Autumn 2025 Contents
LAGNIAPPE STAFF
Editor: Tara Waldron
Assistant Editors: Angelique Dyer and Lynn Spearman
Writers: Megan Kurtz, Reyecia Ricks, Bess Meeks, Tara Waldron, LeeAnn Moss, Lynn Spearman, Michelle Clarke Payne
Photographers: Delana Lynn Photography
PUBLISHER
STAFF
Art Director
Ali Sullivan
Production Manager: Rosa Balaguer
JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Michelle Clarke Payne
President-Elect: Shelby Wynne
Secretary: Pheobe Hathorn
Treasurer: Genevieve Moff at
Assistant Treasurer: Margaret Saik
Business Council Director: Alexa Sturtz
Communications Council Director: Lynn Spearman
Community Council Director: Emily Vorhoff
Membership Council Director: Savanna VanAusdale
Planning & Development Council Director: Krystal Hebert
Ways & Means Council Director: Lovie Rodgers
Nominating Committee Chair: Hope Clay
Sustaining Advisor to the Board: Kristin Van Hook Moore
On the Cover:
President 2024-2025 Tara Waldron, President 2025-2026 Michelle Clarke Payne, President-Elect Shelby Wynne
Production Designers: Ashley Pemberton and Czarlyn Ria Trinidad
Chief Executive Officer: Todd Matherne
President's Message
As the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) begins a new chapter, we remain guided by two powerful words : passion and purpose
Passion is the spark that drives our members to serve whether mentoring young women , responding in times of crisis , supporting families , or building coalitions that address community needs It is what inspires us to show up for New Orleans , again and again , ready to roll up our sleeves and make a difference
Purpose unites us We believe deeply that our work has a lasting impact within the League and across the city we love Our programs , partnerships , and advocacy efforts are designed with intention , building a stronger and more inclusive New Orleans for all
JLNO’s history is rooted in the resilience of women who step forward when it matters most That legacy continues today Our recent Women’s Study revealed where critical gaps remain in our community, and we are committed to addressing them We know real change requires commitment , collaboration , and heart and that’s the work we do every day
We invite our neighbors , partners , and friends to join us in this mission Every volunteer hour, every idea , and every voice helps shape the future of New Orleans Together, we can build programs that endure , foster connections that strengthen , and create opportunities that uplift
The Junior League of New Orleans is honored to serve and we are just getting started
Photo by Delana Lynn Photography
Photo by: Delana Lynn Photography
Michelle Clarke Payne JLNO President , 2025-2026
National Diaper Need Awareness Week Brings New Reach
The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) joined organizations nationwide in recognizing National Diaper Need Awareness Week (NDNAW)—a campaign that shines a light on a critical but often overlooked issue: diaper need
One in two U S families struggles to afford diapers , a basic necessity for infant and adult hygiene, health , and dignity To raise awareness and build momentum around NDNAW, the JLNO Diaper Bank hosted a series of volunteer events open to both members and the public between September 15 and September 21. These hands - on “sorts” offered a meaningful way for families , students , civic groups and businesses to give back
This week aligns seamlessly with JLNO’s mission to advance the well - being of women and children in the Greater New Orleans area through service, advocacy and community partnership Since its launch , the JLNO Diaper Bank has distributed more than 10 million diapers , supporting thousands of families across the region
One of the most exciting highlights of the week was the announcement of a brand - new partnership between the JLNO Diaper Bank and Jefferson Parish Library As part of this initiative, JLNO will now provide 150 period supply kits each month at select Jefferson Parish Library branches continuing to expand its reach beyond diapers to address period poverty and adult incontinence needs This milestone underscores JLNO’s deep commitment to promoting dignity and increasing access to essential products for all.
The community support and new partnerships sparked during NDNAW 2025 will fuel JLNO Diaper Bank’s ability to reach more families in the years ahead
Want to help?
The need for diapers in our community is constant and JLNO makes it easy to get involved year-round. Learn more about donation and volunteer opportunities at JLNO Diaper Bank: jlno org/community-projects/DiaperNeed
Passing of the Gavel A President’s Perspective
On May 20, 2025, members of the Junior League of New Orleans gathered at their Carondelet Street headquarters for one of their most treasured traditions Passing of the Gavel This annual event is more than a ceremony; it’s a tribute to the League’s rich history, its lasting impact on the community and the dedicated leadership and volunteers whose time, talent and passion continue to drive JLNO’s mission forward
The evening began with members enjoying chargrilled oysters by selfproclaimed “Oyster Nerd” Lindsay Allday, decadent crêpes from Crêpes à la Cart and curated shopping with Golden Lily and Bella Gifts to Geaux Laughter and conversation filled the air as members shared summer plans and reflected on the year’s successes .
The formal program honored remarkable women making an impact both inside and outside the League Scholarships were awarded to two non - traditional female students and 2025 Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship recipient, Laura Fenner of Château Sew & Sew, was reintroduced to members with an update on her growing business A highlight was the presentation of Sustainer of the Year, Meg Charbonnet, whose leadership and community service continue to inspire
Another highlight: the inaugural Volunteer of the Year award went to Active member Kenya Myles for her exceptional dedication to JLNO and her tireless work promoting and collecting donations for the JLNO Diaper Bank
With 547 volunteer opportunities, over 20,000 service hours, 57 training sessions and outreach to nearly 4,700 people each month, JLNO’s collective 2024-2025 impact was extraordinary
The night concluded with the symbolic passing of the gavel, as past presidents lined the stage to welcome incoming president Michelle Clarke Payne, who shared her vision for another year of meaningful service and community leadership
Passing of the Gavel remains a joyful reminder that JLNO’s legacy is built on dedication, collaboration and the belief that empowered women empower communities
Legacy of Leadership JLNO Marks 20 Years Since Katrina With Reflection and Resolve
When Hurricane Katrina made landfall in 2005, it left devastation in its wake but also sparked an extraordinary movement of service, leadership and resilience from the women of the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO).
In the months after the storm, JLNO members reopened doors, provided essentials to returning families and helped restore homes, parks and public spaces across the region With the support of more than 1,000 volunteers from Junior Leagues nationwide, JLNO mobilized a citywide response grounded in compassion and action That moment of crisis became a turning point igniting what would grow into two decades of continued investment in rebuilding, recovery and advocacy
“JLNO’s story after Katrina is not only about our immediate response it’s about transforming that response into a foundation for lasting change,” said JLNO President Michelle Clarke Payne “Our members led with urgency, but also with vision ”
In the 20 years since Katrina, JLNO has committed more than $3 million to programs that uplift women, children and families From emergency response to long-term community development, JLNO has helped shape a more equitable and resilient New Orleans
Some of its earliest post-Katrina initiatives still thrive today The Get on Board nonprofit governance training, launched in 2008, has equipped hundreds of community members to serve on local boards supporting the growth of new and emerging organizations formed in the wake of the storm
Other initiatives expanded JLNO’s reach into everyday challenges facing New Orleanians, including access to hygiene supplies and childcare In 2014, the League launched the region’s first diaper bank to address the growing need for
diapers and feminine hygiene products among families and aging adults Since then, the JLNO Diaper Bank has distributed more than 10 million diapers across the Greater New Orleans area It now plays a vital role in disaster relief efforts sending supplies to communities in Louisiana, Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico after major storms
The Woman Entrepreneur (WE) Fellowship, Women’s Scholarship Fund, Lemonade Day University, Educare New Orleans and Financial Literacy for Women programs all grew from the League’s commitment to helping women realize their potential and reinvest in their families and communities
In 2024, JLNO partnered with Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute to release the Status of Women in New Orleans Study, the first comprehensive report on gender equity in the city in over a decade The study highlights disparities in maternal health, access to childcare, wage equity and gender-based violence, offering a powerful, data-driven blueprint for future advocacy
And the work continues Today, JLNO contributes more than 20,000 volunteer hours annually and invests more than $1.3 million in training and programming each year While the League continues to grow and evolve, the values that shaped its Katrina response remain central: action, inclusion and women-led community transformation.
“This anniversary is a time to honor our legacy and renew our commitment to the future,” Clarke Payne said “Our Women’s Study revealed where critical gaps remain, and we know our work is far from finished. We will continue to serve our community creating programs, partnerships and policies that drive lasting change for a stronger, more inclusive New Orleans ”
To learn more about JLNO’s impact or get involved, visit www.jlno.org.
Get on Board
Preparing Our Community’s Change-Makers
Serving on a nonprofit board is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference But for many, stepping into that role can feel intimidating where do you start and what does it really take to be effective? That’s where Get on Board comes in
Hosted annually by the Junior League of New Orleans , Get on Board is a comprehensive training program that equips participants with the knowledge , tools and confidence to serve successfully on a nonprofit board Through interactive sessions led by local nonprofit executives , legal experts and seasoned board members , participants learn the essentials of governance , fundraising, strategic planning and building inclusive organizations
The program doesn’t just focus on the “what” of board service, but also the “how ” Participants explore the art of collaboration, the importance of diverse voices in leadership and the role of a board member as both a steward and an ambassador for the mission Along the way, they form connections with classmates and community leaders that often extend far beyond the program itself
To close out the day, Get on Board hosts a nonprofit meet-and-greet mixer, where
attendees connect directly with local organizations seeking new board members
This opportunity helps create a more robust and diverse pipeline of leaders
The one - day workshop will be held Saturday, October 4, from 8 AM – 4 PM at JLNO Headquarters To learn more about the program or to register, visit jlno org/get- on - board
Get on Board ensures that our city’s nonprofits benefit from leaders who are prepared , passionate and ready to make an impact from day one strengthening New Orleans’ nonprofits one board seat at a time
The Future of Women in New Orleans
On Sept 4, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) partnered with a broad coalition of local women’s organizations including Women United, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the New Orleans (LA), Crescent City (LA) and Pontchartrain (LA) Chapters of The Links, Inc.—to host a mayoral forum focused on the issues shaping the lives of women and families in our city
Held at JLNO Headquarters, the event brought together leading mayoral candidates for a moderated conversation on women’s economic opportunity, affordable housing, community safety, healthcare access and more Neighbors, members and civic leaders filled the room, eager to listen and engage directly with those seeking New Orleans’ highest elected office
This collaboration reflects JLNO’s vision of a city where women can realize their full potential, driving transformative community impact It was also part of JLNO’s ongoing efforts to encourage civic participation and strengthen connections between residents and their elected leaders.
The forum built on findings from The Status of Women in New Orleans 2024 commissioned by JLNO and Women United and published by the Newcomb Institute which examines the post-pandemic realities facing women across the
Greater New Orleans region By bringing hard data into civic conversations, JLNO is helping to ensure that women’s lived experiences guide policy priorities at every level of government
As local elections take place this fall, JLNO encourages all residents to stay informed, get involved and make their voices count by voting You can view the recording of this event by visiting jlno org/mayoralforum
Explore! Honk! Play!
TOUCH-A-TRUCK® Returns November 15
Honk! Honk! The beloved Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) TOUCH-A-TRUCK® event, presented by Ochsner Children's, rolls into the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025! This annual fall tradition gives attendees the chance to climb aboard big rigs, fire trucks, ambulances, construction vehicles and more while meeting the people who drive and operate them
Returning Favorites
Back by popular demand, Field Trip Friday will welcome area schools for free, made possible by generous Hard Hat Helpers On Saturday, families can enjoy Early VIP entry for exclusive first access before the general crowd arrives Later that afternoon, from 2–3 PM, our SensoryFriendly Quiet Hour offers a calmer, less stimulating environment designed for families who benefit from a gentler experience
Parents can even turn the day into a construction - themed birthday celebration! JLNO offers two Party Package options that include everything from a private party room with a volunteer clean - up crew and event tickets for 30 party guests to construction - themed decor and personalized photo backdrop with your child’s name
New in 2025
Thanks to support from Cox Communications, this year’s event debuts a STEAM Zone filled with hands- on Science, Technology, Engineering , Arts & Math activities, plus a $2,500 Disney gift card raffle (License L0002203) Powered By Cox® Guests are also encouraged to bring diapers to donate to the JLNO Diaper Bank
Mark your calendar, gather your crew and get ready for a day of exploration, honking and hands- on fun! Full details and tickets at jlno org/touch -a - truck
League Faces
Junior League members and the Crescent City BNI Chapter work a shift together at the JLNO Diaper Bank warehouse to ensure products are ready for the first distribution of the league year
Membership Council Director Savanna VanAusdale (right) and the New Member Committee Chair, Vice - Chairs and Advisors attend JL101 with the New Member Class of 2025-2026.
Molly Movahed , Alice Glenn , and Christine Rigamer attend the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Organizational Leadership Training in Chicago , July 2025.
President Michelle Clarke Payne with the Hispanic Resource Center team and clients , including Dinorah Cartagena (right), following the July 2025 GMM presentation highlighting JLNO Diaper Bank partners
President Michelle Clarke Payne and President- Elect Shelby Wynne present checks from donations received through the JLNO Texas Flood Relief Fund to the Junior League of San Antonio and Junior League of Austin
League members host a birthday party for residents of Covenant House , June 2025.
Calendar Corner
October 4, 2025
JLNO HEADQUARTERS 4319 CARONDELET ST.
November 15, 2025
PONTCHARTRAIN CENTER
October 12, 18 and 19, 2025
JLNO HEADQUARTERS 4319 CARONDELET ST.
December 3 and 4, 2025
4545 WILLIAMS BLVD., KENNER NEW LOCATION!
URSULINE ACADEMY OF NEW ORLEANS 2635 STATE STREET, NEW ORLEANS
March 6, 2026 Run , Walk , Give Crescent City Classic
LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
April 4, 2026
SUPERDOME START FINISH AT CITY PARK