innovative solutions to improve health and human equity. In her spare time, she is also the co-host of the Blackbelt Voices podcast.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LITTLE ROCK
401 South Scott Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
Mary DeLoney Logan Marketing Vice President In addition to serving on the JLLR Board, Mary is a marketing professional for Cromwell Architects Engineers where she manages the organization's communications and publicity efforts. Mary is also the secretary of the Historic Arkansas Museum Foundation board and enjoys playing tennis and spending time with friends and family.
2020-2021 | Volume XXVII | Interaction | 5
IMPACT | COMMUNITY
Community Council Vice President Sara Beth Leader drops off masks collected during JLLR's mask drive at the Arkansas Department of Health.
Community Council in the Wake of COVID-19 When the pandemic made its first appearance in Arkansas in March 2020, the Junior League of Little Rock swung into action. by
S AR A B E T H LE AD E R
The Junior League of Little Rock is an organization of women that are motivated to improve our community. The League has an incredible legacy and, during these unprecedented times, has proven to be creative and committed to honoring our mission. Stuff the Bus facilitated the delivery of school supplies for roughly 3,000 students in the Little Rock School District (LRSD) directly from suppliers. Boosters & Big Rigs provided 250 school supplies and face masks to be distributed by UA Little Rock Children International. In June, July, and September, League members created and mailed camp kits to attendees of the first virtual Kota Camp that the committee hosted with Camp Aldersgate. The Nonprofit Board Institute also adopted a virtual format. The course opened with a Board Member roundtable, filled by the League’s Boardwalk members, to discuss “Resource Development during a Crisis.” Later sessions included “COVID-19: Precautions in the Workplace” and “Nonprofit Pivoting.” These additions to the curriculum were cultivated to address the impact of 6 | Interaction | Volume XXVII | 2020-2021
our current circumstances on nonprofit boards and how they have adapted. In order to fulfill Community Focus Opportunity requirements, more than 700 masks were collected and donated by the League to be distributed by the Arkansas Department of Health. The Advocacy Committee committed to educating the League’s members and our community about voter registration and absentee ballots. Nightingales began delivering snacks to UAMS Family Home and continues to seek safe and effective ways to support families at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Little Readers Rock partnered with Pyramid Art, Books, and Framing and local chapters of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to collect books that centered around inclusion, diversity and featuring characters of color. This League year, the needs of our community changed rapidly, as did the awareness of issues our community faces. The willingness and ability of our community projects to adapt to those changes will leave a legacy in their own right.
COMMUNITY | IMPACT
Stuff the Bus and Boosters & Big Rigs by
LE CO LE W H I T E A N D K AR A W I LK I N S
With the country navigating a new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear early on that Stuff the Bus and Boosters & Big Rigs, our annual back-toschool programs, would look very different this year. With many of our LRSD students moving to online learning, members of both committees began to think about how to deliver critical school supplies and other materials to children. The Boosters & Big Rigs committee was unable to hold this year’s event in the traditional sense since many healthcare workers and local community partners were not able to be on site to provide immunizations and other services due to safety concerns. However, members of the Boosters & Big Rigs committee worked alongside our long
standing partners at Children International to deliver 200 bundles of school supplies and 200 reusable face masks for LRSD students. In addition, our Stuff the Bus committee members got creative and developed partnerships with local distributors and arranged to have school supplies delivered directly to our partner schools in the district. While so many students, teachers and parents are adjusting to new ways of schooling, we commend the members of the Stuff the Bus and Boosters & Big Rigs committees for ensuring access to school supplies was one less item for families to worry about. JLLR remains committed to supporting our long-term partners at the LRSD as our city continues to adjust during this challenging time.
Little Readers Rock by
K AR A W I LK I N S
IL LUSTR ATIONS: FL ATICON.COM
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Arkansas, the Little Readers Rock committee made the initial decision to postpone the event until later in 2020. Once it became clear that social distancing and safety protocols still needed to be met, the committee once again changed its plans to incorporate a focus on championing literacy with a race equity lense. This fall, Little Readers Rock partnered with Pyramid Books, Art, and Custom Framing and local chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to host a book drive to collect children's books that highlight diversity, characters of color, and inclusive representation. Through the partnership, JLLR was able to collect books to stock
JLLR Little Free Libraries and donate to LRSD partners. During the book drive, JLLR featured Junior League of Charlotte president and author of "Black Boy Joy," Charlitta Hatch, as part of our Leadership Week series. Charlitta’s engaging presentation helped JLLR members understand the importance of why representation in children’s books matters and how members can actively take action to change the narrative in America by taking inventory of the types of books we have in our own homes and classrooms. Little Readers Rock remained focused on promoting high levels of literacy for young children while also acknowledging the racial inequities facing many children in our country today. 2020-2021 | Volume XXVII | Interaction | 7
IMPACT | COMMUNITY
Nonprofit Board Institute by
T R AC E Y B R AD LE Y-S I M M O N S
With restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in service to nonprofits in our community. NPBI alumna and place, the Nonprofit Board Institute (NPBI) set out to host 2020 NPBI committee member Jena Selva is one of those its first virtual institute in its history. The NPBI Committee leaders. “When I saw the JLLR Nonprofit Board Institute quickly realized the virtual delivery platform created new advertised, I was not currently serving on any boards; however, opportunities to reach current and aspiring nonprofit board I immediately felt like attending was something I must do," members across the country. The fall training session paved she said. “Not quite knowing what to expect, I registered the way for AJLI members to register at a discounted rate and attended every session. I was completely in awe of the for the very first time. Additionally, participants from New wealth of information and how willing the speakers were to Jersey to Kansas joined JLLR and other community members share their experience, knowledge, and expertise. Just as the on this innovative learning 2019 Institute was coming to experience. an end, I was asked to serve The committee built the on the board of a nonprofit curriculum for this year’s I was involved with. The institute around the theme information and experience “Nonprofits Today: Navigating I gained through NPBI gave a New Normal” to acknowledge me the confidence I needed to and train around the feel comfortable accepting the current climate challenging position. I am so grateful for nonprofits. The event aimed to those who are willing to share inform participants on subjects their knowledge and JLLR such as COVID-19 workplace for providing such incredible precautions, the pursuit of opportunities for learning.” racial equity, and challenges Another NPBI alumni and Participants in the first-ever virtual Nonprofit Board Institute tune in on Zoom. facing nonprofits as a result of JLLR member, Janai Harris, the economic recession. The said, “I actually was part of the committee worked vigorously to address these issues along with NPBI 2019 cohort while going through my new member year. basic content to equip participants with a strong foundation to The information I gained from the sessions were very helpful. serve as an effective member of a nonprofit board. I believe that attending gave me the skills needed to move Other featured topics included “Resource Development in forward with applying for board positions for several different the Midst of a Crisis” presented by Dr. Derek Slagle, assistant organizations. I currently sit on a total of four boards and professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; “Digital feel this is a direct result of me attending the NPBI! It was an Marketing for Nonprofits” presented by Maegan Clark, digital awesome experience and the exact reason I decided to attend media and marketing manager for Heifer International; 2020 NPBI. My advice would be to attend each year NPBI is “Avoiding Legal Pitfalls” by attorney Guy Murphy of Hyden, offered. The knowledge you will receive is priceless.” Miron and Foster, PLLC; and “Leveraging Data to Maximize In providing NPBI, the League has been able to find some Resources” presented by Dr. Diane Daley, anesthesiologist of the best service leaders in the community. Jena and Janai are and founder of Texas nonprofit organization Predict Align examples of the institute’s impact as participants often decide Prevent. The series even featured a panel discussion from to join our League after engaging in our community programs. members on the League’s Boardwalk Committee who shared As a result, we must see every opportunity to engage with their experiences in nonprofit board service. community members as a dual chance to recruit these talented Perhaps one of the most impactful things about the NPBI and fierce leaders to join JLLR. With the advancement of the are the leaders the Institute has helped to lend extraordinary new virtual institute, our opportunity for impact is limitless!
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COMMUNITY | IMPACT
Kota Camp by
S AR A B E T H LE AD E R
Earlier this year, Camp Aldersgate made the tough decision to suspend all residential and day camp programs this summer in order to keep campers, staff, and volunteers safe and well. This prompted members of the Kota Camp committee to think creatively about bringing a quality Kota Camp experience to campers from the safety of their home. Kota Camp committee members moved quickly to help create programming that engaged campers in a variety of ways. They started by sitting in on daily program calls with campers and working with Camp Aldersgate staff to gather and pack supplies for “Camp in a Box”—a summer camp care package that was delivered to each camper’s door. Each box included fun supplies such as activity pads, nature scavenger hunts, s’mores ingredients, sunscreen, arts and craft supplies, personalized water bottles, and more. The committee also hosted several online Kota Camp Programs, including virtual talent shows, online campfires, scavenger hunt, T-shirt painting, and engineering build challenges. They also helped facilitate small group time with campers and their virtual “bunk” mates. While physical summer camp may have been canceled, members of the Kota Camp committee remain committed to making sure that the fun continued! Their hard work and innovative thinking allowed campers to remain connected with their friends and favorite counselors virtually, making online camping a success!
Members of the Kota Camp committee prepare "Camp in a Box" packets for campers.
"This prompted members of the Kota Camp committee to think creatively about bringing a quality Kota camp experience to campers from the safety of their home." — Sara Beth Leader, Community Vice President
2020-2021 | Volume XXVII | Interaction | 9
IMPACT | COMMUNITY
Leadership Week No in-person meetings? No problem. Virtual meetings allowed members even more flexibilty to attend year kick-off trainings. C A N DAC E A N D E R S O N
Training opportunities are an important part of Junior League of Little Rock membership. With every recitation of our mission statement, we reinforce that our organization is committed to “improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.” The inability to meet in person did not deter either the Training Committee or our membership from gathering together virtually and learning. This is why it was so fitting that JLLR kicked off this unprecedented year doing something we do best—training. In August 2020, instead of hosting a general meeting, our membership reunited through Leadership Week, a series of training events. Leadership Week focused on educating membership on the areas of the JLLR’s new strategic plan, which focuses on community impact, fostering lifelong membership, organizational growth and stability, and organizational brand and identity. In keeping informed with what is going on in our community, we heard from Dr. Kiffany Pride of the Arkansas Department of Education on the Ready to Learn Program, the State’s blueprint for reopening public schools during COVID-19, and from Anna Beth Gorman of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas on STEAM Careers. The ability to host training events virtually also allowed us to include Charlitta Hatch, President of Junior League of North Carolina and author of the children’s book, “Black Boy Joy” in a Leadership Week session. She spent a Saturday afternoon from her home in Charlotte, N.C. leading a discussion on the importance of minority representation in children’s books.
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On fostering lifelong membership, we heard from the President of the Sustainer Board, Sonya Murphy, Sustainer Advisor to the Board, Kim Battle, and Betsey Mowery, namesake of the Betsey Mowery Member of the Year Award, in a panel discussion on why they stay active in the League. In growth and stability, as happy members are more likely to become lifelong members, yoga instructor Sarah Pilcher led a Friday lunch hour session on how to meditate and perform chair yoga exercises from the comfort of their homes and offices. Finally, noting that personal financial stability is just as relevant as JLLR financial stability, Sarah Catherine Gutierrez, author of “But First, Save 10,” spoke on the importance of continuing to save money during a recession. By hosting all of these events virtually, we were able to record the training events and post them to our membersonly Facebook group so that all members have a chance to learn from these speakers, even if they could not attend the live sessions. During the six days of Leadership Week, JLLR members learned together, meditated together, and discussed issues together. A sense of normalcy was present during a time that is anything but normal. The JLLR proved in August 2020 that a pandemic will not prevent our organization from staying true to its mission statement and continuing to invest in its promise of training volunteers.
IL LUSTR ATIONS BY M A RY LONG / A DOBE STOCK
by
COMMUNITY | IMPACT
General Meetings Speaker Patricia Gray and special touches from the Arrangements Committee made the September meeting a success. As with most meetings and trainings this year, the League has taken General Meetings online. With members joining via Zoom from the comfort of their homes instead of in person, special care is being taken to make the events meaningful and fun, even virtually. In September, Arkansas native and JLLR sustainer Patricia Gray was the featured speaker. “In order for us to take steps forward, we must understand the journey of those who have come before us,” said President Casey Rockwell. “Through the oral history collected by UA Little Rock, we have the rare opportunity to hear directly from those who have helped build our League. Patricia Gray is one of the women who blazed a path to make our League what it is today. We are so grateful for her and for all of our sustainers and members who have helped build a strong organization for over 99 years.” To set the mood for the event, JLLR shared with its members a painting by Arrangements chair-elect Monica McGhee that could be uploaded as a virtual background. Additionally, the recipe for the month’s signature cocktail was sent out beforehand so members could cheers to the new League year together. See below for the recipe for the September Signature Cocktail, which can also be found in the Big Taste of Little Rock cookbook.
Lawn Boy INGREDIENTS Serves 4
1 can frozen limeade concentrate (12 oz.) 11/2 cups vodka 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves Ice DIRECTIONS Combine frozen concentrate with vodka in a blender. Add mint leaves and fill blender with ice. Process until slushy. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Advocacy by
M ARY D E L O N E Y L O G A N A N D K AR A W I LK I N S
2020 has shaped up to be an election year like no other! Not only have there been several federal elections to watch, including the race for the President of the United States, there have been a few key local elections that will shape the future of the City of Little Rock for the foreseeable future. In response to the unique challenges that COVID-19 has presented this election season, the Advocacy committee has worked hard to promote Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts by hosting a socially distanced voter registration drive, presenting information about requesting an absentee ballot, and helping to answer other questions about voting in Arkansas. Advocacy committee focused their education efforts using the League’s social media platforms to help educate both members and the public, helping meet the strategic initiative of expanding our advocacy program to align with JLLR issues and AJLI initiatives, educate members on public policy issues, and deliver the JLLR point of view on key community issues.
2020-2021 | Volume XXVII | Interaction | 11
DEVELOPMENT
REIMAGINED With COVID-19 standing in the way of the 30th annual Holiday House, the women of JLLR do what they do best: Get creative. M E AG A N DAV I S LOF TO N
This year has provided our League with a unique opportunity to be innovative with our development plan. The necessity of social distancing and the postponement of the 30th anniversary of Holiday House sparked the need for creativity in fundraising. Through this, members have shown resilience, originality, and expeditiousness in developing new fundraising opportunities to fit the current environment and support the League’s Mission. Thinking strategically, we’ve focused on crafting fundraisers around the needs of consumers; creating virtual activities and
socially distanced offerings to fill the gaps left by the inability to gather and celebrate the holidays as usual. Further, we’ve developed these fundraising initiatives to cultivate new sponsor and donor relationships, to complement our existing fundraisers, and to diversify the League’s revenue for future years.
fun, alternative way to celebrate this holiday. The Boo Baskets were priced at $35, and there was great interest from both members and the community. We exceeded our initial goal of $1,000 raised within the first week of selling baskets and our hope is that this can be a sustainable future fundraiser for the League.
FIRST VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER
THE SLEIGH BELL SOIREE
Our first fundraising initiative of the year was the “You’ve Been Booed!” Halloween fundraiser. This fundraiser offered seven varieties of Halloween gift baskets, providing friends and families a
The “Sleigh Bell Soiree: A Cyber Celebration” is November 11-14, with each day featuring both a virtual pop-up shop and virtual activity. This event was designed to support small and local businesses,
"Members have shown resilience, originality, and expeditiousness in developing new fundraising opportunities to fit the current environment and support the League’s Mission." — Meagan Davis Lofton, Development Vice President
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IL LUSTR ATION BY M A RY LONG / A DOBE STOCK
by
cultivate new development relationships, and provide a unique holiday shopping experience and exciting themed activities for customers. Each virtual pop-up shop, hosted through private Facebook groups, will showcase specially curated items. The first night will consist of high-end products, the second night will focus on gifts for ladies, the third night will feature gifts for men, and the fourth and final day will showcase products for children. The virtual activities include Mistletoe & Mixology: A Virtual Cocktail Class, Home for the Holidays: A Virtual Wreath Making Course, Charcuterie Cheer: A Virtual Lesson in the Art of Charcuterie, and Santa’s Workshop: Virtual Craft Time for Children. In addition, JLLR will host a silent auction throughout the event. The silent auction will feature fantastic items and virtual services offered by our talented members, including courses on painting, music, and entrepreneurship. CONTINUED EFFORTS
We will continue to offer innovative fundraising opportunities throughout the year, with a Gift of Giving Campaign in December, a New Year’s Resolution Summit in January (featuring virtual courses on work-life balance, financial freedom, mindfulness, and healthy living), and a Valentine’s Day-themed fundraiser in February. We are proud of the development plan we have created for this year and thankful for the opportunity to be creative in developing new fundraising initiatives and for the support of membership and sustainers as we launch these projects. Most of all, we are hopeful that this year, despite its challenges, will ultimately bring our League closer to the goals of our Strategic Plan: to prioritize our revenue growth, diversify our revenue sources, and allow us to continue to invest in our members, our mission, and our community.
POP-UP SHOPS NOVEMBER 11
'Tis the Season: A Sophisticated Shopping Affair
NOVEMBER 12
Merry Market: Gifts for Her
NOVEMBER 13
Jolly Gentlemen: Gifts for Him
NOVEMBER 14
Tinsel & Tots: Gifts for Children
VIRTUAL EVENTS NOVEMBER 11
Mistletoe & Mixology: A Virtual Cocktail Class
NOVEMBER 12
Home for the Holidays: A Virtual Wreath-Making Course
NOVEMBER 13
Charcuterie Cheer: A Virtual Lesson in the Art of Charcuterie
NOVEMBER 14
Santa's Work Shop: A Virtual Craft Time for Children Visit facebook.com/JuniorLeagueLittleRock for more information on how to sign up for virtual events and start shopping.
2019-2020 2020-2021 || Volume XXVII XXVI | | Interaction Interaction | 13
Our Commitment to Diversity Following the racial upheaval in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, conversations about how to adequately address the systemic reforms needed to end structural racism have been happening across the United States. While equity and social justice are presently in the forefront of many organizations’ minds, it has offered an opportunity for Junior League of Little Rock to further review how we effectively integrate equitable practices into our internal policies and procedures. This is addressed within the new 2020–2023 Strategic Plan and through additional steps put in place by the JLLR Board of Directors. The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) has a standing focus on diversity and inclusion manifested through a commitment statement that was adopted by AJLI and JLLR. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitment statement reads as follows: “The Junior League welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse 14 | Interaction | Volume XXVII | 2020-2021
K AR A W I LK I N S
individuals, organizations and communities.” Recognizing that we all play a role and share in the responsibility of ensuring our League is open and accessible to all women who support our mission, the JLLR Board of Directors adopted four initial action steps with the goal of building a diverse and inclusive environment through our strategic plan, work plans, and ongoing actions: First, implement a JLLR Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee to review and address League wide policies and procedures to ensure a diverse and equitable process and further our efforts to make leadership accessible to all members. This committee was placed and began work in fall 2020. Second, assess our current JLLR recruitment efforts to ensure our League membership reflects an inclusive environment of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities. Third, embed DEI training procedures within the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan and require DEI training for JLLR Board and committee leadership. Training opportunities
Thank you to the following Junior League of Little Rock members for serving as members of the innaugural JLLR Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee: Vontifany Smith, Chair Candace Anderson Kandi Chitman Hughes Marisha DiCarlo Janai Harris Nikki Hite Maradyth McKenzie Kerri Michael Mallory Visser
IL LUSTR ATION BY M A RY LONG / A DOBE STOCK
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RECRUITMENT | OUR MEMBERS
Can't Stop, Won't Stop On recruiting, welcoming, and training a New Member class during a global pandemic by
We see you. We hear you. We are with you.
to help meet this goal included several speakers during Leadership Week and a training on micro-aggressions and biases with Chris Jones of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. In keeping with this commitment, there will be additional training offered throughout this League year and the years to come. Finally, JLLR will utilize the AJLI Placement Matching Tool to help review and outline a JLLR Nominating and Placement process that is transparent and equitable for all League membership. JLLR seeks to put our members at the forefront of our DEI efforts. We see you. We hear you. We are with you. We also need your help. Please do not hesitate to contact Vontifany Smith with any feedback regarding what steps we can take to improve diversity and inclusivity within JLLR. We are grateful for all suggestions and recognize our shared desire to remain mission focused in all of our efforts. Through our shared efforts, we look forward to continuing the work to bring about the full potential of all of our members and our League.
M A N DY K E LLE R
In March 2020, when the Junior League of Little Rock New Member application went live on the website, no one could have predicted that a group of women would start their first year of League service virtually. After an open house conducted on Zoom in May with more than 60 prospective members in attendance, applications came pouring in. At 83 members, ranging in age from 23 to 53, this is the largest and most age-diverse New Member class JLLR has had in several years. Despite the lack of in-person gatherings due to COVID-19 safety precautions, these women gathered enthusiastically on Zoom for an orientation in June and a New Member Retreat in July. In addition to providing the typical introduction to the way JLLR works, the Admissions & New Member Training committee has also flexed its tech muscles by utilizing the Breakout Rooms in Zoom so New Members can experience the social benefits of JLLR as well. “Joining Junior League was a no-brainer, and I had planned on it for the past year,” JLLR New Member Sydney Rasch said. “I have been involved in various nonprofits and community organizations for the past several years, and felt like JLLR was the next logical step— especially considering some of the amazing women from JLLR whom I've crossed paths with over the years!
When the pandemic hit, I was even more committed to joining because I knew that the far-reaching effects of COVID-19 would change the world as we know it, and the work that JLLR does would become even more important,” Sydney said. All who have gone through a New Member year in JLLR know there are many events and volunteer experiences. While some of those events have been postponed, the rest of the New Member experience remains undaunted. New Members have actively participated in a mask drive, helping JLLR provide 703 masks to the Office of Health Equity at the Arkansas Department of Health. They have also spread the word about and donated to the book drive through the League’s community partners Pyramid Books, Art, and Custom Framing and local chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Even with the state of the health climate unknown, ANMT has plans to complete their annual New Member Spring Project. Along with the Board of Directors, the committee will continue evaluating the possibility of an on-site project with one or more of our nonprofit community partners, while planning to support them in other ways if this cannot happen. With such a committed group of New Members and their Mentors, whatever they do will surely impact the Little Rock community for the better. 2020-2021 | Volume XXVII | Interaction | 15
OUR MEMBERS | NOTABLE NAMES
Notable Names The Junior League of Little Rock is full of women making a difference in the community. Here are just a few recognized for their leadership this year by
ELIZA GAINES
Sustainer of the Year: Kim Evans Little Rock native Kim Evans first heard of Junior League when she was working at the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Her boss, Ellen Reif, was a member and thought that the League would be a good way for Kim to meet like-minded women. Kim says that what surprised her most about the League was the opportunity it provided to develop transferable skills and grow as a person. In her professional life, she serves as Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for UAMS. Kim's most rewarding experience was serving as President, then going on to serve on the Nominating Committee of The Association of Junior Leagues International. “To lead an organization of women, who themselves are leaders, then help seed the board of the international flagship organization was truly an honor,” Kim says. “Given the chance to learn and grow in a supportive environment, you have nothing to lose and so much to gain.” Kim has been a member since 1994.
CHEERS TO OUR 2019-2020 MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
JUNE
Kayla Rogers
JULY
SEPTEMBER
DECEMBER
Telischa Lewis
Branndii Peterson
MARCH
Christina Aleman
Mary Fair
Staci Croom-Raley
OCTOBER
JANUARY Monica Jarrell
Megan McCain
AUGUST
NOVEMBER
FEBRUARY
MAY
Lisa Shahim
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Shelby Hardin
Kayla Alfrey
APRIL
Kayla Rogers
NOTABLE NAMES | OUR MEMBERS Active Member of the Year: Lisa Shahim Lisa was first exposed to the Junior League through Downtown Dash. “A few years later, I was at the Little Rock Marathon expo picking up my race day packet and happened to come across JLLR’s Downtown Dash booth,” Lisa explains. “I stopped by to say how much I enjoyed the event and spent the next 30 minutes talking with Megan McCain. I remember Megan being so passionate about the League and taking the time to talk with me about the its mission. Before I left that night, not only had I registered for the next Downtown Dash, but had also committed to joining the JLLR as well.” Lisa has been placed on the Arrangements, Recruitment, Admissions and New Member Training, Little Readers Rock, and Kota committees. She said her most rewarding experiences have been volunteering with children, whether it was reading at Little Readers Rock reading days or fishing at Kota Camp. “Leaving these events, I always feel like I have received more than I have given,” Lisa said. “There is a noun in the Filipino vocabulary that translates this idea eloquently; The word is 'volunesia' and it means the moment you forget you’re volunteering to help change lives, because it is changing yours.”
Elizabeth “Betsy” Mowery Member of the Year: Tabitha McNulty Growing up, Tabitha McNulty always had a strong sense of community and was constantly volunteering. Following the birth of her first child, she still did not feel a real “ownership” in the community and decided she wanted to get more involved to make Little Rock home. Board service has been Tabitha's favorite placement, and she feels it has prepared her to be an effective board member. She also enjoyed her Boardwalk placement with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas. She would tell anyone thinking of joining JLLR that it has so many opportunities for growth and services. “We help support community partners through Community Focus shifts and community projects, but we also impact the community through training our members to be amazing leaders,” Tabitha said. “Of course, our legacy projects demonstrate the longterm impact the League has had in Little Rock. The League is absolutely a place to grow and learn while giving back!”
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OUR MEMBERS | NOTABLE NAMES
New Member of the Year: Beatrice Klokpah When Beatrice Klokpah moved from Houston to Little Rock, she thought it would be a challenge to get connected to a new city—but joining JLLR changed that mindset. “As a member, I was able to connect with women from different walks of life, quickly understand a lot about the city, and I was able to begin serving diverse communities of people,” Beatrice says. Beatrice learned about JLLR through a booth at Create Little Rock at Dickey Stephens Park. Beatrice said Kayla Rogers, who was the representative for the League, was warm, welcoming and informative when asked questions about the organization. After attending an open house where she met Erica Moore and Casey Rockwell, it didn’t take long for Beatrice to decide to join. "Members of the Junior League are open and ready to share the goals of the organization and how those goals can support women in developing leadership and service in their communities,” Beatrice said. She says her most rewarding experience was participating in ViPS reading day at Watson Elementary. “Membership in the League has allowed me to expand my understanding of service in the community and I am thankful for those new strengths I have gained as a member of the League.”
CHEERS TO OUR NEW ACTIVES, WELCOMED MAY 2020 Kyanna Beard Grier Bennett Tina Boyles Catherine Brewington Maddie Brodell Hannah Burrow Mariah Fletcher Camp Mackenzie Cole Amber Rowlett Crawford Asia Cruz Emily Davis Tess Davis
Courtney Del Danno Mackenzie Depperschmidt Kim Eason Rana Edgar Mia Kamille Foreman Joanna Fureigh Carley Glenn Kambria Gulley Janai Harris Emily Henson Cortney Herbst Erica Hill
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Frankie James Tameka Jones Teija Kearney-Ramos Lanie Kerr Beatrice Klokpah Laura Landry Krissy Little Skye Martin Emily McClary Monica McGee Rachel McLemore Jordan Milam
Margot Miller Trena Mitchell Trisa Mitchell Serena Moore Krystal Moore Sarah Morris Whitney Mosley Nicole Nark Gwendolyn Parker Lashanna Parks TaTanisha Rachal Shannon Holland Rodgers
Vanessa Maher Schoessel Barbara Scott Jena Selva Brittany Snyman Endsley Stone Kaneesha Thompson Tynisha Tolbert Ashley Handcock Wang Samantha West-Septer Maria Weyrens Alison Whitley Kia Williams
MONEYWISE
Statement of Financial Position Junior League of Little Rock presents its statement of financial position for the period ending May 31, 2020. ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents. . . . . . $1,047,476 Accounts Receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,250 Contributions Receivable, Net. . . . . . $26,267 Prepaid and Other Assets . . . . . . . . $25,845 Investment Securities . . . . . . . . . $1,961,211 Property and Equipment, Net . . . . $2,932,894
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts Payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,255 Accrued Liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,789 Deferred Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . $117,363 Note Payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,900 Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . $147,307
Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,994,943
Net Assets Unrestricted . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,107,344 Restricted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $740,292 Total Net Assets . . . . . . . . . . . $5,847,636 Total Liabilities and Net Assets. . . . $5,994,943
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