Lagniappe Summer 2022

JLNO Lagniappe Summer 2022 | jlno.org

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Summer 2022

Contents

LAGNIAPPE STAFF Editor and Communications Council Director: Kristin Durand Assistant Editor: Ashley Millet Writers: Michelle Michler

3 Letters from the President and Editor

JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Holly Paczak President Elect: Ashley Llewellyn Secretary: Elizabeth "Lizzie" Vincent Frein Treasurer: Nancy Kirkeby Assistant Treasurer: Trish Thibodeau Business Council Director: Tara Waldron Communications Council Director: Kristin Durand Community Council Director: Kathryn McLeod Membership Council Director: Lindsey Labadie Planning & Development Council Director: Erica Washington Ways & Means Council Director: Amy Flower Nominating Committee Chair: Michelle Clarke Payne Sustaining Advisor to the Board: Jeanne Boughton

4 Meet 2022-2023 President Holly Paczak 5 Meet 2022-2023 President-Elect Llewellyn 6 2022-2023 Board of Directors 16 WE Fellowship Winner: Bomb Ass Fro

PUBLISHER STAFF Art Director: Ali Sullivan Production Manager: Rosa Balaguer Production Designer: Meghan Rooney Chief Executive Officer: Todd Matherne

Women’s Leadership Summit January 2023 Join us for a day of professional and personal development opportunities. This will be an in-person event at the Sheraton New Orleans. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Learn more at https://www.jlno.org/wls/

SAFE SITTER Weekends from late June through August Location: TBD

TOUCH A TRUCK RUN, WALK, GIVE April 2023 Location: TBD

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JLNO Lagniappe Summer 2022 | jlno.org

November 2022 Location: TBD

HOLLY JOLLY MARKET December GMM

Letter from the President Welcome to the 2022-2023 League Year! I am honored to serve as the 99th President of the Junior League of New Orleans. When I joined JLNO, I was hoping to make connections and volunteer in a new city. What I found was an unlimited opportunity to learn, connect, serve, and lead.

Voluntarism and improving our community are at the heart of what we do. Over the past year we have: · Extended over 100 volunteer opportunities to our members · Facilitated over 50 training opportunities to our members and community · Given over 25,000 volunteer hours · Served approximately 120,000 members of our community · Distributed over one million diapers, period supplies, and adult incontinence products into our community JLNO will celebrate its Centennial year in 2024. The investment that is made today will ensure that our mission and work continue to support the Greater New Orleans area and communities beyond. This looks like distributing diapers, period supplies, and adult incontinence products from our Diaper Bank; supporting women owned businesses through our Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship; enabling non-traditional female students looking to begin post-secondary programs or needing the support to help complete the final term of their programs; or supporting women to achieve and maintain economic freedom through our Financial Literacy Program.

Thank you for your support and for believing in the mission and members of JLNO. We are proud to be Women Leading for a Greater New Orleans!

Photo by: Delana Lynn Photography

Holly Adkins Paczak, 2022-2023 President

Letter from the Editor I find myself thinking about anniversaries a lot this time of year. My 20th wedding anniversary is approaching. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed since I stood there in front of my high school sweetheart and we promised to love each other endlessly. There has been so much water under the bridge since then, and some rainy days as well, but we’ve made it this far and have no intention of calling it quits anytime soon. My best friend’s anniversary is two days before mine. My Matron of Honor’s marks her 25th anniversary this June. With so much joy in the air, it makes you reflect on what it takes to sustain a partnership that is welcoming, exciting and intentional. How do you keep them returning day after day? What do you get there that you cannot get anywhere else?

These questions are apropos when asking them about the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) as well. JLNO has been an integral part of the New Orleans community for 99 years, going on 100. Just imagine the kind of teamwork, collaboration, partnership and fortitude it takes to keep an organization relevant for that long. What hurdles did we have to overcome? How did the community change around us? As the day-to-day lives of our members transformed, how did the League accommodate them? When natural disasters impacted the city, what new methods did JLNO adopt to reach those most in need?

Much like in any partnership, we want our members to find within the League an environment that is welcoming, exciting and intentional. A place where diversity, equity and inclusivity is visible both in our members and our outreach programs. An organization where each new volunteer opportunity is as exciting as the last one. A dedicated group of women whose mission of promoting voluntarism and the wellbeing of women in the Greater New Orleans region is intentional. These are the building blocks upon which the last near century have been built.

That foundation has been cemented over time by the actions, commitment, and talents of JLNO members. It has been girded with the love, loyalty, and passion these women have for serving others. These components are the keystone that bears the weight of the passage of time. A bond this strong is something you simply cannot get anywhere else.

So yes. I did just compare the Junior League of New Orleans to a loving marriage, but one cannot deny the similarities. I look forward to the stories we’ll share with you over the coming League year. I’m excited to see how the groundwork we lay this year influences how the League grows in the years ahead. And although I know I walk in the footsteps of giants, I will strive to honor the legacy of those women who came before me. For better or for worse.

Photo by: Delana Lynn Photography

Kristin W. Durand, 2022-2023 Communications Council Director

JLNO Lagniappe Summer 2022 | jlno.org

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Meet Holly Paczak JLNO President What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

I joined the Junior League when I moved to New Orleans. Volunteering and service work had long been a part of who I was, and I wanted a meaningful way to give back to my new community. A friend encouraged me to join the League, and it was a perfect opportunity. From what started as—a way to give back—grew into an experience of learning and connecting. The work that we do is so important. By fostering relationships, offering training opportunities and providing direct service for our volunteers, we are advancing the wellbeing of women and, by extension, helping to elevate the entire community.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

When the community as a whole prospers, we all benefit. The League is a group of civic, community and professional leaders who value collective action to advance the well being of women. Together, there is no limit as to what we can accomplish for our community and beyond. Over its 99 years, the League has contributed to the New Orleans community in so many ways.

Our passion is to find a need and bring together the network of our members to help build a solution.

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What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences? Over my years in the League, I have been extended amazing opportunities for leadership roles. Those opportunities have allowed me to grow as a leader, develop a deeper understanding of the needs of our community, a develop a voice to raise awareness of the issues that impact women and their families.

The relationships, partnerships and learning that have come from my League experience are invaluable and have served me in other volunteer and professional experiences.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

I will serve as our 99th President and I hope to be a connector, bridging JLNO into its centennial year. To reach this milestone is monumental. It has been achieved through the passion and perseverance of our members past and present. The work of the League is ever-changing, and my hope is that we will continue another 100 years focusing on developing the potential of women and improving our community.

JLNO Lagniappe Summer 2022 | jlno.org

Meet Ashley Llewellyn JLNO President-Elect What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do? I joined the Junior League of New Orleans to volunteer with women from around the region who were interested in being actively engaged in the regional community. All aspects of our work in the Junior League tie directly back to our focus area of advancing the wellbeing of women. It is incredible to learn, serve, create and celebrate alongside a diverse group of women who are deeply committed to living out our mission.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community? Our core competencies are demonstrated in how we facilitate our programs, events and partnerships. Our members truly want to serve joyfully and bring their best selves to every JLNO program, event, project and meeting. This provides an opportunity for us to say, “Join us. Serve alongside us.

Let’s work together to find a solution.”

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences? I am in awe of our members: their passion for serving the community, their dedication to JLNO projects and their creativity in creating new initiatives to advance the mission of JLNO. I learn something new at every JLNO engagement, event and meeting. Patience and flexibility, vision and creativity, and awareness of the organization and community are three of JLNO’s core competency areas where I have grown the most during my League experience so far. Those are areas of growth that positively impact my personal, professional and volunteer experiences.

Delana Lynn Photography

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board? As President-Elect, I look forward to learning more about the operational functions of the organization and gaining a deeper understanding of the membership experiences of all of our members, from our sustainers to our newest Provisionals. As we prepare for our Centennial in 2024, I look forward to celebrating our community impact, highlighting our community partnerships, acknowledging the positive contributions our members have made in our region and discerning new opportunities for impactful community engagement.

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Meet Elizabeth Vincent Frein JLNO Secretary What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

I wanted to join the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) because service in my community has always been important to me. I was excited about the possibility of meeting other likeminded women and making an impact in the Greater New Orleans area.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

The Junior League of New Orleans is continually evaluating our projects to assess the impact they are having on the community. We are willing and able to make adjustments as needed to fit the community's needs. This awareness and flexibility directly impacts the Greater New Orleans community.

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences?

As cliché as it sounds, my League experience has taught me to believe in myself, particularly when asked to take on a challenging project. When another League member asked me to co-chair Touch a Truck with her several years ago, I never thought I would be the right person to lead such an enormous community event. My co-chair and I complemented each other so well, our partnership made what felt like a

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daunting experience not only manageable but ultimately fun! Being able to say we raised around $50,000 that could be put back into community projects felt like an amazing accomplishment.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

As an incoming Board member, I hope to be a good steward of our members’ experiences, both in the League and within the community. I have truly enjoyed getting back to in-person meetings, volunteering opportunities, and social events. These long overdue face-to-face engagements foster the sort of connection we have all been missing, and I look forward to rebuilding those relationships.

JLNO Lagniappe Summer 2022 | jlno.org

Meet Nancy Kirkeby JLNO Treasurer What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

I initially joined the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) because I was new to New Orleans. I was looking for places to volunteer locally and hopefully meet like-minded women in the process. I was immediately impressed with how the Junior League managed to be so organized with its resources. So many times when volunteering with partners, I’ve heard about the wonderful reputation of what the Junior League does and that other organizations with who we partner know that they can count on us. “Oh, you’re in the Junior League? Y’all get things done!”

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

Taking on large initiatives like Diaper Bank is something the League is particularly good at, and it has been inspiring to see that move from an idea to a fully-fledged project that helps so many in our community. Emergency response is another way that JLNO shines on a broad scale when called upon. While doing that important work, we’ve also created so many other ways to further our mission of advancing the wellbeing of women, especially in areas of Financial Literacy and the Women’s Entrepreneur Fellowship—two programs I’m particularly proud to have been a small part of during my League experience.

Delana Lynn Photography

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences? My time in the League has helped me to develop confidence which I have brought to other organizations in our community. This especially includes VIA LINK, a critical local organization I connected to through JLNO’s Get On Board program. VIA LINK’s mission is crisis support - connecting people to resources and services and providing vital data and trend information to ensure

policies and programs meet community needs. I am completing two terms on the VIA LINK Board, volunteering with fundraisers for other community organizations, and serving on two consecutive neighborhood association Boards.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

I am of course excited to be able to continue to serve on the Board as this year’s Treasurer. My aims are to ensure our resources continue to be most effectively used to further our mission, update our processes to enhance our efficiency, and keep us on a solid financial foundation for years to come.

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Meet Trish Thibodeau JLNO Assistant Treasuer What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

In 2016, I decided to join the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) on the recommendation of a good friend. Since then, I’ve become an enthusiastic member. JLNO has allowed me to gain wisdom, broaden my horizons, and meet a huge variety of inspiring, fantastic women. Above all, JLNO has reinforced my central belief that raising women up raises us all up.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

Growing up in the absence of financial security, I had to learn to succeed while doing without. Now that I’m in a position to do so, I keenly seek out any avenue to give back to the community that supported me through my early struggles. Not only did I learn to be grateful for the chances I was given, but I also made a point of remembering that not everyone has the good fortune to get those same opportunities. Giving back to others is my way of helping create the sorts of lucky breaks I got, ensuring that there are as many paths to success as possible.

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences? In particular, I am an ardent believer in supporting women.

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As we have not yet attained true equality, I feel there is still a lot of progress that society must make. JLNO has fostered countless connections for me with a diverse group of women, and it’s shown me so many new ways to pursue the goal of becoming a champion for women. Beyond that, befriending such a wide assortment of women has shown me that while we are so different from one another, we’re also similar on a deeper level.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

One of my most humbling experiences was learning that I’d been chosen to become the Assistant Treasurer of JLNO, and I aspire to always be worthy of that honor. Although I first joined to expand beyond my comfort zone, I now hope to become a pillar of the League going forward.

JLNO Lagniappe Summer 2022 | jlno.org

Meet Tara Waldron JLNO Business Council Director What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

I became a provisional member of the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) in June of 2013.

At the time, I had two main goals. First, I wanted to get involved in the New Orleans volunteer community. Second, as a woman originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I wanted to meet more women in the area who shared my interests.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

I believe the most important thing we do at JLNO is training our members and the community to serve and volunteer effectively for organizations in the Greater New Orleans Area and beyond. A welltrained volunteer can use their skills over and over again to help different people, organizations, and communities in a multitude of ways.

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences?

During my membership, I have served on various committees and councils, including Get on Board, Membership Evaluation, and Diaper Bank. Throughout that time, I learned (and continue to learn) valuable lessons about leadership, management, and budgeting. These skills have helped me succeed in my personal life as the owner of an all-women-owned and operated business - Homestead Title. I anticipate using those lessons often in the upcoming year during my term as the Business Council Director for the Junior League of New Orleans.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

My goal for the year is to ensure the Junior League’s assets and businesses prosper and grow, allowing the Junior League to continue to fund its numerous training opportunities and community outreach

Delana Lynn Photography

programs. I am convinced that our ability to provide a full slate of programming throughout the year is vitally important to JLNO’s continued success in helping communities throughout the New Orleans area thrive. It is my opinion that our assets and businesses best support the mission of JLNO when they succeed. By extension, the members of JLNO receive their best volunteer experiences when they are part of a team working together on a program with an excellent reputation and solid financial backing.

My husband Andrew and I live in Uptown New Orleans with our five-year-old son, Patrick. In addition to volunteering with JLNO and owning my own business, I am involved in several organizations including serving on the board of the Crescent City Connections Express Network Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association.

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Meet Kristin Durand JLNO Communications Council Director What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

When I first joined the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) in 2014, I was clear-eyed about why I was joining this organization. I had recently become selfemployed and was working from home. Nowadays, we know this can be an isolating experience, so when my friends approached me about becoming a member of JLNO, I saw an opportunity. Not only would this introduce me to a group of altruistic women who wanted to be of service to their community, but it would also be an ideal way to start networking for my business. Little did I know, only a few months into my provisional year, a chance meeting at a General Membership Meeting would lead to me leaving my at-home job and placing me with the company I have worked for ever since. Some call it kismet. I call it the Junior League effect.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

Volunteering with the Junior League has introduced me to inspirational, motivated, and powerful individuals who have chosen to impact the wellbeing of women in Greater New Orleans in thoughtful ways. From Bloomin’ Deals Thrift Store to the Freret 5k, Youth Empowerment Project to Second Harvest Food Bank, Diaper Bank to Financial Literacy – every volunteer shift or training opportunity was another chance to see just how far JLNO’s reach stretched into the community. I’ll never forget the story of the fourth grader who had never seen a strawberry until Edible Schoolyard New Orleans began showing them how to plant their own. Or the look on families faces when they were given their dream Halloween costume when JLNO partnered with The Freret Neighborhood Center for a Halloween costume drive.

These partnerships help address the needs of women to provide a safe, nourishing, and happy future for both their families and themselves.

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Delana Lynn Photography

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences?

My League experience taught me how to hone my skill as a writer during my time on the Lagniappe committee. My dedication to that placement led me to a leadership role as Assistant Editor and Editor of Lagniappe, exposing me to the exciting and fast-paced world of publishing and graphic design – an experience I would not have had otherwise. My time on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee grounded me to my belief that the League has made great strides towards representation in recent years, and there is a dedicated coterie of women driven to ensure that mission continues to become more robust in the years ahead.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

As we stand at the precipice of our centennial, it is important JLNO communicates our pride in the groundwork that has been laid before us by past generations. It is essential we express our goals for the immediate future. And it is imperative we convey our vision of what JLNO will stand for in the next one hundred years. These are lofty aspirations, but ones I believe that this year’s Board is fully capable of achieving. And I am up to the challenge.

Meet Lindsey Labadie JLNO Membership Council Director What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

I first joined the New York Junior League to meet like-minded women who found volunteering and improving the community just as important as I do.

When I moved back to New Orleans in 2016, I knew I would transfer to the Junior League of New Orleans. It was here that I was able to meet some of my best friends while working to better our community. I grew up in New Orleans. I do not believe there is anywhere else better to live. I would like to be a part of bettering the city for all.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

Helping communities while training volunteers and community leaders has always been the pillar of the Junior League since Mary Harriman started the first chapter in 1901. The Junior League of New Orleans has continued this since 1924 when we officially became an Association of Junior League international chapter.

Nearly 100 years later, we continue this tradition of positively impacting our community, especially during difficult times when we are needed the most.

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences?

I have learned that I have met some remarkable women - women that I look up to and keep in the highest regard. My biggest takeaway is that there is no problem too big

Delana Lynn Photography

that we as a League cannot tackle head on. I have also learned that if I do not have an answer, I have so many brilliant women by my side to help me achieve my goals.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

I hope that as Membership Council Director I can show my passion for the league and instill that passion into others. My passion started in my provisional year and carried over by having a great transitional year. I believe this passion begins with member engagement. Given the struggles we have experienced over the past two years, my hope. as Council Director, is to have fun, engaging, in-person events for our members to come to so we can once again begin to socialize with other ladies.

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Meet Erica Washington JLNO Planning & Development Council Director What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

I originally went through Get on Board in 2012 to strengthen my nonprofit skills. I always admired Junior League for being the standard for nonprofit management and its investment in other nonprofit organizations. I had high school classmates and sorority sisters from back home who were Junior League members. Although I shied away from membership at the time, I still admired members for their contributions to the community and seeing them in leadership posts throughout New Orleans.

Later, I realized two women with whom I intersected through Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine as a volunteer with their alumni board were Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) members. They graciously sponsored my application. Through speaking with them (one, a sustainer whose mother was also a Junior League member and the other an active member), I understood the love they had for the organization and all they reciprocally gained through their involvement.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

The most important aspect of service is the investment and impact we make on the end user through whatever our output may be. It could be a parent/primary caregiver saving money in their weekly budget thanks to diaper bundles, a female business owner who receives WE fellowship dollars, or organizations who are spurred to the next level of success thanks to our grant dollars.

Junior League does a great job of keeping members abreast of the needs of women in the community. Human trafficking awareness and working with several community partners such as Eden House and Truckers Against Trafficking has increased my sensitivity to the needs of these women. Additionally, our past general membership meeting panelists and subject matter experts have done a good job of raising awareness of legislative needs that should holistically address holistic needs of trafficked women.

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What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences? I have learned a lot about nonprofit management during my time in the League. I have utilized the strategic thinking skills I gained during my time on several Planning and Development committees to help manage my growing team at work. This has allowed us to continue to be nimble and meet the needs of the population in the realm of infectious disease epidemiology.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

I want all of our members to have vision buy-in. Instilling great understanding of the road ahead will keep members invested and engaged as we embark upon Centennial and beyond.

Meet Amy Flower JLNO Ways & Means Council Director What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

When I joined the Junior League of New Orleans nine years ago, I was searching for a community in New Orleans. In finding this community, I’ve found an organization that truly aligns with my values. In this time, I’ve seen the League accomplish countless goals towards advancing the wellbeing of women and giving back to the community we live in. I’ve been able to learn from, collaborate with, and find success with a diverse group of women from across the city.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

The League, and the work that we do, is driven by our growing and evolving membership. It’s beautiful to be a part of this self-driven organization that is, every day, thinking about how we can enable women throughout our communities. I feel empowered and excited just thinking about it - women gathering to help solve women’s problems. I’m so glad this is the community where I landed.

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences?

Not only has the League provided me with avenues to give, but it has also given me so much back. I’ve witnessed countless leadership styles in action. One of my most cherished learning opportunities

Delana Lynn Photography

is seeing how different women lead and being able to experiment with my own leadership philosophies in a completely accepting environment. Every year, through my placement, I’m mastering a new skils. Practicing public speaking and developing my organization/planning skill set has been particularly useful in my career.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

I’m thrilled to be the incoming Director of Ways & Means. The work we do in and for the community is so important, and I am humbled and appreciative to be given the responsibility of securing the means to continue this work. As I go into this year being on the Board, I hope I can harness all the great insights I’ve gained over the years. I look forward to deepening our understanding of our “ways” and “means” - ensuring the work we do is as meaningful and impactful as possible. My goal is to launch the League into its 100th year with fundraisers and events that truly connect us to our past century and bring us into the next one.

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Meet Michelle Clarke Payne JLNO Nominating Chair What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

When a powerful and determined group of women come together, anything can be accomplished. This is the reason I wanted to be part of the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO). The Junior League provides me with the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals who are focused on advancing the wellbeing of women in our community.

Through my involvement, I have met some incredible women that I deeply respect and admire greatly.

Over the past 9 years, I have served in various positions in the league including Touch-A-Truck Chair, Public Relations Chair, The ABOLISH Movement Chair, and served on the board previously as Communications Council Director. As Communications Council Director, we launched the tagline, “Women Leading for a Greater New Orleans,” which encapsulates our inspiring members who are change-makers wanting to do good in the community they live in.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

Of the many positions I have had the opportunity to serve in, one that stands out to me is The ABOLISH Movement. As CoChair in its inaugural year, we were able to partner with Truckers Against Trafficking and bring their 18 wheeler to our headquarters where JLNO members, the public, media, and students were able to tour and educate themselves on the impacts of sex trafficking.

We then held many discussions where we heard first hand from survivors at Eden House and Covenant House. Issues like this and others are impacting so many families in our community. I’m proud that the League

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strives to provide training, discussions, and action around these tough issues.

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences?

Junior League continues to provide me with opportunities to volunteer in a way that is impactful and meaningful. It has allowed me to partner with other non-profit organizations, educated me on topics impacting our community, provided me with leadership training, and allowed me to serve alongside amazing women.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

In my role as Nominating Committee Chair, our committee will match organizational needs and individual strengths to produce a leadership team which will most effectively forward the organization’s mission, goals, and strategic plan. My hope is that, as we slate the Board of Directors for its 100th year, we can continue to select leaders who strive to make an impact and advance the wellbeing of women in our community for years to come.

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Meet Kathryn McLeod What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

I was interested in joining the League to meet like-minded women who serve our community.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

I love how the League is constantly looking at how we can better advance the wellbeing of women.

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences?

I think the League has taught me that I am capable of managing many projects and seeing them through it has given me confidence in my day to day life managing a restaurant.

Community Council Director

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

I hope to provide more in person community serving shifts as we get back to a normal world post pandemic and expand our role in the city.

Meet Jeanne Boughton What drew you to join the Junior League of New Orleans, and why are you passionate about the work that we do?

Despite our six year age difference, my sister and I joined the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) the same year. It was a wonderful way to experience all of our JLNO “firsts” together.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of how (and why) we serve the community?

I love that the Junior League can shift the focus of their efforts as the needs of the community and organization change.

Sustaining Advisor

What have you learned during your experience in the League thus far, and how has that helped you with other professional or volunteer experiences?

Learning through action and problem solving is a real life skill that the League teaches time and again through planning, projects and people.

What impact do you hope to make as it relates to your specific role on the board?

I want to help remove obstacles that may stand in the way of our success whenever possible. This will allow JLNO members to make the most of their opportunities this year.

I also hope to learn from the other Board members. The younger generation has so much to teach those with experience, but it also works both ways. Those with experience have a wealth of insight to share with the younger generation.

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WE Fellowship Winner Bomb Ass Fro

By Michelle Michler

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upporting female-owned businesses has been an important aspect of the mission of JLNO for several years. The League realizes how important it is for women who have found success as entrepreneurs to share their insight and resources with other women who are just starting on their entrepreneurial journeys. JLNO brings members of these two groups of women together through its annual Woman Entrepreneur (WE) Fellowship. A call is put out through social media, advertisements in magazines, and through word of mouth for female entrepreneurs to apply for the fellowship. From these applicants, five finalists are chosen to pitch their businesses to a panel of successful female business owners, and based on these pitches, one winner is chosen to receive $5,000 and valuable mentoring and in-kind services sourced through JLNO’s membership.

Excitement was in the air at the 2021-2022 Pitch Competition on April 5th, 2022. The competition was stiff this year, but after hearing pitches from each finalist, the Fellowship was ultimately awarded to Sydni Raymond, Founder and CEO of Bomb Ass Fro. The business creates hair care products specifically formulated for women of color.

Sydni Raymond is a New Orleans native and, according to the Bomb Ass Fro website, is also a “curly hair enthusiast” and a “lover of all things natural hair.” After being unable to find a hair product that could give her consistent results, Sydni decided to develop a product that would give her volume and definition without leaving her coils flakey and dry. Necessity is the mother of invention, and out of Sydni’s need for a consistent wash-and-go hairstyle, Bomb Ass Fro Hair Jelly was born.

Community Council Director Alyse Mouledoux attended the Pitch Competition, and when asked what made Sydni stand out and be chosen as the winner, she said: “Sydni Raymond is a JLNO member, and I’ve been honored to have her serve

on Community Council this year as a vice-chair. Her personality was infectious during her pitch. I also thought the real proof of her products was how beautiful her hair looked, and she uses her own products of course! I also think the name of her business stands out in a great way. It’s not something you’ll easily forget.”

WE Fellowship Chair Taylor Morgan also attended the Pitch Competition. When asked why Bomb Ass Fro was chosen as the winner, Taylor said, “Sydni had a strong pitch and really solved a problem for women of color.”

Sydni now joins a growing line of motivated, selfdriven winners of the JLNO WE Fellowship. The hope is that, with the valuable training and exposure afforded by the fellowship, the winners of today will become the successful female business owners of tomorrow, furthering the Junior League mission to “develop the potential of women” for generations to come. • Photos by Tres Bien Photos and Video

1 6 JLNO Lagniappe Summer 2022 | jlno.org