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NCL i n s i d e r magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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NCL Insider, Your Exclusive Digital Magazine
We invite you to explore the latest edition of NCL Insider, a digital magazine curated exclusively for our members Dedicated to our community of innovators and philanthropists, each issue offers insightful content designed to foster connection and inspire leadership in exciting new ways.
As somebody who really leads from the heart, I believe that we can get so much accomplished and we can do so much more when we have really strong relationships with one another Ever since I started with NCL, the bond between my daughter and I has grown stronger and stronger each year
- Sonal Patel, Foothill Chapter
From the NCL, Inc. Board President
Dear NCL Community,
There is a distinct energy that arrives with the spring season a sense of renewal that is perhaps best captured by a vibrant, diverse bouquet When you look at a truly great arrangement, you don’t see a single type of flower standing alone. Instead, you see a sophisticated conversation between different shapes, textures and heights. The structural strength of a snapdragon, the grace of a lily and the foundational greenery that ties it all together They aren't identical, yet when gathered with intention, they create something far more robust than any single stem could achieve.
This is the very essence of NCL
Our culture of belonging isn’t built on being the same; it is built on the magic that happens when we integrate our unique personalities, professional skill sets, leadership styles and organizational knowledge into one collaborative effort. We are at our best when we recognize that every member brings an essential element to our organization that completes the whole
This spirit of connectedness is blooming across our current strategic work:
A Unified Ecosystem: The National Board (NBoD) deeply values the high-level partnership we share with our Staff Partners, the National Nominating Committee (NNC) and the National Volunteer Team (NVT) Our success is a direct result of this collective expertise
Hybrid Innovation: For the first time, our NBoD Special Committees are operating as true hybrid models By including representation from across the organization including our Active Membership we are ensuring that every decision is rooted in the diverse perspectives of those we serve
Walking Alongside Our Chapters: To our Chapters you are the heart of this garden. Our role is to walk alongside you, providing the resources, training and steady guidance you need to flourish
Most importantly, we are ensuring that this garden thrives for seasons to come When you join NCL, you aren't just joining for six years; you are entering a lifelong community Through our Forever NCL Sustainer program, we are proud to offer engagement that evolves with you From mentorship and leadership opportunities to age-appropriate programming and shared experiences, NCL is a place for connection at every age and stage of life
In this "Living Bouquet" of NCL, there is no such thing as "filler " Every stem has a purpose, every voice has a place and every one of you matters.
Thank you for the unique perspective and dedication you bring to our community I look forward to all we will cultivate together this season
With gratitude,
Abby Ray NCL, Inc. Board President (2025-2027)
In the Spotlight
Our chapters and members have been doing amazing work! Check out some recent accomplishments in the news and on social media!
The Memorial Chapter hosted a multi-chapter event on kindness. Ticktockers from Bayou City, Bayou Villages, Bright Star, Memorial and Post Oak collected friendship bracelets for the Katherine Ferruzzo Legacy Foundation, which will be donated to special education classes in the Houston area. “I’m so proud we pulled it off and hosted over 200 [members] with cupcakes and ®
smiles!” said Joy McCormack, President of the Memorial Chapter.
Each year, the Central Bucks Chapter gathers to make over 1,000 handmade cards for folks who donate to A Love for Life’s pancreatic cancer research team Christine Edmonds, President at A Love for Life, had this to say about our NCL members: “We are so thankful for their dedication and artistic skills - bringing joy to mailboxes across the US.”
Tune In Texas Magazine recently highlighted our organization in their Holiday 2025 issue! Click here to read the full article
For their senior year philanthropy, the Las Vegas Chapter’s Class of 2026 partnered with Project Marilyn to assemble and distribute period kits Reflecting on the group’s hard work, Project Marilyn shared, “The future is in very good hands PERIOD ”
Got a story to share? We’d love to hear it! Fill out the ‘Share Your Story’ form below, and don’t forget to include a photo or a meaningful quote.
NCL, Inc.
Social Media
We’ve reached 13K followers on our NCL, Inc. Instagram account! Thank you for your support!
Make sure to tag @nationalcharityleagueinc to share any chapter or member photos and stories for a chance to be featured on our NCL, Inc. platforms.
A C C O M P L I
National Day of Service Recap
We held our National Day of Service on January 24, 2026 Over 200 chapters participated throughout the country to support the American Red Cross through various activities from thank you cards to Mapswipe, creating comfort kits, serving as blood donor
ambassadors and more. See how our chapters made a difference!
Breaking Records
Nationwide, NCL members contributed to a total of 99,731 swipes, making it by far the most active and productive single day since inception of the group! To put this in context, an average day of swipes by all MapSwipe users globally is around 42,000!*
*Provided by the American Red Cross
444 Kits, 2 Chapters, 1 Mission
Mothers and daughters across Mercer Island, WA assembled 144 coloring and activity kits for kids and 300 hygiene kits for the American Red Cross Armed Forces program These kits will be given to kids of veterans visiting parents receiving medical care and to veterans experiencing homelessness
The Power of Our Collective Impact*
Despite winter weather requiring a pivot to Zoom, our National Day of Service was a tremendous success Patronesses and Ticktockers from Cottonwood, Texas Lantana and Legacy Highland Village came together f the American Red Cross through
Across the three chapters, an estimated 200 members served during four one-hour time slots, MapSwiping to help identify buildings in vulnerable regions. The data collected directly supports humanitarian aid and disaster response efforts following natural disasters around the world.
To keep energy and engagement high, fun movement and connection breaks were built in, including Just Dance and This or That breakout sessions A special thank you to Ticktocker VP Philanthropy for organizing and leading the break activities, and to Emry Lopez and Addison & Katelyn Self for assisting with breakouts and supporting participants.
This collaboration across chapters showcased the impact that’s possible when our community serves together.
*Story Submitted by
Valarie Lewis Kestner, Cottonwood Chapter
Current Leaderboard
Scottsdale
Rio Grande Valley
The Woodlands
You’re on a roll! Keep up the good work, collect points and move up the Leaderboard. The race to the top is on!
Check out the next page for some of the activities our chapters implemented to create a culture of belonging for their new members.
The Winnetka IL Chapter held an identity mapping activity with their new members in the Class of 2031 The girls were able to find commonalities, while getting to know the older girls in the Class of 2028 who led the activity. It was a positive experience for all that promoted a culture of belonging!
“Nothing shines brighter than a good heart!” Handwritten heart cards were delivered by board members to the Keller Chapter’s new members, who were also introduced at each mini meeting!
New Patronesses in the Rio Grande Valley Chapter were invited to an intimate, cultural and informative gathering at the art studio of one of their local artists, Bob Viña.
The South Bay Chapter held four events for new members, including a “Paint & Sip Social”, All-Chapter Ticktocker Day, a new member “Friendsgiving & Philanthropy” social and a Meet & Greet with the chapter board.
The Spark of Shared Purpose: Inside Summit 2025
Summit 2025 was an impactful two days of connection, networking and hands-on training for Presidents and Presidents-Elect from across the country. Between breakout sessions and keynote speakers, a common thread emerged: the drive to lead with both heart and precision.
As the final session wrapped, leaders left with binders full of notes and a renewed sense of clarity.
By investing in the women who lead chapters, NCL ensures that every chapter experience is successful and impactful. Summit 2025 proved once again that when we come together, great things happen!
"Through events like this, NCL continues to build confident well-equipped leaders ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow "
Shaping Leaders of Tomorrow
During Women’s History Month, the Sierra Nevada Chapter connected their members with a panel of professional women, including doctors, entrepreneurs, attorneys and more.
More Chapters. More Impact.
We continue to grow! Since June 2025, several new chapters joined our NCL family, expanding our mission into new communities and bringing even more mothers and daughters together in service
Chapters Activated
Cal Blooms
Downers Grove IL
NJ Bergen Blazers
Northwest Austin Texas
Oklahoma City Scissortails
Tampa FL
University Park TX
Chapters Chartered
Eno River NC
Texas Bluebells
Spring Texas Sunflowers
It’s just a really good experience to know that, A. you’re doing something good for somebody else in need, and B. knowing that it’s not just you, but there’s a whole community there that’s doing good work together
- Prisha Bhattacharjee,
Ticktocker
Thank You for Supporting
In November 2025, NCL proudly launched its first annual giving day, NCL Gives. It was a celebration of generosity, connection and shared purpose across our community. Thanks to the incredible support of our Active Patronesses and Sustainers, we raised nearly $10,000! What an extraordinary testament to our members, who are the heart of NCL.
You Give Because NCL Gives.
NCL Gives is more than just a giving day It reflects a belief in our mission and in the power of the mother-daughter bond Beyond the dollars raised,
what truly inspired us were the heartfelt messages shared by members across the country.
The lifelong connection of NCL transforms lives!
I’m making a contribution in memory of my grandmother, who taught my family the importance of loving and serving others.
My daughter and I are blessed and honored to be a part of NCL. I love the memories we make serving our community together
National Charity League has given us the opportunity to be involved in so many wonderful and worthwhile organizations
Happy to give back to an organization that gave me great opportunities growing up, and to honor my mother's many, many years of service
To the power of women working together to inspire their daughters!
I am so grateful for the years my daughter and I spent together in National Charity League.
Every Girl Has a Bra Story.
Written by Janice Kyser
For many, it begins with a shopping trip that feels far bigger than it sounds. It’s a simple errand that quietly marks a threshold — the moment a girl begins to see herself differently Often her mother stands nearby, part guide and part witness, steadying the swirl of excitement, uncertainty and pride that comes with growing up Years later, what lingers isn’t the garment itself. It’s the feeling of being supported literally and emotionally
That shared memory is what sparked a joyful and unexpected partnership between National Charity League (NCL) and Strawberry Secrets, a Belgian mother-daughter lingerie company Together, they created an NCL-branded bra designed by a team of NCL Ticktockers alongside Strawberry Secrets’ teenage co-founders The collaboration blends philanthropy, entrepreneurship and girl-powered creativity into one confident design.
The cotton bra, in NCL pink and blue, will be available on the organization’s website in April The NCL logo sits discreetly under the arm what the young designers describe as a “quiet tattoo ” It’s subtle, thoughtful and intentionally age-appropriate
In keeping with NCL’s mission of service, the impact extends beyond style. For every bra purchased, one will be donated to a girl who might not otherwise have access to one turning a personal milestone into a shared act of generosity
“It was about creating something that makes girls feel comfortable in their own skin,” says 17-year-old Julia Davis of Greenville, South Carolina, who served on the design team “Puberty can be awkward enough. We didn’t want our bras to add to that ” Davis, an NCL member since age 12, remembers her own first bra shopping experience. “I felt embarrassed and self-conscious,” she says. “Our goal was to design something that felt just right — not too childish, not too grown-up ”
With guidance from Strawberry Secrets and plenty of honest conversation among the girls themselves, she believes they achieved that balance.
The collaboration also offered a behind-the-scenes education in business. From early sketches to production and marketing discussions, the girls were involved in every stage of development gaining insight into what it takes to bring a product to life.
Strawberry Secrets founder Vicky Buelens understands that journey well. She launched the company with her daughters, Alex and Renée, after struggling to find well-fitting bras for them as young teens. What began with a sewing machine at their kitchen table in Antwerp has grown into 27 stores across Europe.
Today, Strawberry Secrets is known for comfort, color and youthful design — striking a sweet balance between playful and polished. The collection is created with direct input from girls ages 12 to 18 and sold in bright, welcoming boutiques designed to put young customers at ease.
“Everything we do is meant to strengthen the mother-daughter relationship and empower girls,” says Buelens, a corporate attorney who now runs the company with her daughters. “That’s the DNA of our brand.”
She calls the partnership with NCL a dream collaboration. “We share the same values confidence,
creativity, philanthropy and giving girls a voice,” she says. “Working with NCL feels like working with family.”
For 14-year-old Vivienne Schaaf of Portland, the experience was both affirming and inspiring. “I felt seen and heard,” she says “Like my ideas mattered. I learned how to blend different perspectives and work as a team to create something real.”
And as both a designer and future customer, she is eager to wear the
finished product. “It’s cute, minimal and girly in a fun way,” she says “But what makes it special is that girls helped create it ”
In the end, this collaboration is about more than a bra It’s about confidence passed from mother to daughter, creativity shared across continents and a new generation of young women learning that their voices — and their ideas — carry weight
And perhaps years from now, when today’s girls remember their own bra story, this one will feel a little brighter, a little lighter and full of possibility
Stay tuned for the launch of this special collaboration bra in April 2026. You won’t want to miss it!
Ticktockers Innovating For Impact
The Linda Martens Ticktocker Inspire Innovation Fund provides annual grants to Chapter Ticktocker Councils to support creative, forward-thinking projects that address community needs, ignite Ticktocker engagement and expand local impact.
Meet This Year’s Grant Winners
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the third annual Linda Martens Inspire Innovation grant program! This year, our Ticktocker selection committee evaluated 19 applications based on their plan of action, community impact, personal motivation, mission alignment and innovation. After a competitive interview process with our top six finalists, three outstanding projects have been selected for funding.
*Video created by members of the Ticktocker Selection Committee.
Pop Up Storytime
Capital of Texas Chapter
In partnership with Any Baby Can, this literacy initiative features the creation of a vibrant new lending library and literary-themed pop-up events. Ticktockers also hand-decorated book totes and assembled craft kits for local families.
The Essentials Initiative
Rio Grande Chapter
Focused on health and empowerment, this initiative increases access to feminine hygiene products and safety resources in public restrooms across McAllen, Edinburg and Mission Through innovative empathy research and collaboration with city officials, the chapter is successfully breaking down "red tape" to serve border communities.
Want to learn more about the grants? Click the button below
Want to support future Ticktocker endeavors?
Beyond the Dress Scottsdale Chapter
This inspiring project ensures every teen can experience the magic of prom, regardless of their circumstances By providing access to free gowns and fostering a sense of belonging, the chapter— along with 10 partner NCL chapters —has secured 2,000 donated dresses to empower young women. V i s i t T h e W e b s i
Congratulations to the winners! You make us all proud of the work you’re doing to create change in your communities.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! After years of dedication, late-night grit and undeniable growth, you stand ready to trade your caps and gowns for the next great adventure
As you close this chapter and step into the world as leaders, innovators and dreamers, the future looks incredibly bright Cheers to a legacy well-earned and a journey just beginning!
S H O P N O W
Go to ShopNCL and check out the Class of 2026 hoodie and NCL Stoles we have just for you!
New Places, Familiar Faces.
Heading to college? See which NCL grads are joining you! Check the senior spotlights on the next page and submit your info here for a chance to be featured.
Sehva
University of Illinois Tulane University
Oklahom State Universi
University of Alabama Birmingham
University of Arizona Sofia
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of San Diego
University of Mississippi
Louisiana State University
Texas Tech University
University of Alabama
Reese
Kate
Madiso
Gianna
Casey
Addie
Siena
Mother-Daughter Duo Redefine "Home" Through NCL Everywhere
When Kirsten and her daughter, Harper, packed their bags for a move from Texas to Colorado, they worried they were leaving more than just their house behind. As dedicated members of the Sunflower Chapter, they feared they might also lose their connection to service, but NCL Everywhere changed that.
Through NCL Everywhere, the pair found a way to continue their NCL experience in their new Colorado community, where no local NCL chapter currently exists
A Language of Compassion
During a recent shift at a food shelter, a casual conversation revealed that Harper knows Spanish The timing couldn't have been better; staff soon asked if she could translate for a family seeking help. For Kirsten, watching her daughter bridge that communication gap was a proud parent moment "It was really touching," Kirsten reflects. "To see Harper use her skills to serve not just the organization, but to connect deeply with an individual family in need."
Why NCL Everywhere Matters
Kirsten and Harper’s story is a testament to the idea that community isn't defined by a zip code, but by the heart you bring to it. Members can maintain their commitment to service regardless of where life takes them
You Belong Here. Forever.
At Forever NCL, we understand the power of community and connection. That’s why our members continue to build connections with one another even after graduation Networks offer Sustainers the opportunity to expand their circles within the organization by uniting members who share similar interests, passions or geographical locations.
Recent Sustainer Network Events
Newport Las Amigas Network
The group connected over a Galentine’s brunch to catch up on family life and plan their upcoming adventures.
Jacksonville Network They hosted their first joint event with the local Jacksonville Chapter What a fun afternoon of Bingo, pizza and laughs with the residents of Hurley Manor / Family Housing Mgmt.
Galveston County Network
One of the newer Forever NCL Networks, Galveston County, hosted a fun cookie exchange party to swap sweets and treats!
Member Updates
Stay connected across the NCL community and let’s celebrate the journeys of members past and present! Check out the milestones and life changes below, including achievements, honors and celebrations!
Ada Dowell | Space City
After completing a CPR course through NCL in partnership with the American Red Cross, Ada found herself using those lifesaving skills while babysitting. She shared that the CPR course “served much more than just a meeting credit it helped me save a life.”
Alexandra Gamble | North Dallas
Alexandra (Lexi) received Dallas Songwriters Association’s Young Songwriter Of The Year! Lexi regularly uses her talent to make an impact, having participated in numerous charitable projects focused on the health and wellbeing of children. Read her story here.
Cameron Philbrick | Southern New Hampshire
Cameron took the initiative to request a statewide proclamation encouraging others to serve. The Governor of New Hampshire officially declared April 11, 2026, as "New Hampshire Service Day," recognizing NCL and the lasting impact it continues to make.
Caroline Perry | Virginia Bluebells
Caroline led a team of 10 to raise more than $8,000 for the American Heart Association and became the 2025 Teen of Impact for the DC Metro Area Region. Way to go, Caroline!
Sarah R. Moore | Boulder County Chapter
As President of the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, she is transforming parent-child dynamics on a global scale Under her leadership, the non-profit recently achieved a major milestone: supporting nearly one million individuals monthly.
Central to this success is the organization’s accredited parent coaching program, which empowers families worldwide to build healthy, connection-based relationships.
Nancy Dean | CEO, National Charity League, Inc. Received the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater AZ Chapter.
*Thank you to everyone who shared a member update with us. If you have a milestone or life change you’d like to share for consideration in the next edition of our digital magazine, use the submission form here
THAN YOU!
Thank you for being an essential part of our organization. Your dedication, compassion and service are what make our impact possible not just in our local communities, but across the nation. As members, we’re united by a shared purpose and strengthened by the collective difference we make every day
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This issue of NCL insider was developed by:
Emily Baba, Digital Media Manager Meghan McGriff, Digital Marketing & Design Coordinator